Soma Laser & Skincare Clinic · Pretoria

Melasma Treatment

Harmony XL PRO · Pigmentation clearing · All skin types & tones

30 Minute
Session
3-4 Recommended
Sessions
0 Downtime
Required
All Skin
Types
Target · Clear · Renew

Melasma Treatment Results

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark, wide patches of facial discoloration. It occurs when melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, collects unevenly in one area. Unlike ordinary sun spots or freckles, Melasma produces larger, more persistent patches that are notoriously difficult to treat with conventional methods because many laser technologies use heat, which can actively stimulate melanin production and worsen the condition.

At Soma Laser and Skincare Clinic in Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, Melasma is treated using the Harmony XL PRO system with the Dye-VL handpiece and ClearLift laser. These technologies use a narrow band spectrum of light and acoustic soundwaves rather than heat, which means they safely target and clear pigmentation without triggering further melanin activity. The result is a progressively clearer, more even skin tone, suitable for all skin types and tones including darker complexions.

Melasma Treatment

Key Treatment Details

Everything you need to know about Melasma treatment at Soma Laser and Skincare Clinic in Pretoria East.

01
01  Overview
Melasma
What is Melasma?
A skin condition causing dark, wide patches of facial discoloration from uneven melanin distribution. Worsened by heat, hormones, sun exposure, and age.
02
02  Technology
Harmony
Treatment System
Treated using the Alma Harmony XL PRO with the Dye-VL handpiece and ClearLift laser. Narrow band light and acoustic energy target pigment without heat.
03
03  Procedure
30min
Session Duration
Quick in-clinic session with no pain, no numbing, and no downtime. Return to your day immediately. No waiting for winter months to book.
04
04  Sessions
3-4
Recommended Course
Optimal results achieved over 3 to 4 sessions spaced approximately one month apart. Dark spots lighten progressively and may vanish altogether.
05
05  Areas
Face
Treatment Areas
Treats the face, neck, and body. The narrow band handpiece gives your therapist precise control over every treatment area and depth.
06
06  Concerns
All
What It Treats
Melasma, sun spots, freckles, age spots, uneven skin tone, photo-damage, hyperpigmentation, and pigmented lesions on face, neck, and body.
07
07  Suitability
All
All Skin Types & Tones
Safe for all skin types and tones including darker complexions. The narrow band eliminates wavelengths with adverse effects, making it safe year-round.
08
08  Aftercare
SPF 50+
Post-Treatment Care
Apply SPF 50+ daily. Avoid direct sun exposure after treatment. Dark spots will darken initially for up to 7 days before lightening significantly.
Melasma Treatment

How It Works

A step-by-step breakdown of what happens during and after your Melasma treatment at Soma Laser and Skincare Clinic.

01
Why Conventional Treatments Fail Melasma

Melasma is notoriously difficult to treat because most laser technologies use heat, which stimulates melanin production rather than clearing it. The Harmony XL PRO system at Soma Laser and Skincare Clinic takes a different approach. The Dye-VL handpiece uses a narrow band spectrum of light energy to target melanin collection spots precisely, while the ClearLift laser uses acoustic soundwaves rather than heat. Both technologies leave the top layer of skin completely intact and carry no adverse effects for any skin type or tone, making them safe for year-round treatment including during summer.

02
The Procedure

Each session takes approximately 30 minutes. No numbing cream or anaesthetic is required. Your therapist selects the appropriate handpiece for your specific pigmentation concerns and has full control over the treatment depth and outcome.

Prep Skin is thoroughly cleansed. Your therapist assesses the areas of pigmentation and selects the correct handpiece and settings for your skin type and concern.
Treat The handpiece is applied to the treatment areas. As melanin absorbs the light energy, pigmentation is targeted at the source. The top layer of skin remains completely intact throughout.
Complete SPF is applied and you leave the clinic immediately after with no redness, no peeling, and no downtime. You can return to work and your daily routine straight away.
03
The Results

Results are progressive. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation will darken initially for up to 7 days as the treated melanin rises to the skin surface. After this, spots will begin to lighten noticeably and may vanish altogether. The laser also boosts the skin's natural healing process and stimulates collagen production for improved skin texture and tone. Most clients complete a course of 3 to 4 sessions spaced approximately one month apart. The treatment is available year-round with no waiting for cooler months.

04
Key Facts
What It Treats
Melasma, sun spots, freckles, age spots, photo-damage, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone on the face, neck, and body.
Who It Suits
All skin types and tones including darker complexions. Safe for sensitive areas. Available year-round. Not recommended during pregnancy.
Aftercare
Apply SPF 50+ daily. Avoid direct sun after treatment. Spots darken for up to 7 days before clearing. Avoid harsh actives immediately after your session.
05
Frequently Asked Questions

This is a completely normal part of the process. When the light energy targets the melanin, the treated pigment rises to the surface before it is shed by the skin. Spots will darken for up to 7 days and then begin to lighten significantly. This is a sign the treatment is working correctly.

Yes. The Harmony XL PRO narrow band technology eliminates the wavelengths that have adverse effects on skin. It is safe for all skin types and tones including darker complexions, which many conventional pigmentation lasers cannot treat safely.

Yes. Unlike many photo-rejuvenation treatments that require patients to avoid sun and wait for pale winter months, the Harmony XL PRO system can be used year-round. Daily SPF 50+ use is still essential to protect treated skin and prevent recurrence.

Most clients achieve optimal results over 3 to 4 sessions spaced approximately one month apart. The number of sessions depends on the severity and type of pigmentation. Your therapist will assess your skin and recommend a personalised treatment plan at your consultation.

No. The treatment requires no numbing cream or anaesthetic. Most clients experience little to no discomfort during the session. There is no downtime after treatment and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately.

Combination Treatments

Combine with ClearLift for Enhanced Results

The Harmony XL PRO platform supports multiple technology combinations. Combining the Dye-VL pigmentation treatment with ClearLift addresses pigmentation and skin laxity simultaneously for more comprehensive skin renewal. Your therapist at Soma Laser and Skincare Clinic will build a tailored treatment plan for your specific concerns.

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