Pigmentary lesions, Katowice

Pigmentation and dark spots

Pigmentation refers to areas of skin with a darker tone. It develops when melanin, the pigment produced by melanocytes in the deepest layer of the epidermis, is synthesised unevenly.

This page describes the types of pigmentary lesions, the factors affecting how they form, and when a lesion requires a medical assessment. It does not provide a diagnosis.

Pigmentation is not removed once and for all: without sun protection it returns, and the choice of method depends on how deep the pigment lies. That is why it starts with an assessment, not a treatment.

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Types of pigmented lesions What affects how they form When a lesion requires a medical assessment Prevention Groups of methods that may be considered Eligibility and limitations

Types of pigmented lesions

This distinction has practical significance, because the choice of approach and the expected course depend on the type of lesion.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation

They develop after skin damage, for example after a burn or after acne. In the area of regeneration, the skin produces excess melanin.

Melasma, also known as chloasma

Lesions ranging in colour from light brown to dark brown, located most often on the cheeks, forehead and temples. They occur mainly in women around pregnancy, which points to a link with hormonal changes.

Freckles

Small, dark spots in areas of genetically determined increased melanocyte activity. Their intensity changes with sun exposure.

Sun spots

Larger than freckles, on exposed areas: the face, décolletage and the backs of the hands. The result of years of sun exposure and changes in melanocyte activity with age. The name liver spots is misleading, because these lesions have no connection with liver disease.

Dyschromia

A pigmentation disorder linked to photoageing, with an uneven distribution of pigment in the skin.

Naevus of Ota

A pigmentary lesion of variable shape, usually within the face, congenital or acquired. It requires a medical assessment before any course of action.

What affects how they form

Lesions vary in size, shape and location. Their formation is influenced by skin damage and by environmental factors, above all UV radiation, as well as chemical substances.

Pigmentation can result from hormonal changes: it appears during pregnancy, with the use of hormonal contraception, hormone replacement therapy, and during menopause. Some lesions remain after previous inflammatory conditions and skin diseases.

Pigmentary lesions can also be a symptom of general health conditions, including metabolic disorders, liver disease and hormonal disorders. This is one of the reasons why an assessment comes before any aesthetic treatment.

When a lesion requires a medical assessment

A medical assessment is necessary when a pigmentary lesion grows, changes shape, colour or edges, itches, bleeds, or has appeared suddenly in adulthood. This also applies to single lesions that are clearly different from the others.

No lightening procedure is carried out on a lesion whose nature has not been established. Before any aesthetic treatment, it is necessary to rule out a lesion requiring dermatological or oncological diagnostics.

We support the assessment of lesions with digital dermatoscopy, which allows a lesion to be viewed magnified and its appearance documented. This supports decision making, it is not a diagnosis. In difficult cases, we refer to cooperating dermatologists, rather than carrying out aesthetic treatment on our own.

Prevention

The basis is limiting sun exposure and daily use of a product with a high UV filter, also after the treatment course has ended. Without photoprotection, lesions recur, and new ones continue to form.

The effect of sun protection on the recurrence of pigmentation was shown in a randomised study on melasma: Boukari F., Passeron T. et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2015, doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.08.023. One of the authors was an employee of the sunscreen manufacturer.

The condition of the skin and skincare suited to it also matter, and for lesions with a hormonal background, identifying and managing the cause together with a doctor.

Groups of methods that may be considered

Pigmentation usually does not require treatment for medical reasons, and any course of action is carried out for aesthetic indications. Below are only the directions, without a description of how the procedures proceed. Details, preparation, reactions after the treatment and prices can be found on the treatment pages.

Photoprotection and skincare The basis, independent of any decision about a procedure. Without it, lesions recur, and new ones continue to form. Acid peels A direction for superficial lesions and evening out skin tone, carried out in a series. Laser and light therapies A direction chosen according to the depth of pigment deposition and skin phototype. It includes pigment lasers and broadband light. Support for skin condition Mesotherapy and related methods concerning skin quality, used as a supplement to the course of action.

Eligibility and limitations

The choice of method depends on the type of lesion, the depth of pigment deposition, skin phototype, medications being taken, and current sun exposure. A fresh tan, active inflammation and products that increase sensitivity to light are grounds for postponing the procedure.

Melasma tends to recur, especially when the hormonal factor persists and without consistent photoprotection. We do not give the number of sessions or the degree of lightening before qualification, and in some people the improvement can be limited.

Possible reactions after the procedures include redness, flaking, temporary darkening of the lesion and, less often, post-treatment pigmentation. We discuss the scope for a specific method, before it is carried out, together with aftercare recommendations.

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NL Clinic, Katowice

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Last updated

15 August 2026

This material is informational in nature and does not replace a consultation or qualification.

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During the visit, we assess the nature of the lesion and discuss possible directions for action and limitations. A consultation is not a commitment to have a treatment.

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Photoageing Acne Removal of skin lesions Laser therapy price list

Further on the site

Treatments for pigmentation

A description of the procedure, preparation, possible reactions and prices can be found on the pages of the individual methods.

Laser pigmentation reduction Pigment lasers and the thulium laser. See how the treatment goes

Chemical peels Mandelic acid, azelaic acid, salicylic acid. Learn about the types of peels

Needle mesotherapy The condition and hydration of the skin. See how the treatment goes

Skin lesion removal Assessment and management of pigmented lesions. Go to the procedure

Where we assess pigmented lesions

We see patients in Katowice at ul. Obroki 68, on Osiedle Witosa, some fifteen minutes from the city centre. There is a private car park for patients by the building.

With pigmentation, the route to treatment usually runs through several separate appointments. First we establish the nature of the lesion, because we do not carry out any lightening procedure on a lesion whose nature has not been established. The appointment itself is sometimes moved: a fresh tan, an active inflammatory state and preparations that increase sensitivity to light are grounds for postponement. Later come return visits to the practice, because melasma tends to recur. With a short journey, further appointments are easier to fit into your week, and moving the date does not mean losing a whole day.

The building stands close to the junctions of the A4 motorway and the Drogowa Trasa Średnicowa, so patients travel to us from Chorzów, Ruda Śląska, Świętochłowice, Gliwice, Siemianowice Śląskie, Mysłowice, Mikołów, Sosnowiec and Dąbrowa Górnicza. The address, booking hours and a map of how to get here are on the Contact page.