Pigmentation & Melasma Treatment Richmond, BC
Restore clarity. Break the cycle of pigment.
Pigmentation is excess or unevenly distributed melanin, triggered by UV exposure, hormones, inflammation and sometimes blood-vessel changes in the skin. At RAAC in Richmond, BC, a physician-guided plan may combine PicoWay picosecond laser for surface pigment with Sylfirm X RF microneedling for stubborn melasma, plus strict sun protection. Melasma is chronic and can return, so expect several sessions.
- Pico
- Picosecond laser option
- 1-3 Days
- Typical mild redness
- Dual
- Vascular + Pigment protocol
- Pico
- Picosecond laser option
- 1-3 Days
- Typical mild redness
- Dual
- Vascular + Pigment protocol
What Type Is It?
Correct diagnosis is critical. Treating Melasma like a standard Sun Spot can lead to rebound. Which type matches your skin?
Unsure? Dr. Jiang uses VISIA skin analysis to reveal exactly what lies beneath the surface.
Why Does Pigmentation Happen?
Pigmentation isn't just one thing; it ranges from simple sun damage to complex hormonal conditions like Melasma.
UV & Heat Activation
Sun exposure and heat trigger melanocytes to produce pigment as a defense mechanism. This causes sun spots and can worsen melasma.
Hormonal Triggers
Pregnancy, birth control, and hormonal therapy can trigger Melasma. This is often deeper and more recalcitrant than sun spots.
Vascular Feeding
Abnormal blood vessels can 'feed' pigmentation, especially melasma, making it return even after successful laser treatments.
Basement Membrane Damage
A leaky skin foundation allows pigment to sink into the deeper dermis, where it becomes much harder to treat.
How Is Pigmentation Treated at RAAC?
Treatment depends on the type of pigment: fragment what is already there, calm the triggers underneath, and protect against recurrence.
RAAC pigment plan: Sylfirm X works on vessels and the skin barrier, PicoWay fragments pigment, then medical skincare and sunscreen help limit rebound.
1Advanced Technology Combination
PicoWay (Pigment Fragmentation)
Pressure, Not Heat
Ultra-short picosecond pulses break pigment into fine particles with photoacoustic pressure, using less heat than traditional lasers, which may lower PIH risk in Asian skin.
Sylfirm X (Foundation Repair)
Treat the Roots
Pulsed-wave RF microneedling aims at abnormal vessels associated with pigment and at the skin barrier beneath it.
2Essential Medical Skincare
How We Approach Pigmentation
VISIA Diagnostic Mapping
We use clinical imaging (VISIA) to map UV damage and visible vascular patterns before treating.
Pressure, Not Heat
PicoWay relies on a pressure effect rather than heat, which may reduce the inflammation that can lead to rebound pigment.
Physician-Guided Protocols
Dr. Jiang oversees the protocol, with settings calibrated to your skin type and pigment depth.
Long-Term Control Focus
We don't just clear the spot; we educate you on triggers and maintenance to help results last.
Common Questions
Ready for a Clearer Canvas?
Book your VISIA Pigment Analysis and clinical assessment with Dr. Jiang.
Related articles
- Can Pico Laser Make Pigmentation Worse? PIH, Sessions and Aftercare
Any laser can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and PicoWay is generally considered lower risk, though not without risk. Here is how to tell normal darkening from PIH, how many sessions it takes, and aftercare.
- PicoSure vs Traditional Lasers: How Picosecond Treatment Differs
How PicoSure compares with traditional nanosecond lasers: mechanism, which skin types suit it, downtime and how long improvement lasts, with a side-by-side table.
- Sylfirm X vs Microneedling: Mechanism, Evidence and Who Benefits
A physician-authored deep dive into how Sylfirm X RF microneedling works, what the clinical evidence shows, and who makes an ideal candidate for treatment.
- Sylfirm X RF Microneedling for Melasma, Rosacea and Acne Scars
Sylfirm X has two RF modes: pulsed wave for melasma and redness, continuous wave for scars and pores. How each works on the face, what treatment feels like and how many sessions are usual.
