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.
- 2–6
- Typical PicoWay sessions, about 4–6 weeks apart
- Same Day
- Most people resume normal activities; redness usually settles within hours to a few days
- Daily SPF
- Melasma can return, so sun protection continues after treatment
- 2–6
- Typical PicoWay sessions, about 4–6 weeks apart
- Same Day
- Most people resume normal activities; redness usually settles within hours to a few days
- Daily SPF
- Melasma can return, so sun protection continues after treatment
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? VISIA skin analysis can help show pigment and redness below the surface before Dr. Jiang plans your treatment.
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.
1Picosecond Laser and RF Microneedling
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. The Richmond clinic is about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line, a direct train ride from Vancouver.
Related articles
- PIH After Pico Laser: Can It Make Pigmentation Worse?
PIH after pico laser is possible with any laser, though PicoWay is generally considered lower risk. Here is how to tell normal darkening from PIH, how many sessions it takes, and aftercare.
- PicoSure vs PicoWay: How the Two Picosecond Lasers Differ
PicoSure and PicoWay are both picosecond lasers, made by different manufacturers. How they differ in wavelengths and handpieces, what they are used for, and how a physician chooses settings for your skin type. RAAC uses PicoWay.
- Sylfirm X RF Microneedling vs Regular Microneedling: CW vs PW, Depth and Who Benefits
How deep does Sylfirm X go, and what does the RF actually change? A physician-authored look at CW vs PW modes, collagen building, and who benefits for melasma, redness and indented acne scars.
- Sylfirm X for Stretch Marks, Body Acne Scars and Loose Skin in Richmond, BC
Sylfirm X RF microneedling is also used on the body: stretch marks, body acne scars and loose skin on the abdomen, thighs and arms. How treatment works, downtime and how many sessions are usual.
