A little clarity before you decide
A careful plan for skin that changes over time
A dark mark after a breakout, a sun spot, and a patch of melasma may look similar in the mirror, but they do not necessarily respond to the same care. At AB House of Aesthetics, the starting point is an assessment with Amardeep Kaur, nurse practitioner and founder, rather than choosing a laser session from a menu.
Our Sacramento practice offers Aerolase Neo Elite treatments. For pigment concerns, we discuss whether laser care makes sense, what should come first, and when a dermatology evaluation is the better next step. People from Elk Grove and nearby communities visit our single office at 7501 Hospital Drive, Suite 205.
Understanding what is causing the color
Hyperpigmentation describes skin that looks darker because of increased pigment. It is a description, not one diagnosis. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can follow acne, an ingrown hair, irritation, or an injury. Repeatedly treating the mark without addressing its trigger can leave you chasing new spots as old ones fade.
Melasma commonly appears as broader, often symmetrical patches on the face. Hormonal influences and light exposure may contribute. It can be persistent and can return after improvement. Sun-related spots are another possibility, but a new or changing lesion should not simply be assumed to be a cosmetic spot.
- Tell us when the color appeared and whether it changes with sun exposure, pregnancy, or medication.
- Bring a list of products and previous procedures, including treatments that irritated or darkened your skin.
- A bleeding, changing, unusually shaped, or otherwise concerning spot needs medical assessment before cosmetic treatment.
For medical background, read American Academy of Dermatology: melasma diagnosis and treatment. Your consultation applies this information to your own health and goals.
Where Aerolase may fit, and where it may not
Aerolase Neo Elite is a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. It delivers light energy that interacts with targets in the skin. That does not mean every brown patch should be treated, or that one device setting is appropriate for every person. Your diagnosis, natural skin tone, recent tanning, and response to previous procedures all influence the decision.
Selected patients may be considered for laser treatment as part of a broader pigment plan. Melasma often needs ongoing light protection and, when appropriate, clinician-directed topical treatment. Laser is not a substitute for those foundations. Some people are better served by postponing a procedure, simplifying skincare, or seeing a dermatologist with experience treating pigment disorders.
Heat and inflammation can worsen pigmentation, including melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We discuss that possibility explicitly before proceeding. A test area may be considered, but a reassuring test response cannot guarantee that a full treatment will behave identically.
Your consultation: the details that matter
We review the location and pattern of discoloration, your goals, previous diagnoses, medications, supplements, and healing history. Let us know about cold sores, scarring tendencies, light sensitivity, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any recent peel, injectable, microneedling, or other laser treatment. These details may change timing or the options discussed.
You do not need to arrive knowing which procedure to request. Useful questions include whether the pigment appears superficial or deeper, whether the cause is still active, and what we would do if the skin became darker rather than lighter. We will also discuss the limits of what an aesthetic consultation can establish and whether further evaluation is needed.
Preparing for a possible laser visit
Avoid intentional tanning and tell us about any recent sun exposure or sunburn. Bring your current skincare routine rather than stopping everything on your own. Retinoids, exfoliating acids, pigment products, and other procedures may need to be coordinated around treatment, with instructions based on your skin and the planned approach.
Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to the prescribing clinician. If a medication could affect light sensitivity or healing, we will discuss it before treatment. Active irritation, an open wound, infection, or an uncertain lesion may mean waiting. Scheduling around a vacation or outdoor event is part of a sensible plan, not an inconvenience to overlook.
During treatment and early recovery
If treatment is appropriate and you choose to proceed, the area is assessed again and protective eyewear is used. The provider explains the planned area and checks your comfort as the laser is applied. Warmth or discomfort is possible. Tell us promptly about unexpected pain rather than trying to tolerate it.
Redness, swelling, tenderness, or temporary changes in the appearance of spots can occur. Burns, blistering, infection, scarring, and lighter or darker pigment are possible complications. Recovery varies with the treatment and your response, so we do not promise a universal return-to-normal timeline. You will receive instructions for your actual visit.
Aftercare that supports a steadier result
Keep the routine gentle while the skin settles. Avoid picking, scrubbing, or trying to speed fading with additional acids or home devices. Use the cleanser and moisturizer recommended for you, and restart active products only when instructed. Contact the practice about increasing pain, blistering, spreading redness, drainage, or unexpected color change.
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, shade, and a wide-brimmed hat help reduce ongoing light exposure. For melasma, ask about a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides because visible light can also contribute. Choose products you can wear consistently and reapply according to their directions, particularly when outdoors, sweating, or swimming.
Measuring improvement without promising perfection
The aim is a more even-looking complexion without trading a darker patch for irritation or new discoloration. Improvement can be gradual and uneven. Existing pigment may not disappear completely, and new spots or recurrent melasma can develop even after a useful response. Maintenance is a discussion about your skin, not an automatic promise of endless procedures.
Before committing to a course of care, ask how progress will be assessed and when the plan would be reconsidered. Comparable photographs, taken with your permission, can help us evaluate changes more fairly than memory alone. Your individual treatment options, likely recovery, and any proposed costs should be clear before you decide.
Your questions, welcomed
Hyperpigmentation & Melasma FAQs
Can laser permanently remove melasma?
No permanent cure is promised. Melasma can improve, persist, or recur. Laser may be considered selectively, but it can also aggravate pigment. Daily protection and a diagnosis-led plan remain important whether or not you have a procedure.
Is this appropriate for darker skin tones?
Skin tone is one part of the assessment, not a guarantee of suitability or an automatic exclusion. A history of post-inflammatory pigment changes matters. We discuss your individual risk, alternative approaches, and whether specialist care is advisable.
Should I treat my acne before the marks?
Often the active trigger needs attention alongside the discoloration. Continuing breakouts, picking, or irritation can create new marks. We distinguish active acne, residual pigment, and true textural scars because they need different conversations.
Can I have treatment while pregnant?
Tell us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. Elective procedures and pigment medications require separate safety considerations, and treatment may be deferred. Do not change hormonal or prescribed medication solely to treat pigmentation without your clinician’s advice.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no responsible fixed number before assessment. The underlying diagnosis, response, tolerance, and daily exposures guide follow-up. If the skin worsens or does not respond as hoped, the appropriate decision may be to change course rather than add sessions.
Where can I discuss my options?
Book a consultation at our Sacramento office. Bring your product list and any previous treatment details. We can talk through Aerolase, relevant skin-renewal options, and whether a dermatology referral should come before aesthetic treatment.
Is a standard aesthetic consultation free?
Yes. All standard aesthetic consultations are completely free ($0), with no reservation deposit, consultation fee, credit card requirement or obligation to purchase treatment. Treatment costs are separate and will be discussed before any treatment is performed.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my consultation?
We kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice as a courtesy. Free consultations have no cancellation or no-show fees. Clients arriving more than 10 minutes late may need to reschedule. Repeated no-shows may result in restricted online scheduling, with future appointments arranged directly through our office. Contact the practice at 916-910-0018 to change your appointment.
Explore related options
Different concerns can need different approaches. These pages explain related choices to discuss, not treatments you automatically need.
Prepare for your first visit or meet nurse practitioner and founder Amardeep Kaur.
Visit our Sacramento practice
Find AB House of Aesthetics at 7501 Hospital Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95823. This is our only office. We welcome patients from Elk Grove and nearby communities at this Sacramento location.
Bring your questions, your relevant medical history, and the changes you hope to see. We will discuss suitability, alternatives, risks, recovery, and the cost of your individual plan before treatment. You can take time to decide.
Contact the practice or call 916-910-0018. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms after treatment, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
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