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Sun Damage & Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Richmond Hill

Dermatologist examining a mole on a patient's back with a magnifying glass
Overview

Understanding Sun Damage / Hyperpigmentation

Looking for hyperpigmentation treatment in Richmond Hill? Fade sun spots and even out your skin tone with IPL, laser and chemical peels, plus a plan to protect results.

Sun damage shows up as brown spots, freckles, rough texture and uneven tone. Hyperpigmentation can also follow acne, injury or hormonal changes.

We first check what kind of pigment you have, since some types, such as melasma, can worsen with heat-based treatments. Then we match the treatment to the cause and your skin tone.

Pigmentation care draws on several cosmetic treatments: IPL for sun spots, CO2 laser for deeper sun damage and Laser Genesis for gentle tone refinement. Any new or changing spot is checked first through our medical dermatology service. Dark marks after acne are also covered under acne scar treatment, and pigmented birthmarks under birthmark treatment. Unwanted ink is treated with PicoSure Pro tattoo removal.

Approach: IPL, laser and peels
Downtime: None to a week
Sessions: Usually a series
Results: Clearer over weeks

Types Of Pigmentation We Treat

Sun Spots And Age Spots

Brown spots from years of sun.

Freckling And Uneven Tone

Blotchy colour on face, neck, chest and hands.

Post-Inflammatory Marks

Dark marks after acne or injury.

Rough, Sun-Damaged Texture

Dull, uneven skin surface.

Dermatologist examining a patient's facial skin under a magnifying lamp
The Treatment

How We Treat Sun Damage / Hyperpigmentation

Most plans combine options, and your consultation decides which suit your skin.

01

IPL

Fades sun spots and uneven tone with little downtime.

02

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Resurfaces sun-damaged skin for tone and texture.

03

Laser Genesis

Gentle option to refine tone and texture.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose York Dermatology For Sun Damage & Pigmentation

Every pigmentation plan starts with a dermatology check of the spots being treated. Meet our team →

Spots Checked First

Dermatologists examine pigment before any cosmetic treatment.

Melasma-Aware Plans

We avoid treatments that can worsen melasma.

Skin-Tone-Safe Choices

Treatments matched to your skin tone.

Protection Plan

Sun protection and skincare to keep results.

What To Expect From Sun Damage & Pigmentation

Who it suits, how to prepare, what happens on the day and how results develop.

A good fit if:

  • You have sun spots, freckling or uneven tone
  • You are ready to use daily sunscreen
  • You want a plan tailored to your skin tone

Talk to us first if:

  • You have a tan or recent sun exposure
  • You have melasma (needs a specific, gentler plan)
  • You have a spot that has changed recently (we assess it medically first)
  • We examine your pigment and check any spot that looks unusual before treatment.
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners for 4 weeks before treatment, including spray tans, tanning lotions and tanning beds.
  • Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30 or higher every day.
  • Avoid skin irritants such as tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic or salicylic acids and vitamin C for 5 days before treatment, and stop hydroquinone 7 days before.
  • Avoid chemical peels for 2 weeks before treatment, and stop Accutane/Epuris 6 months before.
  • Tell us if you have a history of cold sores; an anti-viral medication may be prescribed.
  • Arrive with the area clean and free of makeup and lotions.

Treatment depends on the plan: light pulses, laser passes or a peel. We explain what to expect for your treatment before we start.

  • Treated spots darken (brown to black) within 24–48 hours, then flake off over about 1 week on the face and 2–3 weeks on the body. Do not pick at them.
  • Redness, mild swelling and a ‘bug bite’ look are common and settle within a few days.
  • Treated skin is sensitive to the sun: avoid sun exposure and tanning, and use SPF 30 or higher every day.
  • Avoid heat for 24–48 hours, including hot tubs, saunas, hot baths or showers and strenuous exercise.
  • Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid skin irritants for 5 days.
  • If your plan includes CO2 laser or a peel, you receive specific aftercare for that treatment.
  • Consultation: pigment examined; plan set.
  • Days 1–14: spots darken and flake (IPL).
  • Weeks 4–8: further sessions.
  • Ongoing: daily sunscreen; yearly maintenance.

Most patients see clearer, more even skin after a series. Pigment can return with sun exposure, so sun protection and yearly maintenance help keep results.

  • Redness and temporary darkening of spots
  • Peeling after laser or peels
  • Rare: new pigment change, mainly on tanned or darker skin

We go through the risks for your skin type at your consultation.

How Much Does Pigmentation Treatment Cost In Richmond Hill?

The cost of sun damage treatment depends on the cause of the pigment, the treatment chosen and the number of sessions. IPL and peels are usually done as a series, while CO2 may be one or two sessions. We confirm a written plan and quote at consultation.

What affects the price:

  • Type of pigment
  • Treatment chosen
  • Number of sessions
  • Area treated

Cosmetic treatments are not covered by OHIP. Pricing is discussed at your consultation and is not given over the phone; you receive a written plan and quote before any treatment is booked.

Pigmentation Treatment Options

Typical ranges; your plan sets yours.

FeatureIPLCO2 laserLaser Genesis
Best forSun spots, frecklesDeep sun damage, textureMild tone and texture
DowntimeLittleAbout 5–7 daysNone
Sessions3–51–24–6
MelasmaUsually avoidedUsually avoidedCase by case

Sun Damage & Pigmentation Near Richmond Hill

Patients come to York Dermatology for sun damage & pigmentation treatment from Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Aurora, Newmarket and across York Region. Our clinic at 245 West Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 2, Richmond Hill, is a short drive from Highway 404 and Highway 7. Contact us or book online to arrange your consultation.

Pairs Well With

Related Treatments

Cosmetic
Laser & Light

IPL

Broad-spectrum light that evens out sun spots, redness and uneven tone with little downtime.

Cosmetic
Laser & Light

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Our most powerful resurfacing treatment for acne scars, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.

Cosmetic
Laser & Light

Laser Genesis

Gentle, no-downtime laser treatments for smoother texture, fewer fine lines and calmer redness.

FAQ

Sun Damage & Pigmentation FAQs

Still have a question? Call us at (905) 883-7997, Monday to Friday, or see all cosmetic treatments.

IPL is often first choice for sun spots on lighter skin. We also use fractional laser and peels depending on your skin.

Melasma can worsen with heat-based treatments such as IPL and CO2 laser, so these are usually avoided. Melasma needs a specific, gentler plan, which we set at your consultation.

Treated spots usually fade, but new pigment can form with sun exposure. Daily sunscreen and yearly maintenance help keep results.

Darker skin has a higher risk of pigment change with some light and laser treatments. We match the treatment and settings to your skin tone, and suitability is assessed at your consultation.

Yes. Any new or changing spot is examined by our dermatology team before cosmetic treatment, and assessed medically first if needed.

The cost depends on the type of pigment, the treatment chosen, the area and the number of sessions. We confirm pricing at your consultation and give you a written plan and quote before treatment. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by OHIP.

Sun spots are distinct brown spots caused by years of sun exposure. Melasma usually appears as larger, blotchy patches, often linked to hormones as well as sun, and it needs a gentler approach.

Treatment can fade pigment significantly, but new pigment can form with sun exposure, hormones or inflammation. Sun protection and maintenance help keep results over time.

Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day, and reapply when outdoors. We can recommend products suited to your skin at your visit.

Yes. Dark marks left after acne can often be faded with the treatments on this page. If you also have acne scarring, see our acne scar treatment options.

Book Your Sun Damage & Pigmentation Consultation In Richmond Hill

We’ll assess your skin and give you a written plan and quote. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by OHIP.

Doctor examining a patient's face during a dermatology skin assessment
Location

Visit Our Richmond Hill Clinic

York Dermatology Clinic & RC
245 West Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 2
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1L1

Phone: (905) 883-7997
Fax: (905) 883-7994

Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed