Melasma vs. sun spots vs. post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — what's the difference?

Melasma is hormone-driven and lives in deeper skin layers — it's the hardest to treat and recurs. Sun spots are sun-driven and surface-level — easiest to lighten. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) follows acne, irritation, or injury and usually fades with consistent topicals. The treatment plan differs for each.

Is IPL safe for darker skin?

Traditional IPL is risky on Fitzpatrick IV–VI. We use IPL selectively — on lighter skin tones and lighter pigmentation. On darker skin, we lead with topicals, mandelic peels, VI Peel Precision Plus, and microneedling instead.

What does treatment cost in Marietta?

Programs are customized. Peels from $90 (light) to $400 (Precision Plus). IPL from $250/area. Microneedling from $300. Full protocol pricing finalized at consult.

Service · Skin · Marietta, GA

Hyperpigmentation treatment in Marietta, GA

Q: How long until I see results?

Sun spots can lighten visibly after a single peel or IPL. Melasma usually takes a 3–6 month protocol and ongoing maintenance. PIH fades over 4–12 weeks with consistent topicals.

Q: What about hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is the gold-standard topical for hyperpigmentation, but it's not safe to use indefinitely. We cycle it (3–4 months on, then a non-hydroquinone bridge) and pair with sunscreen and other tyrosinase inhibitors.

Q: Will my pigmentation come back?

Sun-driven pigmentation can return with sun exposure — daily SPF is non-negotiable. Melasma usually requires ongoing maintenance because of the hormonal driver.

Customized hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark-spot treatment at Majspa Medspa & Aesthetics in Marietta — a multimodal protocol of medical-grade topicals, peels, microneedling, and skin-tone-safe IPL. Safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types. Serving Marietta, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Roswell, and metro Atlanta.

Approach

Multimodal

Skin types

All (I–VI)

Series

3–6 months

Sun protection

Non-negotiable

Maintenance

Ongoing

Book a consult Call (470) 748-9797

Searching for hyperpigmentation treatment near you in Marietta? Many med spas treat all dark spots the same way — IPL or a generic peel. That's how patients end up with worse pigmentation than they started. Real hyperpigmentation treatment requires diagnosing the type (melasma, sun damage, post-inflammatory), considering your skin tone, and combining several tools.

Why Majspa for hyperpigmentation in Marietta

Skin-tone-sensitive protocols. We do not use one-size-fits-all IPL on darker skin tones. ClearLift Laser, mandelic peels, VI Peel Precision Plus, and microneedling lead our protocols for Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
Physician-led diagnosis. Melasma, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation each have different drivers and different treatment plans — we identify which before we treat.
Medical-grade topicals. Prescription-strength hydroquinone (cycled appropriately), tranexamic acid, cysteamine, kojic, azelaic, and tyrosinase inhibitors layered around your in-office series.
Honest sun-protection plan. Without daily broad-spectrum SPF, no hyperpigmentation protocol works long-term — we set you up with the right products.

What we treat

Melasma — hormonal pigmentation deeper in the skin, often patchy on cheeks/forehead/upper lip
Sun spots — sun-driven, surface-level dark spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — marks left behind by acne, irritation, or injury
Uneven skin tone — mottled or dull complexion from cumulative sun exposure
Hyperpigmentation on darker skin — where many clinics make it worse

How the program works

Skin analysis. Type, pattern, drivers, Fitzpatrick scoring, and a baseline photo.
Topical foundation. Medical-grade prescription topicals targeted to your type of pigmentation.
In-office series. Combination of peels, microneedling-with-peptide, ClearLift Laser (Nd:YAG, safe across all skin tones), and (where safe) low-energy IPL.
Sun protection. Daily SPF 30+, a tinted mineral option for melasma, and lifestyle guidance.
Maintenance. Most melasma patients need an ongoing maintenance plan; sun spots may be a one-and-done if SPF is consistent.

Pricing — Marietta, GA

Hyperpigmentation programs are customized. Common components:

Treatment	Approx. price
Light chemical peel	From $90
VI Peel Precision Plus (melasma)	From $400
IPL (selected skin tones)	From $250/area
ClearLift Laser (all skin tones)	From $299/area
Microneedling with peptides	From $300
Medical-grade topical regimen	From $150

Pricing finalized at consult.

Where we serve

Our Marietta studio is convenient to clients across Cobb County and metro Atlanta:

Frequently asked questions

Melasma vs. sun spots vs. PIH?

Melasma = hormonal, deeper, hardest, recurs. Sun spots = sun-driven, surface, easiest. PIH = post-acne/injury marks, fades with consistent topicals. Treatment plans differ.

Is IPL safe for my skin tone?

Traditional IPL is risky on Fitzpatrick IV–VI. We use IPL selectively. On darker skin we lead with ClearLift Laser (Nd:YAG, safe across all skin tones), topicals, mandelic peels, VI Peel Precision Plus, and microneedling.

How long until I see results?

Sun spots can fade after a single peel or IPL. Melasma takes 3–6 months and ongoing maintenance. PIH fades over 4–12 weeks with consistent topicals.

What about hydroquinone?

Gold-standard topical but cycled (3–4 months on, then non-hydroquinone bridge). Paired with SPF and other tyrosinase inhibitors.

Will pigmentation come back?

Sun-driven returns with sun exposure — daily SPF is non-negotiable. Melasma usually requires ongoing maintenance.

What does treatment cost?

Programs are customized. Peels from $90–$400. IPL from $250/area. ClearLift Laser from $299/area. Microneedling from $300. Topicals from $150. Full protocol pricing at consult.

Start your hyperpigmentation program in Marietta

Complimentary skin analysis. We'll identify your pigmentation type and build a safe, effective protocol.

Book Now Call (470) 748-9797