Melasma Treatment Singapore – Assessment-Led Approach

Why Is Melasma Difficult to Treat?

Pigmentation isn’t one thing. Melanin Reset isn’t one treatment.

Medically led by Dr Elias Tam, Medical Director, EHA Clinic | Last updated: 12 Jun 2026

Melanin Reset is a clinical pigmentation program at EHA Clinic. Instead of a single fixed treatment, our doctor assesses the type, depth and cause of your pigmentation, then combines the modalities that match it. The assessment decides the combination, because different pigmentation responds to different tools.

Who is Melanin Reset for?

Melanin Reset is designed for people with facial pigmentation who want a plan matched to their skin, rather than a one-size treatment.
It is suitable for concerns including:

MELASMA

The stubborn brown or grey-brown patches that affect all skin tones.

Post-acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)

SUN SPOTS AND FRECKLES

UNEVEN SKIN TONE AND DULLNESS

DARK CIRCLES

Suitability and the right combination are confirmed at a clinical assessment with our doctor.

Why does pigmentation need a program, not a single treatment?

Pigmentation is not one condition. It comes from two different causes, and each responds to different tools. Treating every patient with the same device is what leads to disappointing or uneven results.

Melanin-driven
(melasma, post-acne marks, sun spots, freckles)

Responds to a pigmentation correction injectable, pigment lasers and topical support.

Vascular
(visible blood vessels under thin skin, such as some dark circles)

Responds to vascular laser or radiofrequency.

Why is more treatment
not always better?

With pigmentation like melasma, aggressive single-session treatment can backfire. Over-treating the skin, especially with strong lasers, can trigger a protective response called rebound, where the skin produces even more pigment than before. Melanin Reset is deliberately gradual and layered to avoid triggering the rebound response, where over-treatment causes the skin to produce even more pigment.

What does Melanin Reset include?

Your plan uses one to three of the following, matched to your assessment. They are not applied to everyone.

Pigmentation correction injectable

An injectable modality containing succinic acid. Dr Elias describes it as functioning as an antioxidant that converts eumelanin (the darker form of melanin) to pheomelanin (the lighter form) through a biochemical reduction, and as reducing the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in producing pigment.

Pigment lasers

Several pigment-targeted lasers may be used, matched to the type and depth of pigment. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064nm and 532nm) is a mainstay for both superficial and deeper pigment, and is used at low energy for melasma. Picosecond lasers can help with sun spots, freckles and dermal pigment, and are used cautiously in melasma. Intense pulsed light (IPL) targets more superficial pigment such as sun spots and freckles. Because melasma can sit at more than one depth, the superficial layer is treated first, then the deeper layer, in stages and gradually, to avoid triggering rebound.

Fractional CO2 laser

An ablative fractional laser used mainly for skin texture, sun damage and post-acne scarring, rather than for melasma. Because it works through heat and ablation, it is used conservatively and at lower settings in darker skin, where excess heat can trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation. For melasma specifically, gentler pigment-targeted options are preferred, and fractional CO2 is reserved for selected cases after assessment.

Non-ablative fractional resurfacing laser

A dual-wavelength non-ablative fractional laser. The more superficial wavelength (1927nm) targets surface pigment such as sun spots, freckles and some melasma, while the deeper wavelength (1550nm) supports skin texture and firmness. Being non-ablative, it carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation than ablative resurfacing, which makes it better suited to darker skin.

Gold RF microneedling

Radiofrequency energy delivered through fine gold-plated needles. It targets the deeper, dermal component of pigment, while the insulated needles help limit surface heat. This is relevant for darker skin, where excess heat can trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation. It is used where the assessment indicates a dermal or mixed component, and can support longer-term maintenance.

Chemical peels

Controlled exfoliation that lifts more superficial pigment, such as freckles, sun spots and post-acne marks. Gentler acids are preferred for melasma-prone skin to reduce the risk of irritation and rebound. Peels are typically used alongside topical and sun-protection measures rather than on their own.

Vascular treatment

Where dark circles or redness are caused by visible blood vessels, vascular laser or radiofrequency is used to address the vascular component rather than the pigment.

Topical support

Prescription depigmenting creams and topical retinoids reduce the production of new pigment by blocking tyrosinase, so that pigment removed in clinic is not immediately replaced. Sun protection is essential throughout.

What should you expect
from Melanin Reset?

Step 1

A clinical assessment with our doctor to identify the type, depth and cause of your pigmentation.

Step 2

A personalised combination plan built around that assessment.

Step 3

Gradual, layered treatment alongside sun protection and topical maintenance.

Pigmentation improves gradually over months rather than days, and maintenance continues because triggers like sun and hormones remain. Your specific plan is confirmed at the assessment.

Meet your EHA Clinic Doctor

Dr. Elias Tam, the Doctor Trainer

Dr. Elias Tam, with over 30 years in medicine, leads EHA Clinic, focusing on advancing technical standards in aesthetic medicine. He holds the position of Clinical Lecturer at University College London. Throughout his many years as an aesthetic doctor, Dr. Tam has held multiple hands-on training sessions and seminars, sharing his vast knowledge and expertise with aspiring doctors in the field.

Under his guidance, EHA Clinic offers a safe and comprehensive range of aesthetic treatments for the face, body, and hair; including clinically established treatments such as hair transplants, non-surgical face-lifting, body sculpting, fillers and other injectable treatments.

Ready to start?

Book a pigmentation assessment with our doctor on WhatsApp

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Melanin Reset?

Melanin Reset is EHA Clinic’s assessment-led pigmentation program. Rather than one treatment, our doctor assesses the type, depth and cause of your pigmentation and combines the modalities that suit it.

How much does pigmentation treatment cost in Singapore?

The cost depends on which treatments are combined after your assessment, since the plan is matched to your skin rather than sold as a fixed package. Message EHA Clinic on WhatsApp to arrange a consultation and find out what your plan would involve.

Is pigmentation laser treatment painful?

Most treatments are well tolerated. You may feel a brief tingling or warmth during the session, and numbing cream can be used where needed. Sessions are usually short.

How many sessions will I need?

Pigmentation improves gradually over months rather than days, and usually takes several sessions followed by maintenance. Because the plan is matched to your assessment, the exact number is confirmed after the doctor reviews your skin.

Is laser treatment safe for darker skin?

Darker skin requires a more carefully calibrated approach. It is more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation when treated too aggressively, which is why Melanin Reset uses assessment-led settings and options such as non-ablative lasers and gold RF microneedling, selected specifically to reduce that risk.

Is there any downtime?

Downtime is usually minimal. Mild redness or swelling can occur and generally settles within a few days, depending on the treatment and your skin. Your aftercare is explained at the consultation.