
Melasma is a common skin condition that appears as blotchy, brown or grey-brown patches most often on the face. It’s typically triggered by sun exposure, hormones, or heat, and is more common in women. While harmless, melasma can be persistent and emotionally frustrating. At Injex Clinics, we offer targeted, evidence-based treatments to reduce pigmentation and restore an even, radiant complexion.
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes patchy brown or grey-brown pigmentation, typically appearing on the face particularly the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and nose. It’s more common in women and individuals with darker skin tones, especially those who live in sun-exposed climates like Queensland.

Our approach to melasma focuses on reducing existing pigment, calming inflammation, and preventing recurrence through professional treatments and supportive skincare. A consultation is always recommended for personalised treatment planning:
Microneedling helps remodel skin texture, improve tone, and break up pigment clusters. Also enhances product absorption and long-term results.
$149 per session
A powerful resurfacing peel designed to lift deep-set pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin. Suitable for those with stubborn or long-standing melasma.
From $399 per session – tailored quote provided after consultation
Customised peels using brightening ingredients (like lactic, mandelic, or pigment suppressors) to fade surface pigmentation and improve skin clarity.
From $99 per session
Gentle, low-fluence laser treatments designed to break down pigment gradually without triggering inflammation ideal for treating melasma safely.
From $99 per session or $249 for 3 session
Our in-clinic skincare line includes pigment-suppressing actives like niacinamide, vitamin C, and tyrosinase inhibitors to support results and prevent relapse.
Available in-clinic and online
Melasma is triggered by a combination of factors, including:
Unlike traditional pigmentation, melasma often involves deeper dermal layers, making it more complex to treat.
Schedule your consultation today and begin your journey to healthier, rejuvenated skin.
Melasma can be stubborn, but with the right professional treatments and home care, it can be significantly reduced and well managed.
No, melasma is purely cosmetic and not harmful. However, it can affect confidence and may worsen without proper treatment.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Our clinicians assess whether you need superficial or deep pigment correction, and tailor treatment accordingly. Melsma is known for being particularly tricky to treat, but with the right advice, this can be minimised.
Yes, especially without sun protection. Ongoing use of SPF, antioxidants, and pigment-suppressing ingredients is essential to help prevent recurrence. Often melasma is something that will need to be treated for life.
Some lasers can worsen melasma if used incorrectly. At Injex, we use medical-grade lasers, performed by trained clinicians with deep understanding of pigment behaviour.
Melasma treatment requires patience, as results tend to appear gradually over time. Many clients begin to notice improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, especially with consistent in-clinic treatments and supportive skincare. However, deeper pigment may take several months and multiple treatment sessions to significantly fade. Long-term maintenance is also key, as melasma can recur without proper sun protection and pigment-inhibiting products. Your clinician will create a realistic treatment plan tailored to your skin and goals.
Yes, for most treatments you can resume makeup after 24 hours. Some treatments may require a longer downtime, your clinician will guide you.
Many in-clinic treatments are not suitable during pregnancy, but we offer safe skincare options and low-intervention treatments like PRIN or LED therapy. Always consult our team.
Yes, you can book your PRIN Lymphatic facial now and pay later with ZipPay and AfterPay. You can view more information here: ZipPay, AfterPay.
Melasma treatment typically requires a combination approach rather than a single solution, as the condition involves both surface and deeper dermal pigmentation triggered by hormonal, genetic, and UV factors. At Injex Clinics in Brisbane, treatments that may be used to address melasma include Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane, Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session, and targeted chemical peels from $99 per session or $249 for three sessions.
Strict, daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is a non-negotiable component of any melasma management plan, regardless of other treatments. Without sun protection, melasma is likely to return even after effective clinical treatment. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner is required to determine which combination of treatments is most appropriate for your melasma type, skin tone, and Fitzpatrick classification. Results vary between individuals, and ongoing maintenance is typically needed to manage the condition over time.
Melasma cannot always be removed permanently because the condition has underlying hormonal and genetic drivers that can cause it to recur, particularly with continued UV exposure. Clinical treatments at Injex Clinics in Brisbane, including Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane and Skin Needling Brisbane, can significantly reduce the appearance of melasma and help manage it over time. Many clients experience a notable improvement in skin tone following a structured treatment plan combined with rigorous sun protection.
However, melasma is considered a chronic skin condition for many people, and maintenance treatments are typically required to sustain results. Triggers such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and sun exposure can cause melasma to reappear even after successful treatment. The most effective long-term strategy combines clinical treatment at Injex Clinics with daily SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoidance of direct UV exposure during peak hours. A consultation with a qualified practitioner helps set realistic expectations based on your individual melasma type and history.
The “triple cream” or “triple combination cream” for melasma refers to a prescription formulation that typically contains three active ingredients: a skin-lightening agent such as hydroquinone, a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, and a retinoid to promote cell turnover. This combination is used in some clinical contexts to address stubborn melasma. In Australia, these formulations require a prescription and can only be supplied following assessment by a qualified medical practitioner.
At Injex Clinics in Brisbane, melasma management may incorporate prescribed topical treatments alongside clinical procedures such as Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane and Pigmentation Treatment Options Brisbane. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner is required to determine whether a prescription topical is appropriate for your melasma and to assess suitability based on your skin tone, medical history, and previous treatments. Not all clients are suitable candidates for prescription-strength topical agents.
Natural approaches to managing melasma are generally less effective than clinical treatments but may help as supportive measures. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is the single most impactful intervention for managing melasma, regardless of whether clinical treatments are being undertaken. Some individuals use topical ingredients such as vitamin C serums, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and kojic acid, which are available in over-the-counter formulations and may help reduce pigmentation gradually over time.
Lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding direct sun exposure between 10am and 3pm, wearing protective hats and clothing outdoors, and addressing hormonal triggers where possible (such as reviewing contraceptive options with a GP) can also support melasma management. Natural approaches alone are unlikely to clear established melasma significantly, and combining them with clinical treatments at Injex Clinics typically produces more noticeable results. Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session and chemical peels from $99 per session are clinical options that may be discussed at a consultation alongside any at-home routine.
Newer approaches to melasma treatment include tranexamic acid (available both as a topical and oral prescription medication), Rejuran Brisbane, and advanced laser protocols designed to address deeper dermal pigmentation with reduced risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Low-energy laser toning, which uses multiple passes at lower fluences to target melasma gradually, is a more recent refinement to laser treatment protocols that may reduce the risk of rebound pigmentation.
At Injex Clinics in Brisbane, treatment options are regularly reviewed to incorporate evidence-supported approaches to melasma management. A combination approach using Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane, Skin Needling Brisbane, and appropriate skincare can address both the surface and dermal components of melasma. Chemical peels at Injex Clinics from $99 per session or $249 for three sessions may also be incorporated into a structured programme. A consultation with a qualified practitioner is required to assess which newer treatment modalities may be appropriate for your specific melasma pattern and skin type.
Melasma cannot typically be removed within a set number of days; it is a condition that requires ongoing management over weeks, months, or longer. Clinical treatments such as Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane and chemical peels from $99 per session at Injex Clinics require a series of sessions to produce visible improvement. Most clients begin to notice changes in skin tone after three to six sessions spaced two to four weeks apart, though this varies considerably between individuals.
Melasma often fades slowly and unevenly, and improvement may plateau without consistent sun protection and maintenance. There is no single treatment that removes melasma in a matter of days. Rapid or aggressive treatments can in some cases trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may worsen the overall appearance. A realistic timeline discussed at consultation with a qualified practitioner at Injex Clinics helps clients understand the expected pace of improvement for their individual melasma type and skin tone.
Facial melasma may fade in some individuals, particularly when the underlying hormonal trigger is removed, such as after pregnancy or after ceasing certain hormonal contraceptives. However, for many people, melasma is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management rather than resolving completely on its own. Sun exposure is the most consistent factor in triggering and perpetuating melasma, and without strict sun protection, the condition is unlikely to resolve even after clinical treatment.
At Injex Clinics in Brisbane, a structured management plan using treatments such as Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane, IPL Treatment Brisbane, and Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session can help significantly reduce the appearance of facial melasma. Chemical peels from $99 per session or $249 for three sessions are a more accessible entry point. A consultation with a qualified practitioner determines the most appropriate management approach for your individual melasma history, triggers, and skin type.
Permanent removal of melasma is not reliably achievable for most people, as the condition is driven by an underlying susceptibility influenced by genetics, hormones, and UV exposure. Clinical treatments at Injex Clinics, including chemical peels from $99 per session and Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session, can substantially reduce the appearance of melasma. However, the condition may return if triggers such as sun exposure or hormonal changes persist.
A long-term management strategy at Injex Clinics typically involves a combination of clinical treatments, a structured home skincare routine including SPF 50+ sunscreen, and regular maintenance sessions. Clients who maintain consistent sun protection and attend maintenance appointments tend to sustain better results. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner is required to design a realistic management plan and discuss expectations based on your individual skin history, melasma type, and triggers.
Melasma is a condition that responds to gradual management rather than rapid removal, and approaches that promise very fast results may carry a higher risk of side effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The most effective clinical approach at Injex Clinics combines treatments that target both surface and dermal pigmentation. Chemical peels from $99 per session or $249 for three sessions address surface pigmentation, while Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane and Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session work at deeper levels.
Completing sessions consistently, following aftercare instructions, and applying daily SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential to achieving noticeable results in the shortest reasonable timeframe. Most clients see meaningful improvement after three to six sessions. Aggressive treatments at too high an intensity can worsen melasma by triggering inflammation, so a measured approach guided by a qualified practitioner typically produces better results faster than an overly aggressive one. A consultation at Injex Clinics is required to design a structured treatment plan suited to your skin and melasma type.
Dermatologists and cosmetic practitioners commonly recommend a combination of topical actives and clinical treatments to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. At-home options frequently suggested include broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen (non-negotiable), vitamin C serums, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and retinoids. For darker or more stubborn spots, prescription-strength agents such as hydroquinone may be recommended following medical assessment.
Clinical treatments used at Injex Clinics in Brisbane to address dark spots include Laser Pigmentation Removal in Brisbane, IPL Treatment Brisbane, chemical peels from $99 per session, and Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane. For Acne Scarring & Skin Texture Concerns Brisbane that involve post-inflammatory dark marks, Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session may also be recommended. A consultation at Injex Clinics with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner is required to determine the most appropriate treatment for your type of dark spots, as different pigmentation types respond to different treatments.
The cost of managing melasma at Injex Clinics in Brisbane depends on the treatment or combination of treatments recommended following a clinical assessment. Chemical peels start from $99 per session, or $249 for three sessions, which is an accessible entry point for many clients. Skin Needling Brisbane starts from $149 per session. Laser toning sessions and combination programmes are priced based on individual assessment.
Most clients require a series of sessions rather than a single treatment to achieve meaningful improvement, so the total investment across a course of treatment is an important factor to consider. Flexible Payment Options are available at Injex Clinics to help spread the cost of treatment. See Packages & Pricing Cosmetic Treatments Brisbane and Cosmetic Treatment Packages & Specials Brisbane for current pricing information. A consultation is required to receive a personalised quote based on your melasma type and the recommended treatment plan.
The number of laser sessions needed to address melasma varies between individuals, but most clients require a minimum of four to six sessions to achieve noticeable improvement. Melasma involving both surface and dermal pigmentation may require more sessions to address both layers. Laser toning at Injex Clinics is typically spaced two to four weeks apart to allow the skin to recover between treatments and reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Results from laser treatment for melasma are not always linear; some clients see rapid early improvement while others respond more gradually. Maintenance sessions are often needed after the initial course to sustain results. Combining laser toning with Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session or chemical peels from $99 per session may allow for more comprehensive management at a lower number of individual laser sessions. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner at Injex Clinics is required to determine the appropriate laser protocol and number of sessions for your specific melasma.
Microneedling for melasma can be worthwhile when used as part of a structured combination treatment plan, though it is not typically the first-line treatment for melasma on its own. Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session stimulates collagen production and may enhance the penetration of topical pigmentation-targeting agents applied during or after the procedure. Some research supports the use of microneedling combined with vitamin C or tranexamic acid for melasma management.
A key advantage of microneedling is that it does not use heat or light energy, which means it carries a lower risk of triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in clients with darker skin tones compared to some laser options. However, care is still required, and the treatment must be performed by a qualified practitioner with experience in treating melasma. A consultation at Injex Clinics is required to determine whether skin needling is appropriate for your melasma type and skin tone. Chemical peels from $99 per session or $249 for three sessions may also be recommended as a complementary approach.
Permanent removal of all types of pigmentation is not reliably achievable because different causes of pigmentation, such as sun damage, melasma, post-inflammatory marks, and genetic pigmentation, respond differently to treatment and can recur if triggers persist. Clinical treatments at Injex Clinics in Brisbane can produce significant and long-lasting reduction in pigmentation for many clients when combined with diligent ongoing sun protection. Options include Laser Pigmentation Removal in Brisbane, IPL Treatment Brisbane, Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session, and chemical peels from $99 per session.
For clients whose pigmentation is driven by hormonal factors, such as melasma, even successful treatment may not produce permanent results if those triggers remain active. Maintenance treatments and an ongoing skincare routine including daily SPF 50+ sunscreen are typically needed to sustain results over the long term. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner at Injex Clinics is required to design a realistic treatment plan and discuss achievable outcomes based on your pigmentation type, skin tone, and history.
Skin Needling Brisbane at Injex Clinics starts from $149 per session. For clients using skin needling as part of a melasma management programme, a series of sessions is typically recommended, with sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. This means a course of four sessions would start from $596 at the standard per-session rate. Package options may be available; see Packages & Pricing Cosmetic Treatments Brisbane for current details.
RF Skin Needling Brisbane is a more advanced option that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy and is priced at $299 per session. For clients with melasma, the choice between standard and RF skin needling is made during consultation based on skin tone, melasma type, and overall treatment goals. Flexible Payment Options are available at Injex Clinics to assist with the cost of a course of treatment. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner is required to confirm suitability and design the appropriate treatment plan.
Managing melasma requires a consistent, multi-pronged approach rather than a single treatment. The most important step any individual can take is committing to daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, applied generously and reapplied throughout the day. Without this foundation, clinical treatments are unlikely to deliver lasting improvement. At Injex Clinics in Brisbane, a structured programme may include chemical peels from $99 per session, Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane, and Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session.
Addressing hormonal triggers where possible, such as speaking with a GP about contraceptive options, and supporting the skin with appropriate topical actives including vitamin C, niacinamide, or prescription-strength agents recommended by a practitioner, can all contribute to managing melasma over time. Results vary between individuals, and patience is required as improvement typically occurs gradually over months. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner at Injex Clinics is required to develop a personalised management plan suited to your skin, melasma pattern, and lifestyle.
No single serum removes melasma on its own, but certain active ingredients are commonly used in skincare routines to help manage hyperpigmentation as part of a broader treatment programme. Ingredients such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid have supporting evidence for use in pigmentation management and may be recommended by practitioners at Injex Clinics during consultation. Prescription-strength topical agents may also be appropriate for some clients following medical assessment.
Rather than recommending a specific product or brand, the most appropriate serum for your melasma depends on your skin type, sensitivities, Fitzpatrick classification, and what other treatments you are undergoing. Using potent actives such as retinoids or acids while undertaking clinical treatments such as chemical peels requires careful timing to avoid irritation. A consultation with a qualified practitioner at Injex Clinics helps identify the most appropriate at-home routine to complement your clinical treatment plan. See Common Skin Concerns & Conditions and Pigmentation Treatment Options Brisbane for further context.
Laser treatment can produce significant and sometimes long-lasting improvement in melasma, but a permanent cure is not reliably achievable for most people. Melasma is driven by underlying hormonal and genetic factors that laser treatment cannot eliminate. When UV exposure or hormonal triggers continue after treatment, melasma is likely to return. Laser Toning & Pigmentation Care Brisbane at Injex Clinics can substantially reduce the appearance of melasma for many clients, particularly when combined with strict sun protection and a maintenance programme.
Laser treatment for melasma also carries specific risks, including the potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if used at too high an intensity, particularly in clients with darker skin tones. Low-energy laser toning protocols are generally preferred over aggressive settings for melasma management. Clients seeking the most sustainable outcomes from laser treatment for melasma should expect to continue sun protection and attend periodic maintenance sessions. A consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner at Injex Clinics is required to determine whether laser toning is appropriate for your skin and melasma type.
The most appropriate cream for melasma depends on the individual’s skin type, melasma depth, Fitzpatrick classification, and whether prescription or over-the-counter products are being considered. Common over-the-counter options that may help include formulations containing vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, kojic acid, or tranexamic acid. For more resistant melasma, prescription-strength agents such as hydroquinone-based creams, tretinoin, or combination formulations may be recommended following medical assessment.
Rather than identifying a single product as most effective, a consultation with a qualified medical or nursing practitioner at Injex Clinics is the recommended starting point for determining which topical products are most suitable for your individual melasma. The practitioner can recommend appropriate over-the-counter products or, where indicated, assess suitability for prescription treatment. Topical creams work most effectively when used consistently alongside daily SPF 50+ sunscreen and complementary clinical treatments such as chemical peels from $99 per session or Skin Needling Brisbane from $149 per session.
Consistent daily SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is the single most impactful step in preventing hyperpigmentation from deepening and is a prerequisite for any treatment to be effective. Among clinical treatments, targeted laser procedures such as Laser Pigmentation Removal in Brisbane and IPL Treatment Brisbane can produce noticeable reduction in discrete pigmented spots relatively quickly. Chemical peels from $99 per session may produce surface pigmentation improvement within two to three weeks of a session. Results vary between individuals and depend heavily on the type, depth, and cause of the hyperpigmentation.
For melasma specifically, rapid or high-intensity treatments can paradoxically worsen the condition by triggering inflammation, so a more graduated approach is generally recommended. A combination of clinical treatments and an active at-home skincare routine typically produces the most comprehensive and sustained improvement. Hyperpigmentation Treatments & Removal provides further context on treatment pathways available at Injex Clinics. A consultation with a qualified practitioner is required to identify the most appropriate approach for your specific type of hyperpigmentation.
Clients come from near and as far as interstate and even overseas to visit our clinics. We are located in Capalaba, Aspley, Brisbane CBD and Springfield Lakes in Queensland. We are just a short trip from those in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich and surrounds.
Call or Txt us at Capalaba 0437 372 764 Aspley 0466 470 580 Springfield Lakes 0402 887 487 Brisbane CBD 0468 364 222 or Contact Us today.
