Pigmentation Program Structure: From Clearance to Relapse Defense
The Four-Segment Course
- Assess and type: Wood’s lamp/imaging typing (epidermal/dermal/mixed), melasma screening, Fitzpatrick grading (skin types) — typing sets the whole course’s aggressiveness.
- Clearance: superficial lesions via IPL/Q-switched/picosecond in relay structure; melasma-prone skin runs a low-fluence slow lane throughout.
- PIH-proof consolidation: weeks 4-8 after clearance are the hyperpigmentation window — strict sun protection (post-procedure sun care), brightening actives, low-fluence touch-ups as needed.
- Relapse defense: quarterly maintenance plus homecare covering all four steps of melanogenesis.
Derating Rules for Melasma-Prone Skin
- Fluence down 30-50%; intervals stretched to 4-6 weeks.
- Photomechanical (low-fluence picosecond) preferred over heat-dominant modes.
- Any darkening signal pauses device work; return to foundation management (the melasma entry).
Course Deliverables
- Typing report + schedule card
- Before/after photos per session
- Homecare card (sunscreen + actives + review nodes)
Devices: LEIJEX picosecond (strikes), Q-switched platform (dual-wavelength base), OPT (clearance and maintenance).
FAQ
Will spots return after the course?
Lentigines depend on sun protection; freckles slowly regrow (genetic); melasma always needs long-term management. Set relapse expectations before selling.
When will fading show?
Superficial: visible in 1-2 sessions; mixed: 3-4; melasma’s first goal is “stable, not worse” — save “fast” expectations for superficial problems.