Medically reviewed by Dr Bhavin Garara, GMC 7155707 · Last reviewed: 11 June 2026
Pigmented body lesions are a medical area; some can indicate skin cancer or other medical conditions. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Any new, changing, asymmetric, or otherwise unusual lesion should be assessed by a GP or dermatologist before aesthetic treatment.
Body skin — particularly on the shoulders, upper back, and arms — receives substantial UV exposure but is rarely sunscreened daily. Cumulative damage produces age spots (solar lentigines), diffuse mottling, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from body acne, folliculitis, or skin trauma. The same melanocyte biology that produces facial pigmentation operates here, but body skin tends to heal more slowly and to be more prone to post-inflammatory marks.
Dr Bhavin Garara’s approach is essentially the same as for the face but with even more conservative settings — body skin’s slower healing and higher scarring sensitivity call for caution.
The dominant cause. Body skin is usually less protected than facial skin year-round.
Lighter Fitzpatrick types show sun spots and freckling earlier; darker types are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Body acne, folliculitis, ingrown hairs, eczema, friction, and skin trauma all leave pigmentary or red marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory erythema).
Melasma can occasionally affect the body. Some medications can produce photosensitive pigmentation.
Friction-related pigmentation in skin folds, post-shaving marks, and the dark marks left by insect bites can all be addressed but need diagnosis first.
At the clinics in London, Dr Garara assesses the type and pattern of pigmentation, Fitzpatrick skin type, healing capacity, and any features warranting GP / dermatology review. The plan is built around pigment-clearing and vascular-clearing laser, regenerative support, and a longer-than-facial expected recovery — body skin takes longer to flake and clear than facial skin.
Prevention
Daily SPF and protective habits underpin any body-pigmentation plan and protect cleared areas after treatment.
Prevention
Daily SPF and protective habits underpin any body-pigmentation plan and protect cleared areas after treatment.
Features
Picosecond laser (PicoSure Pro), vascular laser (Derma V), and regenerative skin treatments.
Treatment is layered — picosecond laser for pigment, vascular laser for post-inflammatory red marks, and regenerative support for healing.
For age spots and diffuse pigmentation on the body, PicoSure Pro delivers very short pulses of light energy designed to break down melanin clusters with reduced thermal effect. Body areas often need slightly higher fluences than facial skin and have longer healing times.
For red or purple post-inflammatory marks from body acne, Derma V targets visible vessels and reduces inflammatory redness.
For barrier repair, supporting healing, and to reduce post-treatment pigment risk, polynucleotides (Rejuran®), PDRN, multi-ingredient skinboosters, and autologous PRP / platelet-derived exosomes support tissue quality.
Treatment for higher Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI) requires careful device selection and conservative settings to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or, in some cases, keloid scarring. Dr Garara has particular experience in aesthetic medicine for skin of colour.
For age spots and diffuse pigmentation on the body, PicoSure Pro delivers very short pulses of light energy designed to break down melanin clusters with reduced thermal effect. Body areas often need slightly higher fluences than facial skin and have longer healing times.
See full treatment page: PicoSure ProBook a consultation with Dr Bhavin Garara.
Book a Consultation| Treatment | Best suited for | Typical downtime | How long results last | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picosecond laser | Age spots and diffuse pigmentation on the body | 3–7 days of darkening and flaking | Long-lasting with daily SPF | Breaks down melanin clusters |
| Vascular laser | Red / purple post-inflammatory marks | 1–3 days of mild redness | Long-lasting | Targets visible blood vessels |
| Regenerative skin treatments | Supporting healing and barrier repair | 1–2 days of mild bumps | Around 6–12 months with a course | Supports tissue quality |
| Medical-grade topical regimen | Daily foundation, PIH prevention | None | Ongoing with consistent use | Manages pigment over months |
Downtime and duration figures are typical averages only. Individual results vary considerably. Dr Garara will give you a more personalised picture at consultation.
The treatments described are widely performed but body skin heals more slowly than facial skin and is more prone to post-inflammatory pigment change. Conservative settings, careful test patches, and longer intervals between sessions are essential. Suspicious lesions warrant GP / dermatology review before treatment.
We share this not to alarm you but because patients deserve full information. Dr Garara is happy to discuss specific risks at consultation.
Common questions about treating body pigmentation.
Body pigmentation connects to other concerns. You may also want to read about:
For an overview of all the facial concerns we treat, visit our Skin treatments hub.
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This page is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments require a personal consultation. Suitability, risks, and expected outcomes will be discussed with you in detail before any treatment is carried out.
