It is done in five to ten sessions at two to six week intervals. Tone and pores tidy up together from the third session, because breaking down pigment and refining texture progress at different rates. The count varies with the composition, so check at the consultation.

It is a programme that adds texture and pore care to pigment-breaking laser passes. Bundling them into one session instead of booking each separately cuts down on visits. The composition differs by clinic, though, so it is worth checking which devices are used and how many times.

Melasma can return under UV exposure, because continued UV stimulation forms new pigment even after the old is broken down. The result only holds with sun protection, while the texture and pore changes remain in proportion to the sessions completed, regardless of UV.