Laser Clinic · Central Clinic, Hamdan Street
Pico Laser for Pigmentation and Tattoo Removal in Abu Dhabi
Dark patches, sun damage and melasma are treated by breaking pigment apart rather than heating the skin around it. The same laser is used for tattoo removal. Assessment first with our Specialist Dermatologist, because pigmentation has more than one cause.
Course of 3 — AED 250
What it treats
Why pigmentation needs assessing first
Not every brown patch is the same thing. Sun damage, melasma and post-acne marks look similar in the mirror and behave very differently under a laser. Melasma in particular can worsen if it is treated with too much heat, which is why it is one of the few skin concerns where the wrong treatment can make things worse rather than simply not working.
That is what the assessment is for. Our Specialist Dermatologist examines the pigment, establishes what is driving it, and decides whether laser is the right answer at all — sometimes the answer is a topical plan first, or sun protection and time.
Pigmentation can return without sun protection. Daily SPF is part of the treatment, not an afterthought.
How the laser works
Very short pulses
The energy is delivered in extremely brief bursts. Pigment absorbs it and breaks into particles small enough for the body to clear, while the surrounding skin has little time to heat up.
Less heat than older lasers
Because it works by shock rather than by heating, there is less risk of the inflammation that can darken pigmentation further — which matters a great deal on darker skin tones.
A course, not one visit
Pigment clears gradually as the body removes the fragments. Most plans run over several sessions spaced a few weeks apart, and your dermatologist sets the interval.
Little downtime
Skin is usually pink for a short time afterwards. Darker patches may look temporarily deeper before they fade — that is expected, and your dermatologist explains what to watch for.
Tattoo Removal
From AED 200 per session
A course of three is from AED 600. The final price depends on the tattoo and is confirmed at your assessment.
The same very short pulses break tattoo ink into particles the body clears over the following weeks. Most tattoos need several sessions spaced weeks apart, and some ink colours respond more readily than others.
How far a tattoo fades varies from person to person. Your dermatologist will tell you what to expect for your tattoo before you start.
Your doctor
Dr. Anjali Shere
Specialist Dermatologist · MD (Dermatology) · 20 years
Medical dermatology and aesthetic treatments at Central Clinic. Pigmentation is assessed by the dermatologist before any laser is used. Licensed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Common questions
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what the pigment is and how deep it sits. Sun spots often respond faster than melasma. Your dermatologist gives you a realistic number after examining the skin rather than before.
Is it suitable for darker skin?
Darker skin needs more careful settings, and that is exactly why the assessment comes first. The very short pulse duration means less heat, which is the main risk factor for pigmentation worsening after treatment.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe light flicks against the skin, over in a few minutes for a small area. Tattoo removal is usually more noticeable than pigmentation treatment.
Will the pigmentation come back?
It can, particularly melasma, and particularly without daily sun protection. This is worth knowing before you start rather than after. Your dermatologist will tell you what maintenance your skin is likely to need.
What does it cost?
Pigmentation is AED 100 a session, or AED 250 for a course of 3. Tattoo removal is from AED 200 a session, or from AED 600 for a course of 3. Prices exclude 5% VAT.
Should I stop any skincare beforehand?
Bring a list of what you use, including any prescription creams. Retinoids and acid exfoliants are usually paused for a few days either side, and your dermatologist will confirm at the assessment.
Not sure which treatment you need? See all five platforms in our laser clinic, read about pigmentation and melasma, or start with a skin consultation. For acne scars and texture rather than pigment, see microneedling.
Book your assessment
Central Clinic, Office 204, The New EMI State Tower, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, next to Marks & Spencer. Open seven days, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Prices exclude 5% VAT. Pay in 4 interest-free instalments with Tabby or Tamara.