Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Treatment in the Washington DC Area: Reston, VA and Chevy Chase, MD
Serving Washington DC, McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda and Potomac. Offices in Reston, VA and Chevy Chase, MD.
Hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment at The Naderi Center is led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, using the Pico Majesty laser, Sciton BBL, VI Peels, UltraClear and prescription skincare. We treat sun spots, freckles, melasma and dark marks after acne on every skin tone.
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Every Skin Tone Treated
100,000+ Procedures Performed
4.9★ from 1,100+ Google Reviews
Dr. Shervin Naderi, named to Newsweek America’s Best Plastic Surgeons
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
Hyperpigmentation treatment fades melasma, sun spots, freckles and the dark marks left after acne, and the right treatment depends on which type of pigment you have.
At The Naderi Center, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass leads our pigment care, with our master aesthetician and double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Shervin Naderi. We treat every skin tone, from fair to deep, with the Pico Majesty picosecond laser, Sciton BBL, VI Peels, UltraClear and prescription skincare.
Consultations are in Reston, VA, Chevy Chase, MD or by video. Laser and light treatments are done in Reston. Pico toning for melasma is $700 a session.
At a glanceHyperpigmentation at The Naderi Center
- Treats
- Melasma, sun spots, age spots, freckles and dark marks after acne or injury
- Treatments
- Pico Majesty laser, Sciton BBL, VI Peels, UltraClear and prescription skincare
- Who treats you
- Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, board-certified dermatologist, our master aesthetician and Dr. Shervin Naderi
- Skin types
- All skin tones, with the laser and settings chosen for your skin
- Sessions
- Sun spots often 1 to 3; melasma 5 to 8 gentle sessions, then maintenance
- Downtime
- From a few hours of pinkness to about a week, depending on the treatment
- Cost
- $350 to $800 a session for most treatments; prices below
- Where
- Reston, VA and Chevy Chase, MD; lasers and BBL in Reston
Who Treats Hyperpigmentation at The Naderi Center?
Your pigment plan is made by a physician. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass leads our pigment care, and Dr. Shervin Naderi oversees the practice.
Board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, MD
- Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology
- Cosmetic dermatology, with a special interest in lasers
- Performs UltraClear, Pico Majesty, BBL and VI Peels
- Sees patients in Reston and Chevy Chase
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon
Dr. Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS
- Named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons, 2023 to 2026
- Washingtonian Top Doctor, selected year after year
- Performs CO2 laser resurfacing for heavy sun damage
- More than 100,000 procedures performed at The Naderi Center
Most Sciton BBL, 3DMIRACL and Pico Majesty sessions are performed by our licensed master aesthetician and laser technician in Reston, under the physicians’ care.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is skin that is darker in some places than others, because the pigment cells there make too much melanin.
Sun, hormones, acne, injury and some medications can all trigger it. It affects every skin tone, but it behaves differently in each, and some treatments that work well on fair skin can darken medium and deep skin. That is why the first step is always an exam by a physician, often with VISIA skin analysis.
Is It Melasma, Sun Spots or Dark Marks?
Sun Spots and Age Spots
Flat brown spots with an uneven edge on the cheeks, forehead, chest and hands, from years of sun.
Usually bestSciton BBL, or Pico Majesty and Sciton Joule spot treatment
Freckles
Small light brown dots that darken and multiply each summer, most common in fair skin.
Usually bestSciton BBL or Pico Majesty
Melasma
Blotchy, matching patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Hormones, sun and heat set it off.
Usually bestGentle Pico Majesty toning, prescription skincare and VI Peels
Dark Marks After Acne or Injury
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: brown marks left after a pimple, rash, burn or scratch heals.
Usually bestVI Peels, Pico Majesty and skincare
Which Treatments Do We Use for Hyperpigmentation?
We match the treatment to your type of pigment and your skin tone, and most plans combine an in-office treatment with medical-grade skincare at home.
The Naderi Center has several pigment devices under one roof, so you get the one that fits your skin rather than the one a practice happens to own.
Pico Majesty Laser
Melasma, dark spots, all skin tones
A picosecond laser that breaks up pigment with ultrashort pulses instead of heat. Low-energy toning treats melasma; targeted pulses fade individual spots.
- Sessions
- Melasma 5 to 8; spots 1 to 3
- Downtime
- A few hours of pinkness after toning
- Where
- Reston
Sciton BBL (IPL)
Sun spots, freckles, redness
Sciton’s BroadBand Light clears scattered sun spots and freckles across the face, neck, chest and hands, and calms redness in the same visit.
- Sessions
- 3 to 6, 4 to 6 weeks apart
- Downtime
- About a day of redness
- Where
- Reston
VI Peels
Melasma, acne marks, dull tone
A medical-grade peel for stubborn pigment, acne and the dark marks acne leaves.
- Sessions
- Often a series of 3
- Downtime
- About 7 days of peeling
- Where
- Reston and Chevy Chase
UltraClear and 3DMIRACL
Uneven tone and texture
The UltraClear cold fiber laser evens tone and smooths texture and is safe for all skin types. 3DMIRACL is its gentlest setting.
- Sessions
- 3DMIRACL a series of 3 to 6; UltraClear often 1
- Downtime
- About 1 week
- Where
- Reston
Prescription Skincare
Every type, every plan
Hydroquinone 4% with tretinoin, and maintenance products from ZO Skin Health. Most patients see results in 8 to 12 weeks.
- Use
- Hydroquinone 4 to 6 months at a time
- Downtime
- Mild dryness or peeling at first
- Where
- Prescribed at both offices
Laser Resurfacing
Heavy sun damage
For deep sun damage with wrinkles, erbium or fractional CO2 resurfacing renews the skin surface. Deep CO2 is performed by Dr. Naderi in the operating room.
- Sessions
- Usually 1
- Downtime
- About 1 to 2 weeks
- Where
- Reston and the operating room
How Do You Treat Melasma Without Making It Darker?
Melasma is treated gently and steadily, because heat and irritation can make it darker.
Strong lasers and IPL can trigger a rebound that leaves melasma worse than before. We treat it with low-energy Pico Majesty toning across the whole face, usually 5 to 8 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, together with a prescription skincare plan. Some patients add VI Peels.
Melasma can be controlled, but not cured. Hormones, sun and heat can bring it back, so every plan includes daily sun protection and a maintenance routine.
“It is important to note that you should never stop using any tyrosinase inhibitors abruptly. Patients must be slowly transitioned off of one tyrosinase inhibitor onto a different skincare protocol that will protect them against rebound pigment production.”
Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, board-certified dermatologist
Is Pigment Treatment Safe for Darker Skin?
Yes, with the right laser and careful settings.
Brown and Black skin can darken or lighten after heat-heavy treatments, so many people have been told to avoid lasers. We choose treatments made for deeper skin and keep the settings conservative.
- Pico Majesty’s 1064 nm wavelength works without building up much heat
- UltraClear is safe for all skin types
- VI Peels are made for all skin tones
- A test spot when it makes sense, and skin prep before treatment
- We do not use IPL on very dark or tanned skin
Read more about hyperpigmentation in skin of color.
Hyperpigmentation Before and After Photos
Patients of The Naderi Center, unless marked as a manufacturer photo. Results vary from person to person.
What Our Patients Say About Hyperpigmentation Treatment
4.9 on Google from 1,100+ reviews
“I no longer want to wear make-up.”
“I have been seeing her for about 3 months for melasma treatments. I already see results, and I am optimistic. Dr. Snodgrass always explains the plan of care thoroughly and reassures me of the progress we are making. Highly recommended provider and practice overall, especially if you no longer want to wear make-up.”
★★★★★D.T.Patient review
“Healthier, cleaner, younger and brighter than ever.”
“I started going to the Naderi Medspa a few years ago, when I was looking for treatments to address sun spots, discoloration and signs of aging on my face… I received individualized skin assessments and I started getting HydraFacial and IPL laser treatments regularly. I have been blown away by the results. My skin looks much healthier, cleaner, younger and brighter than ever before…”
★★★★★E.D.Google review
“The dark spots are getting lighter.”
“I’m extremely happy with the service I’ve received from their aesthetician at The Naderi Center in Reston. Her knowledge of BBL procedures and the skin care products to accompany the procedures is very impressive. I’ve had 3 BBL treatments and my skin has completely changed for the better! The dark spots are getting lighter and the texture of my skin is so soft.”
★★★★★C.V.Google review
“Already tell a big difference.”
“I came to see their aesthetician with lots of sundamage on my skin from my sun worshipping days. She started me on BBL treatments and an at home maintenance program. After 2 treatments I can already tell a big difference. She uses the Visia analysis to look at my skin each time and the sundamage under my skin is much less visible!”
★★★★★P.Patient review
“They make sure you obtain the best result.”
“I’ve been a patient for 6 years and have had Botox, filler and peels done by them as well as used skin care recommended by them. They are very nice and professional, but most importantly they are there to make sure you obtain the best result. I always get very natural results that are also beautiful.”
★★★★★P.Y.Patient review
“A very well articulated solution to my skin issues.”
“Had an amazing experience. Very well articulated solution to my skin issues. Came in thinking I needed a very harsh treatment… The doctor indicated she thought my best solution would be to use BBL and less evasive procedures such as Ret A…”
★★★★★Patient review
“Love the results. Highly recommend!”
“Dr. Naderi and his staff are excellent. I’ve been a patient for about 10 years and love the results of the various injections and skin therapy I come for such as Dysport, Restalyne and BBL. Highly recommend!”
★★★★★Patient review
How Much Does Hyperpigmentation Treatment Cost?
Most hyperpigmentation treatments at The Naderi Center cost $350 to $800 a session. Pico toning for melasma is $700, and a full-face Sciton BBL session is $600.
| Treatment | Best for | Per session |
|---|---|---|
| Pico Majesty melasma toning | Melasma and dull, uneven tone | $700 |
| Pico Majesty dark spots, full face | Sun spots, freckles, acne marks | $750 |
| Pico Majesty, a few spots | Individual spots, usually 1 to 2 sessions | $350 |
| Sciton BBL (IPL), full face | Sun spots, freckles, redness | $600 |
| VI Peel | Melasma, acne marks | $475 |
| 3DMIRACL (light UltraClear) | Uneven tone and texture | From $800 |
| UltraClear resurfacing | Deeper tone and texture concerns | From $1,800 |
Prices from our Menu of Services, November 2026. Subject to change. Prescription skincare is priced separately.
Your provider maps out which treatments you need, how many sessions and the total at your consultation.
Medical-grade skincare does much of the daily work and helps results last. Shop our skincare.
Consult in Reston, Chevy Chase or by virtual consultation. Cosmetic pigment treatment is not covered by insurance.
Patient Financing
Pay Over Time with Cherry
Monthly payment plans for surgery and treatments, including 0% APR options for qualifying patients. Checking whether you qualify won’t affect your credit score.
Who Is a Good Candidate, and Who Should Wait?
Almost anyone with dark spots, melasma or uneven tone can be treated. The timing and the treatment are what change.
Good candidates
- Sun spots, age spots or freckles on the face, neck, chest or hands
- Melasma that keeps coming back
- Dark marks left after acne, a rash or an injury
- Any skin tone, from fair to deep
- Willing to wear sunscreen every day
When we wait or choose something else
- A fresh tan or self-tanner. Let it fade for 2 to 4 weeks before laser or light treatment.
- A spot that looks unusual. A physician checks it first. We never laser a spot that could be a skin cancer.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Treatment waits until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding. Melasma often starts in pregnancy, and we plan your treatment for after.
- An active cold sore or skin infection in the area to be treated.
- Recent Accutane or new medications. Let us know everything you take, so nothing interferes with treatment.
How Do I Prepare, and How Much Downtime Is There?
Downtime ranges from a few hours of pinkness after pico toning to about a week after a VI Peel or UltraClear.
| Treatment | What to expect | Back to makeup |
|---|---|---|
| Pico toning (melasma) | Pink for a few hours, no peeling | Usually the same day |
| Sciton BBL | About a day of redness; spots darken and flake off within a week | Day 2, gently |
| Pico spot treatment | Treated spots darken, then flake off in 5 to 10 days | Once the area is calm |
| VI Peel | Sunburn-like redness, then peeling through about day 7 | After peeling ends |
| 3DMIRACL | About a week of mild redness and flaking | After 24 hours |
Before your treatment
- Avoid direct sun, tanning beds and self-tanner for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Pause retinol, tretinoin, glycolic and salicylic acids and scrubs 3 to 5 days before laser or peel treatment.
- If you get cold sores and we are treating near your mouth, we prescribe an antiviral.
- Your provider may start you on prescription skincare a few weeks ahead to prepare the skin.
How Do I Keep Dark Spots and Melasma From Coming Back?
Daily sun protection and a maintenance skincare routine keep results, because sun, heat and hormones can bring pigment back at any time.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, reapplied every 2 hours outdoors. A tinted mineral sunscreen also blocks visible light, which can darken melasma.
- A wide-brimmed hat and shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Do not pick at pimples or scabs; picking leaves dark marks.
- Stay on your maintenance routine. Pigment-blocking products are tapered, never stopped suddenly.
- Maintenance treatments, such as a Sciton BBL session once or twice a year or occasional pico toning for melasma.
- Treat in fall and winter when you can. Less sun means less risk of darkening and faster clearing.
ZO Products for Dark Spots and Melasma
These ZO products pair well with this treatment. Order online through our link and ZO ships directly to you.
Not sure what fits your skin? Take our 30-second skin quiz or shop all ZO products.
What Does the Research Say About Treating Melasma?
Combining ingredients works better than any single cream, and lasting results depend on sun protection.
The classic combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a mild steroid was first described in 1975 and remains the foundation of prescription pigment care.
Kligman AM, Willis I. A new formula for depigmenting human skin. Archives of Dermatology. 1975;111(1):40-48.A Cochrane review of melasma treatments found triple-combination cream more effective than hydroquinone alone or two-ingredient creams.
Rajaratnam R, Halpern J, Salim A, Emmett C. Interventions for melasma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010;(7):CD003583.What Are the Risks of Hyperpigmentation Treatment?
Most side effects are mild and short-lived when the treatment fits your skin.
- Redness, swelling and peeling for hours to about a week, depending on the treatment.
- Darkening or light spots if treatment is too strong for the skin type. Careful device choice and conservative settings reduce this risk.
- Melasma rebound after heat-based treatments, which is why we treat melasma gently.
- Irritation from prescription creams, usually dryness or peeling in the first weeks.
- Rarely, blistering or scarring, most often in unskilled hands.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Reston, VA and Chevy Chase, MD
See us in Reston or Chevy Chase. Laser and BBL treatments are done in Reston; consultations, VI Peels and prescription skincare are available at both offices.
Patients come to us from Washington DC, McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Arlington, Alexandria, Tysons, Herndon, Bethesda, Potomac and Chevy Chase.
Maryland
5454 Wisconsin Ave,
Suite 1655
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(301) 222-2020
Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM
Get directions
Virginia
1850 Town Center Parkway,
Pavilion II, Suite 551
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 481-0002
Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM
Get directions
Hyperpigmentation FAQs
What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?
It depends on the type. Sun spots and freckles respond well to Sciton BBL or Pico Majesty. Melasma needs gentle, low-heat Pico Majesty toning with prescription skincare. Dark marks after acne do well with VI Peels, pico treatment and skincare. A physician confirms the type at your consultation.
How much does hyperpigmentation treatment cost?
Most sessions at The Naderi Center cost $350 to $800. Pico Majesty melasma toning is $700, full-face Pico dark spot treatment is $750, a few spots are $350, a full-face Sciton BBL session is $600 and a VI Peel is $475.
Who performs hyperpigmentation treatment at The Naderi Center?
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass leads our pigment care. Most BBL, 3DMIRACL and Pico Majesty sessions are performed by our licensed master aesthetician and laser technician, and Dr. Shervin Naderi, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, performs CO2 laser resurfacing.
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma can be controlled, but not cured. Hormones, sun and heat can bring it back, so we treat it gently and keep it in check with daily sun protection, a maintenance skincare routine and occasional toning sessions.
Does IPL work for melasma?
We do not use IPL for melasma. Heat can make melasma darker. We treat melasma with low-energy Pico Majesty toning and prescription skincare instead.
How many sessions will I need?
Sun spots and freckles often clear in 1 to 3 Pico Majesty sessions or 3 to 6 Sciton BBL sessions. Melasma usually takes 5 to 8 gentle toning sessions, 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance.
Is laser treatment safe for dark skin?
Yes, with the right laser and careful settings. Pico Majesty’s 1064 nm wavelength works without building up much heat, and UltraClear is safe for all skin types. We do a test spot when it makes sense, and we do not use IPL on very dark or tanned skin.
How long until I see results?
Sun spots treated with BBL or pico darken and flake off within about a week. Melasma improves gradually over a series of sessions. On hydroquinone and tretinoin, most patients see results in 8 to 12 weeks.
Is there downtime?
It ranges from a few hours of pinkness after pico toning to about a week of peeling after a VI Peel. Sciton BBL usually means about a day of redness while the spots darken and flake.
Does hydroquinone work, and is it safe?
Hydroquinone 4% is one of the most effective prescription ingredients for pigment, especially combined with tretinoin. We use it for 4 to 6 months at a time under a physician’s care and then taper to a maintenance routine, never stopping it suddenly.
What is the difference between melasma and sun spots?
Sun spots are flat brown spots with an uneven edge where the sun lands most. Melasma appears as blotchy, matching patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin, and is driven by hormones, sun and heat. They are treated differently.
Can you remove dark spots after acne?
Yes. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation fades with VI Peels, Pico Majesty and prescription skincare. Raised or pitted acne scars are a different problem and are treated with laser resurfacing or microneedling.
Can you treat sun spots on the hands and chest?
Yes. Sciton BBL and Pico Majesty treat sun spots on the hands, neck and chest as well as the face.
When is the best time of year to treat hyperpigmentation?
Fall and winter are ideal, because there is less sun to darken treated skin. A series that starts in November can be well along by spring. Melasma care with skincare and gentle toning can continue year round with good sun protection.
Does sunscreen really make a difference?
Yes. Sun protection is the foundation of every pigment plan. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply outdoors. A tinted mineral sunscreen also helps with melasma by blocking visible light.
Can I be treated while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Treatment waits until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding. Melasma often starts during pregnancy, and your physician will plan your treatment for after.
Do you offer VISIA skin analysis?
Yes. VISIA imaging shows sun damage and pigment beneath the surface, helps choose your treatment and lets you track progress over time.
Where can I get hyperpigmentation treatment near Washington DC?
The Naderi Center has offices in Reston, VA, (703) 481-0002, and Chevy Chase, MD, (301) 222-2020. Laser and BBL treatments are done in Reston; consultations, VI Peels and prescription skincare are available at both offices. Patients come from Washington DC, McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda and Potomac.