Our Story
The Southern Dermatology Story
Meet the clinic, the people and the care philosophy behind every consultation.
Adults 18+ Only ยท Consultation Required Before Any Treatment ยท Individual Results May Vary
Southern Dermatology ยท Murrumbeena, Melbourne
Laser for
Laser for
Pigmentation
Melbourne
Precision laser treatment to help reduce dark spots, melasma and sun damage. Book a consultation with the Southern Dermatology team to assess your skin and discuss an evidence-based plan suited to you.
Adults 18 years and over only ยท Results are not guaranteed and vary between individuals
See What a Consultation Involves
Watch Before You Book
The Treatment
Laser Treatment for Pigmentation
Our pigmentation laser is a precision treatment designed for concerns such as sunspots, melasma and uneven skin tone. It delivers targeted laser energy to areas of excess pigment, breaking up clusters of melanin so the body can clear them away naturally over time.
At Southern Dermatology we use the Enlighten SR Laser, aiming to improve your skin tone and create a brighter, more even complexion with minimal downtime. Your dermatologist assesses your skin first, so the approach is matched to your pigmentation type and skin tone.
1โ3 SessionsMany patients see improvement in this range, depending on severity
20โ45 MinTypical procedure time
Sun ProtectionEssential to help maintain your results
Know Your Pigmentation
Superficial vs Deeper Pigmentation
Not all pigmentation sits at the same level in the skin. Understanding where yours sits helps shape the plan your dermatologist recommends.
Closer to the surface
Superficial Pigmentation
Pigment sitting in the upper layers of the skin. This includes many sunspots and age spots, often seen on areas exposed to the sun over the years. Because it sits closer to the surface, it is generally the more straightforward type to address.
Deeper in the skin
Deeper Pigmentation
Pigment sitting in the deeper layers of the skin, as can be seen with melasma. It tends to be more stubborn, can be influenced by hormones and sun exposure, and may need a more gradual, carefully planned approach with ongoing sun protection.
Many people have a mix of both. Your dermatologist assesses the type and depth of your pigmentation in person, which is why a consultation always comes first.
Who This Is For
Concerns You Can Discuss With Us
If any of the below sound familiar, a consultation can help you understand your options, with no obligation to proceed.
Sunspots
Dark spots that have developed from years of sun exposure.
Age Spots
Flat, darker patches that become more noticeable with age.
Melasma
Patchy, darker areas of pigment, often on the face.
Uneven Skin Tone
A complexion that looks blotchy, dull or less even than you'd like.
Texture & Brightness
Skin that you feel could look brighter and more refreshed.
Darker Skin Tones
Suitability for deeper skin tones is assessed individually by your dermatologist.
This list is general information only. Exact suitability and the most appropriate approach for you are determined in person during a consultation, not in advance online.
What to Expect
Your Journey From Consultation to Care
01
Book Your Consultation
Complete our online consultation form to share your pigmentation concerns and upload photos of the affected area, so our team can assess your needs.
02
Your Personalised Plan
Your dermatologist evaluates your pigmentation, discusses possible underlying causes and recommends a treatment plan, which may involve a series of laser sessions.
03
Your Laser Appointment
The laser targets areas of pigmentation while sparing the surrounding skin. Sessions typically take 20 to 45 minutes. Most people describe mild tingling, warmth or a quick snap, with minimal downtime.
04
Aftercare & Follow-Up
You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions, and follow-up treatments may be recommended to help optimise your results.
Why Choose Southern Dermatology
Specialist Expertise, Personalised Care
Southern Dermatology is a specialist-led clinic combining medical expertise, advanced technology and a compassionate, patient-first approach. Every plan is designed around your skin and your goals.
01
Specialist-Led Care
A multidisciplinary team of Fellowship-trained dermatologists, plastic surgeons, nurses and dermal clinicians working together under one roof.
02
Evidence-Based Approach
Treatments grounded in science and clinical evidence, with every option, expected outcome and potential risk discussed openly.
03
Customised to You
Your pigmentation type, depth and skin tone are assessed in person, so your plan is matched to your skin.
About Southern Dermatology
Dr Ryan De Cruz
Founder & Specialist Dermatologist ยท MBBS (Hons), BMedSci, FACD
Dr Ryan De Cruz is the founder and principal dermatologist at Southern Dermatology and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. He is recognised for his expertise in eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer management, hair disorders and laser treatments.
Ryan completed his medical degree with Honours at The University of Melbourne, where he received the Hermann Lawrence Prize in Dermatology. He went on to train across leading hospitals in Melbourne and the UK, including St George's Hospital NHS in London, and has held consultant positions at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Skin Health Institute, where he leads Australia's only Bone Marrow Transplant Dermatology Clinic.
With a passion for personalised, holistic care, Ryan founded Southern Dermatology as a centre of excellence that brings together advanced technology and a patient-first approach, built on expert care, open communication and genuine compassion.
Fellow, ACD
10+ Years Experience
Murrumbeena, VIC
Ryan's philosophy: healthy skin comes from expert care, science-backed treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
Before & After
See the Treatment in Action
A look at pigmentation laser treatment and the changes seen after treatment.
Results shown are for illustration only. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. The number of sessions, the outcome and the time it takes depend on your skin, the type and depth of your pigmentation, and sun protection. Your dermatologist will discuss realistic expectations for you at your consultation.
The Southern Dermatology Standard
Our Standards
01
Over a Decade of Experience
More than ten years of specialist expertise across medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
02
Specialist Medical Experts
Fellowship-trained dermatologists and plastic surgeons guiding your care.
03
Skilled Medical Team
A multidisciplinary team across dermatology, laser and cosmetic medicine.
04
Evidence-Based Care
Treatments designed with long-term skin health and sun protection in mind.
Take a Closer Look
Inside Southern Dermatology
A closer look at the clinic where every consultation takes place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
Start with our online consultation form, where you can describe your pigmentation concerns and upload photos of the affected area. Our team will review your details and recommend a personalised plan.
The Enlighten SR Laser is used for pigmentation concerns such as sunspots, age spots, melasma and uneven skin tone. Whether it is suitable for you is decided by your dermatologist at your consultation.
The laser targets areas of excess melanin and breaks it into smaller particles, which the body can then clear away naturally over time, helping to create a more even complexion.
Many patients see improvement after one to three sessions, depending on the severity and depth of the pigmentation. Your dermatologist will advise what is appropriate for you.
A session typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. Most patients describe mild discomfort, often compared to a mild ant bite or the snap of an elastic band.
Downtime is minimal. Treated spots may temporarily darken, and redness can occur for a day or two. These effects usually settle on their own.
It can be an option for melasma and other pigmentation concerns. Melasma can be persistent and may return, so your dermatologist will discuss a plan and realistic expectations at your consultation.
Results can last, but new pigmentation can develop with sun exposure, so diligent daily sun protection is essential.
The laser is suitable for many skin types, including darker tones, but your dermatologist will assess your individual suitability during your consultation.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks beforehand, and stop exfoliants, retinoids and other active skincare products at least 48 hours before. Let your dermatologist know about any medications or recent treatments.
Use a gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturiser, avoid direct sun and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily. Avoid exfoliating or using active skincare products for 5 to 7 days. Temporary redness or darkening of spots can occur and settles naturally.
The treatment stimulates skin renewal, which may improve overall texture and brightness in addition to reducing pigmentation. Results vary between individuals.
They are examples only. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed, and depend on your skin, the depth of your pigmentation and sun protection. Your dermatologist can discuss what to expect in your case at your private consultation.
Pricing depends on your individual plan and is discussed at your consultation. All costs are confirmed before any commitment, with no obligation to proceed.
Southern Dermatology is located at 130 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena VIC 3163. Consultations are available by appointment, and you can reach the team on 03 9050 1195.
Visit Us
Find Our Clinic
130 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena VIC 3163, Australia