Cosmelan® is a topical depigmentation method by mesoestetic, designed to address the visible appearance of hyperpigmentation - including melasma, sun-induced dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and hormonally driven pigmentation. It combines a single intensive in-clinic session with a structured six-month homecare programme, and is suitable for all skin tones and types.
Unlike treatments that act only on visible surface pigment, cosmelan® has a dual mechanism of action: a corrective phase to visibly reduce the appearance of existing spots, and a regulating phase intended to help control the reappearance of pigmentation over the longer term.
The method is carried out under clinician supervision, with regular follow-up visits across the six-month treatment period.
How the treatment works
In-clinic session (Day 0)
Your clinician will begin with a skin preparation step, followed by the application of the cosmelan® 1 mask — a concentrated depigmenting formula — to the whole face. The mask is left on for a clinician-determined period of 6–8 hours depending on skin type and severity of hyperpigmentation. You leave the clinic with the mask applied and remove it at home at the time specified by your clinician.
Home treatment phase (Days 7–180)
Starting seven days after the mask removal, you will begin a twice-daily home routine using cosmelan® 2 (depigmenting cream), melan recovery (soothing balm), and mesoprotech® melan 130 pigment control (SPF 50+ tinted photoprotection).
It's important to understand that cosmelan® is a six-month commitment. The clinic treatment activates the process, but the outcome depends almost entirely on how consistently you follow the home protocol across that period. Twice-daily application without gaps is what delivers and sustains the result — this isn't a treatment where the hard work happens in the clinic.
Cosmelan® is dose-dependent, meaning the more reliably you follow the protocol, the better the outcome. Your clinician will guide you through each phase and adjust the routine if needed based on your skin's response.
Follow-up visits
Regular in-clinic review appointments are scheduled across the treatment period — at Day 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 — to monitor progress and support you through the programme.
Please note that individual outcomes may vary, and it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs. All protocols align with the standards set forth by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
If you would like to know more about Cosmelan® treatments book your non-surgical consultation by emailing us at [email protected] or call our Care Team on (02) 4002 4150.
All medical procedures carry risks. Some possible expected responses associated with the cosmelan® treatment include:
During and following the in-clinic session:
Redness and skin warmth are normal immediately following the mask application and are transient, typically resolving within 24–48 hours. A tingling or warm sensation is expected and normal.
During the home treatment phase:
Itching or stinging, particularly during the first few weeks of cosmelan® 2 application, is a normal and expected response that generally reduces as the treatment progresses.
Skin peeling and flaking typically begins 2–3 days after starting the home phase and may persist for several days as surface pigmentation is released through the renewal process. Skin tightness and a feeling of dryness are also common — these can be managed by applying melan recovery more frequently.
Redness and skin sensitivity may occur, particularly during the early stages of the home protocol.
If irritation is significant or you are unable to follow the home protocol as prescribed, please contact your clinician. The treatment is dose-dependent and can be modified if needed.
Contraindications — cosmelan® is not recommended for:
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Patients under 12 years of age
- Patients with active skin disease
- Known allergy to any component of the formulation
- Active solar erythema (avoid UV exposure for 15 days before treatment)
- Active bacterial, viral, mycotic, or herpetic infection
In the first 7 days following the in-clinic session:
Apply melan recovery as frequently as needed to manage any dryness or tightness. Sun protection should be applied multiple times during the day if sun exposure is unavoidable.
Throughout the home treatment phase:
Apply cosmelan® 2 morning and night as directed, followed by melan recovery and mesoprotech® melan 130 pigment control in the morning. Direct heat sources, steam, bleach, and chemical irritants should be avoided for the duration of treatment.
Sun protection is essential for the duration of the treatment and ongoing. Daily SPF use after treatment is complete is strongly recommended to help maintain results and reduce the risk of pigmentation reappearing.
Best timing for treatment: The cosmelan® method is best commenced after summer, when sun exposure is lower. If sun exposure cannot be avoided during treatment, a broad-brimmed hat and diligent SPF reapplication every two hours are required.
Cosmelan® is not recommended if you:
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Are under 12 years of age
- Have a current skin disease or active infection
- Have a known allergy to any ingredient in the formulation
- Have current solar erythema (sunburn or sun-reactive skin — UV exposure should be avoided for at least 15 days prior to treatment)
A consultation with your clinician is required before commencing cosmelan® treatment. Your clinician will assess the type, location, and severity of hyperpigmentation, determine suitability, and confirm your home protocol. Please attend your appointment without active sun exposure, and avoid tanning for at least two weeks prior.
Our treatments are tailored to the individual and pricing is provided within the context of consultation. For a price guide please refer to our Treatment Menu, email us at [email protected] or call our Care Team on (02) 4002 4150 to discuss.
Cosmelan® can be used alongside complementary treatments to support skin quality, barrier function, and ongoing pigmentation management. A consultation is the best way to discuss the treatment options suited to your concerns and goals.To book your non-surgical consultation email us at [email protected] or call our Care Team on (02) 4002 4150.
FAQs
The appearance of dark spots can be significantly reduced with cosmelan®. However, some pigmentation concerns — particularly melasma and hormonally driven pigmentation — are chronic in nature and may return over time, especially with UV exposure, hormonal changes, or other triggers. Daily SPF use is essential after completing the programme. Your clinician will discuss long-term maintenance strategies at your follow-up visits.
Yes. The cosmelan® method is designed for all Fitzpatrick skin types and ethnicities. Your clinician will assess your individual skin characteristics and adjust the application time and home protocol accordingly.
The mask application itself is straightforward. After the mask is removed at home, redness and skin warmth are expected and are normal transient responses that resolve within 24–48 hours.
Cosmelan® is a non-invasive topical treatment and does not interrupt daily activities. However, strict adherence to the home protocol is essential, and sun exposure must be minimised throughout the six-month treatment period.
Follow-up visits are scheduled at set intervals across the six-month programme. These appointments allow your clinician to monitor your skin's progress and support you through the home phase.
We understand that you’re busy and your availability can change. We ask that for all non-surgical appointments you provide 72 hours’ notice so that we can reallocate your time. Less than 72 hours’ notice for a missed appointment, reschedule, or cancellation of your appointment will result in forfeiture of your $100 prepayment. Please see our Terms & Conditions.
If you would like to know more about Cosmelan® treatment options email us at [email protected], or call our care team for more information on (02) 4002 4150. All surgical procedures are performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Gary Avery (FRACS). Dr Gary Avery (MED0001633092) is a registered medical practitioner, with specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery. Individual results and recovery times may vary. All procedures carry inherent risk.