2025 LMSTW Spring Meeting｜Highlights from the Pigmentation Forum

Dr. Chau Yee Ng, Director of the Pigment Disorders Center, was honored to participate in the 2025 Spring Meeting of the Laser and Photonics Medicine Society of Taiwan (LMSTW), where he served as both session chair and speaker at the International Pigmentation Forum.

Together with invited experts from Southeast and Northeast Asia, Dr. Huang engaged in in-depth discussions on the clinical experiences and challenges in treating melasma and pigmentation disorders in Asian skin types.

The forum featured insightful presentations from A/Prof Henry Foong (Malaysia) and Dr. Oku (Japan), who shared their practical approaches to managing melasma in their respective regions. The session also included valuable clinical observations presented by Dr. Lai-Ying Lu from the Department of Dermatology, Renai Branch of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Chau Yee Ng, delivered a keynote talk titled:
"Pigment Paradox: Management of Postlaser Hypopigmentation and Hyperpigmentation",
highlighting the complexity of pigmentary complications following laser procedures in Asian populations. His lecture emphasized three key take-home messages for both clinicians and patients:

🔹 Not everyone is suitable for laser treatment
Individuals with darker skin tones, a history of photosensitizing medications, or drug-induced pigmentation are at high risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and should be approached with caution.

🔹 Pigment disorders go beyond melanocytes
Effective management requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire epidermal melanin unit, including the interplay between melanocytes, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts. It is also critical to assess whether the lesion is in a dynamic inflammatory state or a stable condition, and to distinguish pathological changes from normal physiological pigmentation.

🔹 Post-treatment care is crucial
From anti-inflammatory therapies, barrier repair, and sun protection to initiating pigment restoration regimens when necessary — proper aftercare plays a key role in preventing complications and promoting recovery.

Under the leadership of President Dr. Chien-Ting Hu, the Spring Meeting blended aesthetic inspiration with scientific dialogue, incorporating vibrant floral designs reminiscent of the LV spring collection. The event also welcomed Olympic boxing gold medalist Yu-Ting Lin as a goodwill ambassador, showcasing a dynamic synergy between medicine and sports.

We extend our sincere thanks to LMSTW for their thoughtful organization of the event, and we look forward to more discussions that balance science and aesthetics in the evolving field of pigmentation and laser therapy.