ABNOM does not disappear after just one or two sessions. Because the fragmented pigment needs time to clear, a long-term plan of about 1–2 years is usually required. In a published study of Korean patients, sessions were spaced several weeks apart and repeated over time, rather than completed in one visit.
ABNOM
ABNOM
Did you think it was melasma?
Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules (ABNOM) is a condition in which pigment sits mainly deep within the dermis. Many people mistake it for melasma and keep receiving toning sessions aimed at melasma.
How It Differs from Melasma
Melasma usually has indistinct borders and may vary in intensity depending on your condition, while ABNOM appears as relatively well-defined gray-brown spots that occur symmetrically and do not disappear on their own over time. In a tissue biopsy, ABNOM shows pigment cells scattered in the upper and middle dermis, which melasma lesions do not have.
Bumps around the eyes are another pair that looks alike but differs in depth — see milia vs syringoma.
The Importance of Diagnosis
Because pigment deep in the dermis calls for strong energy, an accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist comes before any treatment. Melasma and ABNOM usually call for different approaches, so dermoscopy is one of the tools used to tell them apart.
How is ABNOM treated?
ABNOM pigment sits mainly deep in the dermis, so treatment follows an order: a dermatologist first identifies the type and depth of the pigment, a laser then breaks it into fine particles, and the body’s immune cells clear it away. It does not disappear in one session, so progress is checked and treatment is repeated at 4–8 week intervals, and a long-term plan of about 1–2 years is usually required. The specific plan is set at the consultation after diagnosis.
| Step | What we do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Precision Diagnosis | A skin analyzer and a specialist’s examination identify the type and depth of the pigment to confirm ABNOM. Under the microscope, ABNOM shows pigment cells scattered in the upper and middle dermis, which melasma lesions do not have, and dermoscopy is one of the tools used to tell them apart. | PMC2816902 · PMC8944292 |
| High-Power Breakdown | A target-focused laser aims at the melanin pigment deep in the dermis and breaks it into fine particles. | — |
| Natural Clearance | The body’s immune cells (phagocytes) are allowed to clear away the finely fragmented pigment on their own. | — |
| Repeat Sessions | Progress is checked at 4–8 week intervals and the energy is adjusted to the rate at which the pigment fades. A long-term plan of about 1–2 years is usually required, and in a published study of Korean patients, sessions were spaced several weeks apart and repeated. | PMC2861240 |
This summarizes the guidance in the ‘Treatment Roadmap’ and ‘Our Promise to Patients’ sections below on this page. Progress differs from person to person. The plan is explained at a consultation.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
The Other’s ABNOM Treatment Roadmap
The Other aims to finely break down deep pigment clusters while keeping skin irritation low,
through step-by-step high-powered treatment.
01 Precision Diagnosis
Skin Analyzer & Dermatologist Visual Examination
We identify the type and depth of pigmentation to confirm ABNOM.
02 High-Power Breakdown
Target-Focused Laser
We target the melanin pigment located deep within the dermis and break it into fine particles.
03 Natural Clearance
Macrophage Cleansing Process
We allow the body’s immune cells to naturally clear away the finely fragmented pigment particles.
04 Repeat Sessions
Periodic Progress Check
At 4–8 week intervals, we precisely adjust the energy according to the rate at which the pigmentation fades.
Our Promise to Patients
We Review Progress Together.
At each visit we check the state of the pigment and adjust the next step of the plan. Progress may differ from person to person.
A Plan That Fits Your Routine.
What to expect on the skin after each session and what to take care of day to day are explained in consultation, and the plan is set around your schedule.
Self-Check
What condition is my pigmentation in?
Small, pea-sized gray-brown spots are clustered around the cheekbones, nose bridge, or temples.
They appeared suddenly after puberty or in adulthood and have gradually become darker.
I have had melasma toning for a long time, but the spots have not changed much.
The depth of the pigmentation stays consistent regardless of my condition or the season.
Someone in my family has similar-looking spots.