What kinds of birthmarks can be treated

• Pigmented birthmarks: e.g., café-au-lait spots (light brown patches), Mongolian spots (bluish-grey), nevus of Ota/Ito (bluish/grey around eye or cheek).
• Vascular birthmarks: e.g., port-wine stains, hemangiomas (red/purple vascular growths).
• Small raised lesions or moles may also be addressed (though these may be treated differently).

  Treatment methods & how they work

• Laser therapy is the primary method in Korea for both pigmented and vascular birthmarks. The laser wavelength is selected to target pigment (melanin) in pigmented marks or hemoglobin in vascular marks.
• For pigmented marks: Q-switched lasers (Nd:YAG, Ruby, Alexandrite) are commonly used.
• For vascular types: Pulsed Dye Lasers (PDL), vascular-specific lasers are used.
• Surgical excision may be considered if the birthmark is large, deep, textured, or not responsive to lasers.
• Treatment usually requires multiple sessions for deeper or larger marks.

  Typical costs in Seoul

  Based on current Korean market data:

• Small/light pigmented birthmark (laser): approx ₩ 50,000 – ₩ 150,000 per session.
• Medium pigmented or simple vascular marks: approx ₩ 150,000 – ₩ 300,000+ per session.
• Large/complex vascular birthmarks or surgical excision: could be ₩ 300,000 – ₩ 700,000+ or more depending on size and method.
• Note: Multiple sessions increase total cost; package plans may be available.

  What to ask / check before proceeding

• Verify the type of birthmark (pigmented vs vascular) and get an explanation of why a specific laser or method is chosen.
• Ask about number of sessions expected, downtime, and realistic results (complete removal vs fading).
• Confirm the clinic uses certified/approved laser equipment and that the doctor is board-certified in dermatology or laser dermatology.
• Unsafe or over-hyped promises should be scrutinised: removal may leave light scarring, pigment changes, or may require maintenance.
• For pigmented lesions especially, avoid heavy sun exposure before and after treatment (to reduce risk of hyper/hypo-pigmentation).
• Clarify after-care instructions: e.g., sunscreen use, gentle skin care, avoiding picking at crusts or scabs.

  After-care & what to expect

• Immediately after a laser session you may have redness, swelling, mild crusting or slight darkening of the mark. This usually resolves in a few days.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (SPF 50+ recommended) especially on treated area to prevent pigmentation changes.
• Avoid tanning, strong exfoliants, and sunburn for at least 2-4 weeks post-treatment.
• Do not pick or scratch the treated area (risk of scarring or pigment shift).
• You may need follow-up sessions every 4-6 weeks until the doctor says the result is maxed out.
• Results vary: in some cases full removal may not be possible; realistic aim is significant fading and improved skin-tone uniformity.

  Why Seoul / Korea is a favorable option

• Clinics in Seoul use state-of-the-art laser technologies and have specialists experienced with birthmark removal.
• Cost in Korea may be more competitive compared to many Western countries for equivalent equipment and expertise.
• International-friendly services (English-speaking staff, medical tourism support) are increasingly common in Seoul.