What counts as “skin discoloration”?

• Dark patches, sunspots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after acne or injury
• Melasma (brown/gray patches especially on cheeks, forehead)
• Age spots / lentigines from sun exposure
• Uneven skin tone and dullness (less about single spots, more about diffuse change)
• Note: Lighter patches (hypopigmentation) or vitiligo are separate issues.

Why Korea is a good place for these treatments

• Advanced dermatology clinics with dedicated pigmentation protocols, especially for Asian/melanin-rich skin types.
• Wide range of technologies (lasers, peels, skin-boosters) plus strong aftercare culture.
• Many foreign-friendly clinics in Seoul with English support and transparent information.

Key Treatment Modalities

Here are the main types of treatments you’ll see, and what they do:

• Laser & Light-based treatments

• Pico lasers (ultra-short pulsed lasers for pigment fragmentation) are used for stubborn and deep pigment.
• Q-Switched Nd:YAG / Laser Toning: target melanin, break pigment clusters, even skin tone.
• Fractional resurfacing lasers: for combined texture + pigment cases.
• IPL (intense pulsed light): sometimes used for more superficial spots and tone‐improvement.

• Chemical Peels & Exfoliation

• Superficial to medium depth peels: remove pigmented cells, stimulate renewal.
• Regular exfoliation/dermal treatments help with diffuse discoloration and tone.

• Skin-Boosters, Topical & Internal Therapies

• Micro-injections / skin-boosters (glutathione, vitamin C, exosomes) for brightening support.
• Topical prescription agents (e.g., tranexamic acid, hydroquinone alternatives) to suppress pigment formation.

• Combined & layered protocols

• Many clinics adopt multi-modal plans: e.g., laser + peel + topical + booster-therapy.
• Maintenance and prevention (sun protection, skincare) are integral.

Treatment Planning: What to expect

• Consultation & diagnosis: Specialist dermatologist assesses type of pigmentation (melasma vs spots vs PIH), skin tone, depth, triggers.
• Customized plan: Based on severity and type, may recommend e.g., 3-10 sessions of laser, peels spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
• Costs (Seoul context): Wide range depending on tech & clinic tier. For example:
• Laser toning: ~ ₩200,000-₩600,000 per session.
• Pico laser for pigment: ~ ₩300,000-₩800,000 per session. Cheongdam Skin Clinic
• Chemical peels: ~ ₩80,000-₩300,000.
• Downtime & recovery: Usually minimal for lighter treatments; deeper peels/lasers may need more care.
• Results & maintenance: Many sessions required; pigment recurrence is possible if triggers (sun, hormones) persist.

Good Candidates vs What to Consider

✅ Good candidates:

• People with visible dark spots, uneven tone, sunspots, post-inflammatory marks
• Individuals ready for multi-session plans + good sun protection
• Those looking for non-surgical, dermatology-led treatments

⚠ What to check:

• For deep/chronic melasma (hormone-driven) may require long-term management rather than “one and done”.
• Skin tone matters: Melanin-rich skin needs careful settings to avoid new pigment or hypopigmentation. Many Korean clinics specialise in this.
• After-care & sun protection are key: Without these, pigment can return or worsen.
• Expect commitment (sessions + maintenance cost) rather than instant perfect clearance. Some reddit threads quote:
• 
  

“Many clinics offer a 'one day pigmentation' type package… but I’ve never heard of a single laser session costing several thousand dollars in Korea.”

Practical Tips & Checklist

• ✔ Ask about which laser/wavelength the clinic will use for your specific pigment type.
• ✔ Confirm doctor/dermatologist credentials, especially for melanin-rich skin safety.
• ✔ Get before & after photos of similar skin types.
• ✔ Ensure the clinic provides clear after-care instructions (sunblock, skincare, avoidance of triggers).
• ✔ Ask about package deals (multiple sessions) and what happens if pigment recurs.
• ✔ Always use a broad-spectrum SPF (SPF50+) and protective clothing—even during treatment period.
• ✔ Keep realistic expectations: improvement (not perfect) is likely; some residual pigment or maintenance may be needed.