Laser, Pigment & Acne
Melasma & Pigmentation in Seoul
Pigmentation treatment at The Heal Dermatology Clinic Dongdaemun, Seoul, begins with a Mark-Vu diagnosis, after which PicoWay, StarWalker, V-Beam and BBL are combined specifically for the layers of pigment, and the vascular component of melasma, found in each individual case.
Melasma & Pigmentation (기미 / 잡티 / 색소) at The Heal Dermatology Clinic Dongdaemun, Seoul, starts at ₩150,000 for PicoWay toning, 1 session. Mark-Vu diagnosis, then PicoWay, StarWalker, V-Beam and BBL combined one-to-one for melasma and every layer of pigment. Every treatment is planned and performed by a board-certified dermatologist, with English consultation available.
- Clinic: The Heal Dermatology Clinic Dongdaemun, Seoul (Cheongnyangni Station, Exit 6)
- Performed by: board-certified dermatologists; medical director Dr. Byoungyong Koh
- Device / product: PicoWay (Candela), StarWalker MaQX, V-Beam Perfecta, V-Laser, BBL, Azure CO2; Mark-Vu diagnosis
- Price: PicoWay toning, 1 session ₩150,000 (KRW, before 10% VAT)
- Location & booking: 2F Hillstate Cheongnyangni The First, Seoul, Exit 6 of Cheongnyangni Station; book in English on WhatsApp +82 10-8110-3469, same-day treatment usually possible
- Clinical photos: before & after cases (patient consent obtained, eyes pixelated)
- Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr. Byoungyong Koh, board-certified dermatologist, Medical Director, The Heal Dermatology Clinic Dongdaemun
| Korean name | 기미 / 잡티 / 색소 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device / product | PicoWay (Candela), StarWalker MaQX, V-Beam Perfecta, V-Laser, BBL, Azure CO2; Mark-Vu diagnosis | ||||||||||||||
| Regulatory status | All devices FDA-cleared or KFDA approved | ||||||||||||||
| Price |
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Who it suits
- Melasma, including cases that got worse after treatment elsewhereIts vascular and pigment components are addressed as two separate problems.
- Freckles, sun spots, age spots or lentiginesPicoWay and StarWalker are matched to the specific lesion type.
- Uneven skin tone combined with rednessBoth tone and redness are improved within the same treatment programme.
What it does
Pigment issues are not all the same problem. Melasma carries a vascular element and sits at a different depth in the skin than freckles or age spots do, which is why the same laser that treats a sun spot effectively can actually worsen melasma. For that reason, the clinic's pigmentation treatment starts with Mark-Vu, a skin analyser that records skin type alongside pigmentary lesions, so pigment that is not visible to the naked eye is mapped out before any laser is selected.
How it is planned here
The approach rests on three elements. First, an accurate Mark-Vu diagnosis. Second, internationally proven lasers used in combination — PicoWay picosecond toning for the pigment itself, StarWalker MaQX for beam quality, V-Beam Perfecta and V-Laser for melasma's vascular factor, BBL for diffuse tone and Azure CO2 for raised lesions. Third, medical skincare — the clinic's own whitening programme with LDM, Ionzyme and CryoCell — to finish the treatment and help prevent rebound. Dr. Koh's video on removing lentigines sets out which option suits which type of lesion.
What to expect
Toning itself requires no downtime, though spot-treated lesions form a scab for five to seven days. Melasma programmes are deliberately conservative — they run ten sessions or more at two-week intervals specifically to avoid causing hypo- or hyperpigmentation — and strict sun protection is treated as part of the treatment itself, not an optional add-on.
Questions
Can melasma be cured?
It can be controlled and markedly lightened; it is a chronic condition and maintenance is needed.
Why not just laser it off?
Over-treating melasma causes rebound and blotchy hypopigmentation, which is harder to fix than the original. The programme is built to avoid that.
Will it work on dark skin?
Yes. Picosecond toning and the vascular lasers are safe across skin types when the settings follow the Mark-Vu skin-type reading.
Why does the clinic scan my skin before choosing a laser?
Pigment, redness and pores look similar from the outside but sit at different depths and have different causes. The Mark-Vu scan shows what is under the surface, so the laser and settings are chosen for your skin rather than by guesswork. The wrong laser can make melasma worse.
Will laser treatment work on my skin tone?
Yes. Picosecond toning, vascular lasers and BBL are used safely across skin types when settings follow the skin-type reading; the dermatologist adjusts energy for darker or tanned skin and may do a test spot first.
How much downtime should I expect?
Toning and V-Beam: none to a day of mild redness. Spot treatment of sun spots: a small scab for five to seven days. Fractional resurfacing: pinkness and flaking for two to four days. You will be told exactly what to expect before you decide.
How many sessions does pigment take?
Freckles and sun spots often improve in one to three sessions. Melasma is controlled rather than cured and needs a programme of ten sessions or more at two-week intervals, plus sun protection. The clinic will tell you honestly if your trip is too short for a melasma programme.
Can acne be treated during one visit to Seoul?
A diagnosis, a first treatment session and a prescription can all happen on one visit. Active acne improves over six to twelve weeks on medication, which can continue at home.
All frequently asked questions →
The information on this page is general and is not medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a dermatologist. Every procedure carries risk, suitability differs between individuals and an outcome cannot be guaranteed. Prices are list prices in Korean won, exclude VAT where it applies, and are confirmed at consultation.
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Consultation is with a board-certified dermatologist. Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk in English with what you want to change and how long you will be in Seoul; an interpreter is arranged when needed.