Choosing a laser for pigment and marks, in plain English
This group covers lasers and light that target color in the skin, such as brown spots, red vessels, tattoo ink, and moles. The right choice depends on what color is being treated and how deep it sits. Use this page to learn the basic terms before you write to a clinic.
How to choose
What color you want to treat
Brown, red, and dark ink respond to different wavelengths. Tell the doctor exactly what you see.
Your skin tone and recent sun
A tan or deeper skin tone can raise the chance of dark marks after laser. Say so early.
How many visits you can fit
Most options need several visits. Ask for a range and how far apart they are.
Downtime
Spot work may leave scabs for a week or more. Gentle toning usually leaves little. Ask what to expect on your face.
Diagnosis before treatment
A new or changing mole should be checked by a doctor before removal. Ask whether tissue will be tested.
Laser & Pigment treatments compared
| Treatment | Often chosen for | Works on | Time | Downtime | Sessions | At English Skin Clinic Seoul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Toning | Uneven tone and mild overall discoloration | Low-energy laser pulses at the skin, usually with little downtime | about 10-20 minutes | little to none; mild redness possible | often 5-10 sessions, 1-2 weeks apart; varies by person | from ₩70,000 |
| Pico Laser | Pigment spots and some scars | Very short pulses that break pigment into small pieces | about 15-30 minutes | from none to about 1 week of small scabs for spot treatment | 1 to several sessions depending on the concern | from ₩200,000 |
| IPL Photofacial | Sun spots, mild redness, and general tone | Broad-spectrum light that acts in the upper layers | about 20-30 minutes | little; spots may darken for about 1 week | often 3-5 sessions, about 3-4 weeks apart | On consultation |
| Vascular Laser for Redness | Visible red vessels and persistent facial redness | Laser light absorbed by blood in small vessels | about 15-30 minutes | mild redness or swelling for 1-3 days; bruising possible with some settings | often 2-5 sessions, about 3-6 weeks apart; varies by person | On consultation |
| Laser Tattoo Removal | Tattoo ink that you want lighter or gone | Short, strong pulses that shatter ink in deeper layers | about 10-30 minutes depending on size | about 1-2 weeks of redness, crusting or blistering; varies by person | often several to 10 or more sessions, about 6-8 weeks apart; varies by ink and skin | On consultation |
| Mole & Skin Lesion Removal | Small skin growths such as moles or skin tags | Laser removal of surface tissue, often with local anesthesia | about 10-30 minutes depending on the number of spots | about 1-2 weeks of small scabs; a protective patch is often used | usually 1; a follow-up session is sometimes needed | On consultation |
| Carbon Laser Peel | Dull, oily skin and enlarged-looking pores | A dark lotion and laser pulses that act on the surface | about 20-30 minutes | little to none; mild redness possible | often 3-6 sessions, about 2-4 weeks apart; varies by person | On consultation |
Times, downtime and sessions are typical ranges and vary by person. Prices are in Korean won and exclude 10% VAT. The final amount is confirmed after consultation and depends on the area and dosage. Listed prices are valid until 31 December 2026.
When a doctor may advise waiting
- Anyone with a new, changing, bleeding, or irregular mole should see a doctor before choosing any removal.
- People who have a fresh tan, or are using certain acne medicines, may need to delay.
- Pregnancy is a common reason to postpone laser pigment work. Tell the doctor.
Laser & Pigment: common questions
Which laser is right for melasma?
Melasma can come back and can worsen with heat. Ask the doctor to explain the plan and how recurrence will be handled.
How do I describe my spot in English?
Say where it is, how long it has been there, and whether it changed. Send clear photos in daylight.
Why do I need sun protection?
Sun can darken treated skin and bring pigment back. Ask for written sun-care steps.
Book a consultation at English Skin Clinic Seoul
Send your preferred date, the concern you want to discuss and a recent photo if you like. Our coordinators reply in English, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Thai.
WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, LINE, WeChat and phone contacts appear here once the partner clinic is connected.
- Area
- Gangnam Station, Gangnam
- Nearest station
- Gangnam Station (Line 2 / Shinbundang Line)
- Mon - Fri
- 10:30 - 20:00
- Sat
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sun
- 11:00 - 16:00 (coordinator messages only)
- Public holidays
- Closed