Laser Treatment for Clear Skin in Korea – Treat Freckles and Age Spots
Hello, this is Hev Dermatology.
This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act and was created by a medical institution operated by a board-certified dermatologist at Hev Clinic, with the consent of the patient who received treatment.
It is not intended to emphasize treatment effects or personal treatment experiences, but rather to provide general information about dermatology and aesthetic procedures.
The photos used in this post meet the following conditions:
- The same individual appears in both the before and after photos.
- The dates when the photos were taken before and after treatment are specified.
- The photos were taken under the same conditions.
This post provides various medical information, including possible side effects that may occur from the procedure. In accordance with Article 56, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 7 of the Medical Service Act, diagnoses and treatment results may vary depending on the individual, and both effects and side effects may differ from person to person.
※ This article was written directly by the director of Hev Clinic for the purpose of providing information about dermatologic and aesthetic procedures.
Case Overview (Before & After)
I enjoy a wide range of procedures—such as lifting, nasolabial fold and forehead fillers, delicate areas like eyelids and neck wrinkles, and collagen-boosting injectables like Juvellook or Radiesse. But one treatment I find especially rewarding is laser removal for pigmentation—including melasma, freckles, and dark spots.
Why Pico Toning Isn’t Always Enough
For many people, Pico Toning is the best-known treatment for pigmentation.
Pico toning works by delivering ultra-short pulses (in picoseconds) that break pigment into tiny particles in a gentle, even way, helping minimize damage to the surrounding skin.
Because of that, the risk of pigment spreading or getting worse is generally low.
It can sound like the “perfect” option—simple and safe.
However, in real life, Pico Toning alone is often not strong enough for pigmentation that’s already deeply set or heavily accumulated—such as older dark spots, stubborn melasma, nevi, or dense freckles. In these cases, standard pico settings may not produce the clear improvement you’re hoping for.
Patient (Before Treatment)
This patient, a woman in her mid-40s, visited us with a dark spot on her left cheek—about the size of a 100-won coin.
Unfortunately, she had already tried around 10 pigmentation laser sessions at another clinic, but this particular spot didn’t improve.
When she asked about it, she was told that a different laser would be required, and that the clinic couldn’t treat it. Understandably, she felt disappointed and discouraged.
Before vs. After
In the before-and-after photos, you can see that the pigmentation was successfully removed and the overall skin tone looks brighter and clearer. With the addition of skin boosters, her redness and sensitivity also gradually improved—supporting a more fundamental, long-term skin recovery.
Real Skin Rejuvenation Starts with the Cause
Pigmentation is often a sign that the skin is overworked and “storing” aging-related buildup. So if we only lighten the color without addressing the overall skin condition, it’s common to see the pigment come back.
That’s why pigmentation treatment for melasma, freckles, dark spots, and nevi is never one-size-fits-all. There’s a wide range of laser options, and every case requires a different strategy. If you browse our posts, you’ll see just how varied these stories can be.
To be honest, treating melasma, freckles, and dark spots can be truly challenging—and that’s normal. Some patients come to us after 10, 20, or even 50 sessions elsewhere with little improvement.
In my experience, the best approach is to start at a clinic with strong pigmentation expertise so the treatment plan is accurate from the beginning—and you can see real progress, safely.
Thank you.
