Which peel is right for my concern?
Three options at our clinic: LALA Peel (lactic / AHA + soothing mask), Jessner's Peel (salicylic + lactic + resorcinol), and Biopeel (body-specific). Active acne and PIH → Jessner's. Texture refinement and mild brightening → LALA. Body skin (back acne, follicular keratosis) → Biopeel. Established melasma, ice-pick scars, or deep photoaging are routed to topical pharmacotherapy, fractional resurfacing, or vascular laser hubs.
Do you offer TCA, PRX-T33, or Cosmelan?
No. We do not offer TCA medium-depth, PRX-T33, or Cosmelan at this clinic. Our scope is gentle superficial Korean peel only — LALA Peel, Jessner's Peel, Biopeel. Patients seeking those protocols are routed to alternative clinics. Established melasma is typically better served by topical pharmacotherapy + strict sun protection.
Will a peel work for my ice-pick, boxcar, or rolling acne scars?
No — superficial peels do not resolve atrophic acne scars. Ice-pick scars are the specific indication for TCA CROSS (we do not offer). Boxcar and rolling scars require subcision + fractional CO2, fractional erbium glass, or RF microneedling. We route to those hubs where scar revision is the actual indication.
Can I complete a course in a single Seoul trip?
Single-session is single-trip viable. Full 4-6 session course at 2-4 week intervals is NOT — start the course on this trip and continue at a competent home dermatologist, or plan 2-3 trips spaced 4-12 weeks apart.
What is the most serious risk?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in FST III-VI — PIH odds ratio is documented ~5x higher in FST VI even with superficial peels, peaking 2-4 weeks and persisting up to 12 weeks. Conservative concentration, optional priming, and strict daily SPF 50+ reduce risk. We do not offer the higher-risk medium-depth protocols.
I'm Fitzpatrick V or VI — what peels are safe for me?
Superficial-only protocols with conservative concentrations. Optional pre-peel priming (hydroquinone or retinoid 2-4 weeks) + strict daily SPF 50+. We prefer lactic-based LALA over glycolic in darker skin. Jessner's at the lower-concentration end. We do not offer TCA / PRX / Cosmelan in FST V-VI.
How is peeling different from laser resurfacing?
Different mechanism. Peels produce uniform chemical injury; lasers target specific chromophores (melanin, oxyhemoglobin, water) with controlled spot sizes. For active acne and PIH, superficial peels are often first-line. For deep textural scars or photoaging, fractional laser or RF microneedling outperforms peels. For melasma, neither is curative — chronic topical therapy + sun protection is the foundation.
How long do results last?
Texture and acne-PIH improvements are typically durable with daily SPF 50+ and standard skincare. New UV exposure, hormonal triggers, and acne flares can produce new concerns — maintenance every 6-12 months is common. We frame results as 'durable with maintenance,' not 'permanent.'
How is peeling priced?
Quoted at consultation. Single-session and 4-6 session course options. We quote in writing per Korean cosmetic-medicine convention.
Can I combine peel and laser in the same session?
Sometimes — superficial peels can combine with gentle laser toning (low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG, Genesis) same session or 1-2 weeks apart in FST III-V. Planned at consult, not stacked by request.
Are peels safe during pregnancy?
No published safety data for elective peeling during pregnancy or lactation — all elective peels are deferred. Salicylic acid in Jessner's is a systemic-absorption concern. Postpartum melasma and acne PIH are common — we can start topical therapy (azelaic, vitamin C, niacinamide) and add peels after breastfeeding ends.