Pigmentation Care

Melasma Treatment in Seoul

Melasma is not just a dark spot problem. It is chronic, reactive, and easy to worsen with the wrong intensity. This page is built around realistic planning, not overpromising instant clearing.

Board-Certified

Dermatologist

AAD International Fellow

IFAAD

FDA-cleared

Where applicable

MFDS-registered

Korean MoH&W

Reviewed personally by Dr. SangYoul Yun

Board-certified Dermatologist · AAD International Fellow (IFAAD) · IFAAD-verified

Overview

Specialist-led melasma treatment in Korea for chronic pigmentation therapy, laser options, and recurrence management by a board-certified dermatologist.

Best for

melasma and diffuse facial pigmentation
sun-reactive discoloration
patients who were previously irritated by strong laser settings

Suited for

patients with recurring pigmentation
travelers comparing Seoul pigmentation clinics
patients wanting medically guided laser planning

Duration

Consultation 30-45 min

Spectra toning session 15-30 min

Sessions

Topical + oral baseline 6-8 weeks first

Then 5-10 weekly toning

Maintenance every 4-8 weeks

Downtime

Topical + oral: no downtime

Spectra toning: same-day return to non-strenuous activity

Peak result

Visible at month 3-6; maintenance ongoing indefinitely

Timeline

Week 1-2
No visible change. Photoprotection adherence established. Side-effect screening for TXA (GI upset, menstrual changes) and topical (mild erythema, dryness).
Week 4-6
Subtle uniformity improvement on photos. Most patients do not perceive change yet — normal.
Week 8-12
First Spectra sessions begin. Per-session change small; cumulative pattern softening becomes visible.
Month 3-6
Visible reduction on mMASI photographic comparison. Magnitude varies by subtype, trigger control, and adherence.
Month 6+
Topicals continued; oral TXA may be tapered per response. Maintenance toning every 4-8 weeks. Strict UV protection year-round.
Long-term
Relapse is the rule — about a quarter to a third of patients recur even with strongest therapy. Triggers: pregnancy, oral contraceptive restart, sun exposure, topical discontinuation.

Devices

Oral Tranexamic Acid — anti-fibrinolytic for melasma

Daiichi-Sankyo (originator) · Korean generics availableOff-label for melasma; originally MFDS / FDA-approved for menorrhagia

Key specs

: Plasminogen inhibitor — reduces UV-induced melanocyte stimulation
: Typical dose 250 mg twice daily for 3-6 months
: Mandatory clotting + retinal vascular screening before prescription
: Contraindicated in thrombophilia, prior VTE, retinal occlusion, seizure
: Caution in combined hormonal contraceptive + smoker > 35
: Stop 1 week before planned surgery; deferred in pregnancy / breastfeeding

Topical Hydroquinone 2-4% OR Azelaic Acid 15-20%

Compounded or commercial brandHydroquinone Rx-only in Korea; azelaic acid FDA-approved off-label for melasma

Key specs

: Hydroquinone blocks tyrosinase — limit to 6-8 weeks to avoid ochronosis
: Azelaic acid 15-20% safe for continuous long-term use
: Modified Kligman formula (HQ + tretinoin + steroid) for short course
: Topical TXA 5% as adjunct without systemic exposure
: Daily SPF 50+ broad-spectrum mandatory
: Cysteamine 5% as third-line for HQ-intolerant patients

Lutronic SPECTRA XT (Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm)

Lutronic Corp. (Korea)FDA-cleared, MFDS Class 3 (melasma indication)

Key specs

: Ultra-low fluence 1.0-1.4 J/cm² for Fitzpatrick III-V
: 7 mm spot, 8-10 passes per zone, weekly intervals
: Layered on working topical + oral baseline, never monotherapy
: Cumulative dose ledger reviewed before each session

Process

01
Pigmentation pattern and triggers are reviewed first.
02
The plan balances laser treatment, topical maintenance, and barrier protection.
03
Treatment intensity is matched to skin sensitivity and travel plans.
04
Maintenance and recurrence prevention are built into the consultation, not added later.

01
Pigmentation pattern and triggers are reviewed first.
02
The plan balances laser treatment, topical maintenance, and barrier protection.
03
Treatment intensity is matched to skin sensitivity and travel plans.
04
Maintenance and recurrence prevention are built into the consultation, not added later.

“Injectables and energy devices are performed by physicians — never delegated to non-physician staff. The clinic is led by a board-certified dermatologist.”
— Dr. SangYoul Yun · Clinic Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist · AAD IFAAD

Before / After

Pigmentation laser treatment — Before — Pigmentation laser treatment

Pigmentation laser treatment — After — Pigmentation laser treatment

🔒 Photos published only with prior written consent. Anonymized by default. You may revoke consent at any time.

Cases shown are Fitzpatrick III–IV (East Asian skin). Results in lighter (I–II) or darker (V–VI) skin types may differ — discussed at consultation.

Aftercare

Daily throughout course
SPF 50+ tinted broad-spectrum every 2-3h outdoors. Wide-brim hat. Avoid UV-A through window glass when driving.
Post-Spectra (Day 0-3)
Bland emollient 2-3x daily. Avoid sauna, hot showers, sweat-inducing exercise. No retinoids or strong actives 5-7 days post-session.
Weekly topical management
Continue hydroquinone or azelaic acid as prescribed. Topical TXA 5% layered if recommended. Cysteamine 5% for HQ-intolerant patients.
Monthly review
mMASI photo comparison. Adjust topical strength, taper TXA if stable, modify laser interval.
Long-term
Taper topicals to maintenance. Continue strict UV protection. Report any new dark patch, lichen-planus-like reaction, or systemic illness.

FAQ

Can melasma come back after treatment?

Yes. Good care focuses on reduction and control, not a false promise that pigmentation will never return.

Is melasma the same as freckles or dark spots?

No. Melasma behaves differently and often needs a different intensity and long-term plan.

Notice

Tell the dermatologist at consultation if any of the following apply.

TXA — Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or history of blood clot, kidney impairment, or active cancer treatment
TXA — Combined hormonal contraceptive plus smoker over age 35
Hydroquinone — Limit to 6-8 weeks. Deferred in pregnancy
Laser — Active HSV at the site (requires antiviral cover)
Laser — Recent isotretinoin within 1 month or recent tan/sunburn within 4 weeks
Atypical pigmented lesion — biopsy required before any laser treatment

For your visit

Bring details of prior laser sessions if you have them.
Strict sun care matters after treatment, especially if you are walking heavily outdoors in Seoul.
Do not judge pigmentation care only by how aggressive the first session feels.

References

The clinical claims on this page — device specs, efficacy timelines, safety profile — are supported by the primary sources below. Each citation links to the original paper or regulatory record.8 refs

[1]Oral tranexamic acid for melasma — large retrospective with relapse data. J Am Acad Dermatol (Lee oral TXA) (2016).
[2]Network meta-analysis ranking treatments for melasma. J Am Acad Dermatol (Ma) (2023).
[3]Q-switched Nd:YAG for melasma — systematic review of efficacy and safety. J Cosmet Dermatol (Lee) (2022).
[4]Oral tranexamic acid plus low-fluence Q-switched for melasma RCT. Dermatol Ther (Elkamshoushi) (2022).
[5]Low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG for melasma — prospective Korean. J Cosmet Laser Ther (Choi) (2018).
[6]Guttate hypomelanotic macules after low-fluence Q-switched. Australas J Dermatol (Wong) (2015).
[7]Tranexamic acid in melasma — narrative review of dosing and safety. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol (Bala) (2018).
[8]Low-fluence Q-switched toning — narrative review of complications. J Cosmet Dermatol (Shah) (2019).

Reviewed byDr. SangYoul Yun· Board-Certified Dermatologist · AAD International Fellow (IFAAD) · ASLMS Member · Former Director of Banobagi Dermatology· Last reviewed 2026-05-16

Related procedures

ProcedurePigmentation Treatment Seoul | Pico, Spectra & Genesis-Style ToningPigmentation and melasma treatment in Gangnam by a board-certified dermatologist. Pico, Hollywood Spectra, and Genesis-style toning protocols tuned for Asian skin (Fitzpatrick III–IV).

ProcedureHollywood Spectra in Seoul | Carbon Peel + Laser ToningHollywood Carbon Peel and laser toning in Gangnam — Lutronic SPECTRA XT (Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064/532 nm). Ultra-low-fluence protocol for Fitzpatrick III-V skin.

ProcedureGenesis Toning in Seoul | Long-Pulse Nd:YAG + AlexandriteGenesis Toning in Gangnam — multi-pass low-fluence long-pulse 1064nm Nd:YAG (Candela GentleMax Pro) for rosacea redness, photoaging, and pore refinement.

ProcedurePico Laser Seoul — Melasma, Freckles & Tattoo Pigment RemovalPicosecond laser in Seoul by a board-certified dermatologist for melasma, freckles, sun spots, post-acne pigmentation, and tattoo removal.

Notice: Individual results may vary depending on skin condition, treatment history, and recovery factors. All treatment plans are determined through individual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. The information on this page is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice or guarantee specific outcomes.

Next Step

Laser and pigment results depend on your skin type — a short message (a photo helps) tells us whether Melasma Treatment is the right protocol for you.

Even a short first message can help you check suitability, timing, and what to compare next before you book.

Contact

WhatsApp LINE KakaoTalk