Sun spots are among the most treatable forms of pigment, but they still carry risks if handled carelessly. This guide explains your options in Seoul and how to avoid temporary darkening.
Sun spots (solar lentigines) are flat brown spots caused by years of UV exposure, and they usually respond well to light and laser treatment. In Korea the common choices are IPL photofacial, which darkens spots so they flake off in 5–7 days, and picosecond-based toning for gradual fading. The main risk is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, temporary darkening that is more likely with tanned or darker skin or poor sun protection. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, IPL starts from ₩89,000 per full-face session (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What are sun spots?
Sun spots, also called age spots, liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, well-defined brown patches that appear on skin with a long history of sun exposure: the cheeks, temples, forehead, backs of the hands and the décolletage. They usually start appearing from the 30s or 40s and slowly become larger or darker over time.
Unlike melasma, sun spots are not strongly driven by hormones, and unlike freckles, they do not fade much in winter. The pigment sits mainly in the upper layers of the skin, which is why they often respond well to treatment. See our sun spots and age spots page for a summary.
Is it really a sun spot? Why a doctor checks first
Several types of brown mark can look alike to the untrained eye: sun spots, freckles, melasma, seborrheic keratoses (raised "barnacle" spots) and, rarely, skin cancers such as lentigo maligna. A spot that is changing, irregular in color or border, itchy, bleeding or different from your other spots should be examined before any laser is used. A licensed doctor looks closely at each lesion and, if anything is unusual, recommends further assessment rather than treatment. Read pigmentation types explained for how these differ.
Laser and light treatments for sun spot removal in Korea
| Option | How it works | Downtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL photofacial | Filtered pulsed light absorbed by brown pigment and small vessels | Spots darken and flake for 5–7 days | Multiple scattered sun spots with some redness |
| Pico toning | Low-energy picosecond pulses across the face | None to mild redness | Sun spots mixed with melasma or dull tone |
| Laser toning | Low-energy Q-switched Nd:YAG across the face | None | Gentle overall brightening |
| CO2 laser (raised spots) | Precise removal layer by layer | 5–10 days under a patch | Raised seborrheic keratoses |
For flat, clearly defined sun spots, IPL is often the most efficient first choice because one session can treat many spots across the face. If you also have melasma, your doctor may prefer a gentler toning series to avoid stirring it up. Raised spots that look like sun spots are often seborrheic keratoses, which are usually removed with a CO2 laser instead; see mole and skin tag removal.
Understanding pigmentation risks
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is temporary darkening that can appear a few weeks after treatment when the skin responds to heat or inflammation by producing more pigment. It is more likely with darker skin tones, a recent tan, overly strong settings, or sun exposure soon after treatment. PIH usually fades over weeks to months, helped by sun protection and, where appropriate, topical treatment.
Hypopigmentation
Rarely, overly aggressive or very frequent treatment can leave lighter spots. This is one reason Korean toning protocols use low energy and space sessions apart.
Melasma flare
If melasma is present but not recognized, a strong pigment treatment can make it look worse. A careful diagnosis before treatment is the best protection.
Who is a good candidate for sun spot removal?
Usually a good fit
- Flat, well-defined brown spots confirmed as sun spots
- Untanned skin at the time of treatment
- People who can schedule 5–7 days of flaking (for IPL)
- Commitment to daily sunscreen afterward
Talk to the doctor first
- Any spot that is new, changing or irregular
- A tan, recent sunburn or upcoming beach holiday
- Melasma or previous dark marks after laser
- Pregnancy or photosensitizing medication
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. The doctor examines each spot and confirms which treatment, if any, is appropriate.
- Cleansing and eye protection. Makeup is removed and eye shields are fitted.
- Treatment. For IPL, cool gel is applied and flashes are delivered across the area; spots may darken immediately.
- Soothing. Cooling settles warmth and redness.
- Sun protection. Sunscreen is applied before you leave, and written aftercare is provided.
Results and aftercare after sun spot removal
After IPL, treated spots usually look darker for a few days, then flake off over about a week to reveal lighter skin. Some spots clear in one session; others need two or three. Toning results are more gradual.
- Do not pick or scrub darkened spots.
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer for the first week.
- Avoid saunas and very hot baths for 1–2 days.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply outdoors for at least several weeks.
See aftercare after laser treatment and IPL photofacial results.
Heading somewhere sunny next? If your trip continues to a beach destination, tell your doctor. Fresh treatment and strong sun are a poor mix, and it may be better to treat at the end of your travels. Read sun protection after laser.
Sun spots on the hands, neck and décolletage
Sun spots are not only a facial concern. The backs of the hands, the sides of the neck and the upper chest are often among the most sun-damaged areas of the body, and spots there can make skin look older than the face. IPL can be used on these areas, although the skin on the neck and chest is thinner and heals more slowly than facial skin, so doctors usually choose more conservative settings.
Because body skin renews more slowly, darkened spots may take a little longer to flake off than on the face, sometimes up to two weeks. Treated areas need the same careful sun protection; the hands in particular are easy to forget when applying sunscreen. If you plan to treat the décolletage, wear loose clothing that does not rub the area on treatment day.
Many people combine sun spot removal with treatments that improve skin quality in the same area, such as a hydrating skin booster on the neck or décolletage, but this should be planned by your doctor so the skin is not overloaded at once. See our décolletage treatments and hand treatments pages for the options available.
Preventing new sun spots
The most effective prevention is consistent sun protection: daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapplication outdoors, hats and shade. Antioxidant serums can be a helpful addition, but they do not replace sunscreen.
How much does sun spot removal cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Coverage | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| IPL photofacial, 1 session | Full face | ₩89,000 |
| IPL photofacial, 1 session | Full face and neck | ₩139,000 |
| IPL photofacial, 1 session | Full face and décolletage | ₩159,000 |
| IPL photofacial, 3 sessions | Full face | ₩239,000 |
| Pico toning, 1 session | Full face | ₩69,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see VAT refund on cosmetic procedures. See the IPL photofacial price page.
Planning sun spot removal around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Share your dates through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Treat on day two or later so your skin is not dehydrated from the flight.
- Allow a week for flaking. Book IPL early in your stay if you have photos or events planned.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2); see location and directions.
Frequently asked questions
Can sun spots be removed in one session?
Some sun spots clear after one IPL session, but many people need two or three sessions three to four weeks apart for the best result.
Will sun spots come back after laser?
Treated spots often stay lighter, but new spots can form with continued sun exposure. Daily sunscreen is the best way to protect results.
What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
It is temporary darkening that can appear after laser or light treatment, especially on tanned or darker skin. It usually fades over weeks to months with sun protection.
Is IPL safe for Asian skin?
IPL can be used on many Asian skin types when settings are adjusted carefully and the skin is untanned. Your doctor assesses your skin type and may test a small area first.
Can raised brown spots be treated with IPL?
Raised spots are often seborrheic keratoses, which respond better to precise CO2 laser removal than to IPL. A doctor confirms what they are first.
How much does sun spot removal cost in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, full-face IPL starts from ₩89,000 per session, and a 3-session course is ₩239,000, excluding 10% VAT.
Planning sun spot removal in Seoul?
Share your travel dates and concerns. A doctor examines every spot in person, explains the safest option in English and confirms your price before treatment.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.