Pico laser
For flat lentigines: picosecond pulses fragment pigment finely with less heat, suitable for many skin tones.
Pigmentation & Brightening
Age Spot Removal in Gangnam, Seoul
Careful removal of age spots at Nest Clinic — our women doctors first confirm each spot is benign, then choose pico, Q-switched or CO2 laser depending on whether it is flat or raised.
1–2
sessions for most age spots
A
How are age spots removed?
Flat age spots (lentigines) are usually treated with pigment lasers such as pico or Q-switched Nd:YAG, often clearing visibly after 1–2 sessions. Raised, rough spots (seborrhoeic keratoses) are typically removed with a CO2 laser. Expect small crusts or a scab for about 7–10 days. At Nest Clinic every spot is examined first, and any suspicious lesion is referred for biopsy. New spots can develop over time; results vary.
- Sessions
- 1–2 for most spots
- Downtime
- Crusts or scabs for 7–10 days
- Treatment time
- About 15–30 minutes
- Onset
- Clearer as crusts shed, 1–2 weeks
- Recurrence
- New spots can form with age and UV
- Anesthesia
- Numbing cream or local anaesthetic
Understanding age spots
Two types, two treatments
'Age spots' is a broad term. Most are flat solar lentigines — larger, darker versions of sun spots caused by years of UV exposure. Others are seborrhoeic keratoses: slightly raised, rough or waxy brown growths that become common after forty and are benign.
Flat and raised spots need different lasers, so identifying them correctly is essential. Age spots can sit alongside melasma or general uneven skin tone, which need gentler care.
Signs of age spots
- Brown spots larger than freckles on the face or hands
- Spots that have slowly darkened or grown over years
- Slightly raised, rough or 'stuck-on' brown patches
- Located on long-term sun-exposed areas
- Appeared mainly after your forties
Any spot that changes quickly, bleeds, itches or has irregular borders or colours needs a medical check — we will refer for biopsy rather than treat it cosmetically.
Our approach
The right laser for each spot
Your doctor examines every spot and chooses the treatment by type, depth and skin tone.
Q-switched Nd:YAG
Precise nanosecond pulses lighten flat spots; small crusts form and lift within about a week.
CO2 laser removal
For raised seborrhoeic keratoses: the CO2 laser gently vaporises the growth layer by layer under local anaesthetic.
Laser toning
When age spots coexist with melasma or skin darkening, low-energy toning evens the background tone.
Healing & protection
LDM calming care, healing ointment and daily sunscreen support recovery and help prevent new spots.
What to expect
Clearer, fresher skin
Drag the handle to compare. Treated spots lift away with a small crust, leaving a more even complexion as skin heals.
↔
Before
After 4 wks
Illustration for explanation only — not a patient photograph. Individual results vary; real case photos are shown during your consultation.
Is it right for you?
Good candidates
- Flat brown spots on the face, neck or hands
- Raised, benign 'stuck-on' brown growths
- Spots that have darkened over the years
- Visitors able to stay 7–10 days while crusts heal, or care for them at home
Spots with any warning features are examined first and referred for biopsy when needed.
Safety first
Possible side effects
Redness, crusting and a light scab are expected and usually heal within 7–10 days; after CO2 removal the area may stay pink for several weeks. Uncommon risks include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, lighter patches, infection and, rarely, a small scar after deeper removal.
We reduce risk with conservative settings, appropriate depth for each lesion, sterile technique and clear wound-care and sun-protection instructions.
We do not treat suspicious lesions cosmetically, and we avoid laser on freshly tanned skin, during pregnancy, or with active infection.
Your visit
How treatment works at Nest Clinic
Spot examination
Each spot is checked to confirm it is benign.
Laser plan
Pigment laser or CO2, chosen by type.
Anaesthesia
Numbing cream or local injection.
Treatment
About 15–30 minutes.
Wound care
Ointment, dressing advice and sunscreen.
Medical reviewer · Medical Doctor
Dr. Hee-in Song
Dr. Song graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine and is a member of Korean societies for laser, skin and hair medicine and aesthetic medicine. She focuses on skin-quality treatments — lasers, acne and pigmentation care. Nest Clinic is led entirely by women doctors, with one-to-one consultations.
Seoul National Univ. College of Medicine
Korean Society for Laser, Skin & Hair
Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery
Korean Academy of Facial Filler
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Hee-in Song in October 2026. It is for general information and does not replace an in-person diagnosis.
FAQ
Age Spots questions, answered
Are age spots dangerous?
Most are benign, but some skin cancers can look similar. That is why our doctors examine each spot first and refer any with warning signs for biopsy.
How many sessions do I need?
Flat spots usually need 1–2 sessions about 4 weeks apart. Raised spots are often removed in a single CO2 session.
What is the downtime?
Small crusts or scabs form and fall off within 7–10 days. The skin may stay pink for a few weeks, especially after CO2 removal.
Can I fly home with healing spots?
Yes. Keep them moist with ointment and covered from sun. Your doctor will give written aftercare you can follow at home.
Will age spots come back?
A removed spot rarely returns in the same form, but new spots can appear with ongoing sun exposure and age. Daily sunscreen and occasional review help.
Can you treat age spots on my hands?
Yes. Hand spots respond to the same lasers, though healing can take a little longer. Pairing with hand fillers
can also restore volume.
Related treatments
Explore pigmentation care
Consultation
Plan your age spot removal
Send a close-up photo on WhatsApp for a first opinion in English, then book a skin examination with our doctors.
Nest Clinic Gangnam · 4F–5F Seocho Building, 453 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 7 · Gangnam Station Exit 10
Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun closed
Results differ from person to person. All medical procedures carry potential risks and side effects; a doctor will explain them before treatment. Information on this page is educational and not a substitute for a personal medical consultation.
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