Pico laser
Picosecond pulses break pigment into very fine particles with less heat, suiting many skin tones.
Pigmentation & Brightening
Sun Spot Removal in Gangnam, Seoul
Precise laser treatment for sun spots — our women doctors confirm each spot is benign, then target it with pico or Q-switched lasers and protective aftercare suited to your skin.
1–2
sessions for most sun spots
A
What is the most effective way to remove sun spots?
Sun spots (solar lentigines) usually respond well to targeted pigment lasers such as pico or Q-switched Nd:YAG. Most spots fade noticeably after 1–2 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart; treated spots form small crusts that shed within about a week. At Nest Clinic each spot is examined first to rule out anything that needs a biopsy. New spots can form with sun exposure, and results vary.
- Sessions
- 1–2, about 4 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Small crusts for 5–10 days
- Treatment time
- About 15–30 minutes
- Onset
- Fading as crusts shed, 1–2 weeks
- Recurrence
- New spots can form with UV
- Anesthesia
- Numbing cream
Understanding sun spots
A record of past sun
Sun spots are flat, well-defined brown patches caused by cumulative UV exposure. They appear on the areas that see the most sun — cheeks, temples, forehead, hands and shoulders — usually from the thirties onwards, and do not fade in winter as freckles do.
They are different from melasma, which is diffuse and hormone-sensitive, and from freckles, which are smaller and seasonal. With age, sun spots can thicken into age spots.
Signs of sun spots
- Flat, oval brown spots with clear edges
- Found on sun-exposed skin
- Did not fade in winter
- Appeared or multiplied after your thirties
- Even colour within each spot
Any spot that is changing, bleeding, irregular in colour or border, or growing quickly needs a medical check before any cosmetic treatment.
Our approach
Targeted, skin-safe clearing
We select a laser by spot depth and skin tone, and protect the surrounding skin throughout.
Q-switched Nd:YAG
Precise nanosecond pulses lighten individual spots; fine crusts form and lift within about a week.
Laser toning
For many small spots or spots mixed with melasma, low-energy toning lightens gradually. See Dual Toning.
LDM recovery care
Water-kinetic ultrasound calms post-laser inflammation and supports barrier repair.
Sun protection plan
Broad-spectrum sunscreen and brightening topicals help prevent new spots and keep tone even.
What to expect
Clearer, even-toned skin
Drag the handle to compare. Treated spots lift away gradually as crusts shed over the first week or two.
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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
- Well-defined brown spots on the face or hands
- Spots that remain all year
- Patients who can avoid strong sun for several weeks
- Visitors who can stay about a week while crusts shed
- Mixed sun spots and melasma, with a gentle combined plan
Safety first
Possible side effects
Redness, mild swelling and small crusts are expected and settle within 5–10 days. Uncommon risks include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin or after sun exposure, and rarely lighter patches or mild textural change.
We reduce risk with skin-type-adjusted settings, conservative energy for darker skin, calming aftercare and clear sun-protection guidance.
We avoid laser on freshly tanned skin, during pregnancy, or over suspicious lesions — these are referred for assessment first.
Your visit
How treatment works at Nest Clinic
Spot check
Magnified examination to confirm each spot is benign.
Laser plan
Spot treatment or toning, chosen by your doctor.
Numbing
Topical anaesthetic for comfort.
Laser session
About 15–30 minutes.
Aftercare
Healing ointment, sunscreen and crust-care advice.
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
Sun Spots questions, answered
Will sun spots come back?
A treated spot usually fades well, but new spots can form with continued sun exposure. Daily SPF and a hat outdoors are the most effective prevention.
How many sessions will I need?
Most sun spots need 1–2 sessions about 4 weeks apart. Darker or thicker spots may need an additional session.
What is the downtime?
Small brown crusts form on treated spots and shed within 5–10 days. You can usually wear make-up after 24 hours if your doctor agrees.
Can I go to the beach after treatment?
Please avoid strong sun for at least 2–4 weeks; UV on healing skin raises the risk of darkening. Plan beach days before treatment if possible.
Sun spots or melasma — how do I know?
Sun spots have clear edges and are mainly UV-related; melasma is blurred, symmetrical and hormone-sensitive. Our doctors confirm the difference before treatment — see our melasma treatment
page.
Is it safe for darker skin?
Yes, with conservative settings and careful aftercare. The main risk is temporary darkening, which we discuss and work to minimise.
Related treatments
Explore pigmentation care
Consultation
Clear your sun spots
Send a photo in natural light on WhatsApp for a first opinion in English, then book a skin analysis 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.
