Choosing a laser for pigment, redness, or lesions
Pigment and vascular concerns can look alike while having different causes, and a laser suited to one may be wrong for another. This hub focuses on how to pick well: confirming what is being treated, who decides the settings, and how a clinic follows response.
How to choose
Insist on a diagnosis first
Freckles, melasma, sun damage, redness, and moles are different things. A doctor should identify yours before proposing a laser.
Ask about your skin tone and history
Pigment risk depends on skin tone, tanning, and prior reactions. A careful clinic asks about them and chooses conservative settings.
Request the device and mode
A single laser can run several modes. Ask which wavelength and mode will be used and why.
Expect a series and a review plan
Pigment treatments usually span several sessions. Ask how response is judged and when the plan would change.
Treat lesions with caution
Anything that might be a growth should be examined by a doctor, and removal is a medical decision.
Laser & Pigment treatments compared
| Treatment | Often chosen for | Works on | Time | Downtime | Sessions | At Gangnam Skin Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Toning | Diffuse dullness and mild uneven tone | Low-energy, repeated gentle pulses | about 10-20 minutes | little to none; mild redness possible | often 5-10 sessions, 1-2 weeks apart; varies by person | from ₩80,000 |
| Pico Laser | Pigment, certain scars, and stubborn spots | Very short pulses, fine particle breakup | about 15-30 minutes | from none to about 1 week of small scabs for spot treatment | 1 to several sessions depending on the concern | from ₩200,000 |
| IPL Photofacial | Sun spots and mild redness together | Broad-spectrum light, upper dermis | about 20-30 minutes | little; spots may darken for about 1 week | often 3-5 sessions, about 3-4 weeks apart | On consultation |
| Vascular Laser for Redness | Visible vessels and persistent redness | Light absorbed by blood in small vessels | about 15-30 minutes | mild redness or swelling for 1-3 days; bruising possible with some settings | often 2-5 sessions, about 3-6 weeks apart; varies by person | On consultation |
| Laser Tattoo Removal | Unwanted ink | Ink fragmented across several sessions | about 10-30 minutes depending on size | about 1-2 weeks of redness, crusting or blistering; varies by person | often several to 10 or more sessions, about 6-8 weeks apart; varies by ink and skin | On consultation |
| Mole & Skin Lesion Removal | Benign surface lesions the doctor has examined | Targeted removal of surface tissue | about 10-30 minutes depending on the number of spots | about 1-2 weeks of small scabs; a protective patch is often used | usually 1; a follow-up session is sometimes needed | On consultation |
| Carbon Laser Peel | Oily skin and enlarged-looking pores | Surface-level, carbon-assisted laser | about 20-30 minutes | little to none; mild redness possible | often 3-6 sessions, about 2-4 weeks apart; varies by person | On consultation |
Times, downtime and sessions are typical ranges and vary by person. Prices are in Korean won and include 10% VAT. Final costs may change after the doctor's consultation depending on skin condition and dosage. Prices shown are valid as of October 2026 and are for reference only.
When a doctor may advise waiting
- Anyone with a spot that is changing, bleeding, or has not been examined by a doctor.
- People with a recent tan or active skin infection in the area.
- Those who cannot commit to sun protection before and after treatment.
Laser & Pigment: common questions
Can a laser treat melasma?
It may help some people, but melasma can recur or darken with heat. A doctor should discuss caution and expectations.
How do I know the laser is suitable for my skin tone?
Ask the doctor how settings are chosen for your skin and what signs would prompt a change.
Do I need a biopsy for a mole?
Some lesions need examination or testing before removal. The doctor decides.
Why are several sessions needed?
Pigment often responds gradually, and conservative settings reduce risk.
Book a consultation at Gangnam Skin Clinic
Send your preferred date, the concern you want to discuss and a recent photo if you like. Our coordinators reply in English, Korean and Japanese.
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- Area
- Sinsa, Gangnam
- Nearest station
- Sinsa Station (Line 3)
- Mon - Fri
- 10:00 - 19:00
- Thu
- 10:00 - 21:00 (late clinic)
- Sat
- 10:00 - 15:00
- Sun & public holidays
- Closed