Pigmentation Guide: Spots, PIH & Melasma
Yaan Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Pigmentation disorders are conditions where the skin makes too much or too little melanin, causing dark spots or uneven patches. This pigmentation guide explains the most common types, freckles, sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma, how they differ, when to see a dermatologist, and how Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul uses Pico and V lasers for aesthetic pigment care.
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Pigmentation disorders are skin conditions in which melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, is produced or distributed unevenly, leading to darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) areas. At Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, common cosmetic pigmentation such as freckles, sun spots, acne marks and melasma is a core focus of our aesthetic laser care. This pigmentation guide helps you understand which type you may have and what that means for treatment.
Good to know: Some dark spots are not cosmetic. A spot that is new, changing, raised, bleeding or very irregular should be examined by a board-certified dermatologist before any laser. Loss of pigment (white patches, as in vitiligo) also needs medical assessment and is not treated at Yaan.
What are the main types of pigmentation?
The four most common types of facial pigmentation are freckles, sun spots (solar lentigines), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. They look similar at a glance but have different causes and respond differently to treatment.
| Type | Appearance | Main cause | Typical response to laser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freckles (ephelides) | Small, light-brown dots; darker in summer | Genetics plus sun | Usually responds well; can return with sun |
| Sun spots (solar lentigines) | Flat, well-defined brown spots on sun-exposed skin | Cumulative UV exposure | Usually responds well |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) | Brown or gray marks where skin was inflamed | Acne, eczema, injury, irritation | Often fades with time; gentle laser can help |
| Melasma | Symmetrical blotchy patches on cheeks, forehead, upper lip | Hormones, sun, heat, genetics | Needs gentle, repeated toning; recurrence common |
Many people have more than one type at the same time, which is why diagnosis comes before treatment.
How are freckles and sun spots different?
Freckles are genetic and appear in childhood, darkening in summer and fading in winter. Sun spots appear in adulthood after years of sun exposure and do not fade in winter.
Both sit mainly in the top layer of skin and usually respond well to pigment lasers. Without sun protection, both tend to return.
What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?
PIH is darkening that follows inflammation or injury, such as acne, insect bites, burns, eczema, or irritation from a cosmetic procedure. It is more common and lasts longer in medium to darker skin tones.
PIH often fades gradually over months, especially with sun protection. Picking at spots makes it worse. If the cause, such as acne, is still active, treating that cause with a dermatologist comes first. See our acne guide for visitors and acne scar guide.
How is melasma different from other pigmentation?
Melasma is a chronic, hormonally influenced condition in which pigment cells overreact to sun, heat and irritation. It needs a gentler approach than freckles or sun spots, because aggressive treatment can make it darker.
Our dedicated melasma treatment guide covers this in detail.
When should you see a dermatologist about pigmentation?
See a board-certified dermatologist for any spot that is new after age 30, changing, raised, itchy, bleeding or irregular in shape or color, and for white patches or pigment changes with other symptoms. Prescription creams and oral medicines for pigmentation also need medical supervision.
Moles are not the same as freckles or sun spots. Our moles guide explains the ABCDE warning signs.
How does Yaan Clinic treat pigmentation in Seoul?
Yaan Clinic treats cosmetic pigmentation with Personal Brightening, a customized combination of a Pico laser, a V laser and LDM Recovery Therapy, planned after a 3D Meta-Vu skin analysis. Yaan lists melasma, freckles, spots, and brown or red acne marks among its targets.
- Pico laser – Pico and Nano modes with four wavelengths (1064, 532, 595 and 660 nm), described by Yaan as FDA and KFDA approved. Yaan's FAQ describes Pico as the laser for pigment and tone.
- V laser – targets redness and vessels; added when redness is part of the concern.
- Other pigment lasers – Yaan's equipment list also includes the Picoplus picosecond laser and the Revlite SI laser for melasma, blemishes and tone.
- LDM Recovery Therapy – soothing aftercare to help skin recover.
Learn more on our Personal Brightening and Pico toning pages. Yaan states patients can return to daily activities immediately after Personal Brightening; session numbers are set at consultation.
For international patients: Freckles and sun spots may improve noticeably on a short trip, while melasma and PIH usually need a series. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and a hat for after treatment, especially in Seoul's bright spring and summer. See our treatment trip planner.
How much does pigmentation treatment cost at Yaan Clinic in Seoul?
At Yaan Clinic, pigment laser treatment starts at ₩100,000 for a V-laser session, and Pico toning costs ₩150,000 per session. Most pigmentation needs a series, so the total depends on your plan.
| Treatment at Yaan Clinic | 2026 guide price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Pico toning, 1 session | 150,000 |
| V-laser (vessels, pigment, redness), 1 session | 100,000 |
| Pico Fraxel, 1 session | 150,000 |
| LDM, 1 session | 80,000 |
| 3D Meta-Vu skin analysis | 100,000 |
Personal Brightening combines Pico laser, V laser and LDM, so its price is built from these items and confirmed at consultation. International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and your final price is confirmed at consultation. The consultation fee (10,000 KRW, or 30,000 KRW including a director consultation) is waived if you go ahead with a treatment. See the Pico toning price guide or the full Yaan Clinic price list.
How can you prevent pigmentation from returning?
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapplied outdoors, is the single most important step. Add a hat and sunglasses, avoid picking spots, and introduce new active skin care gradually.
For overall tone, see our dull and uneven skin tone page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between melasma and sun spots?
Sun spots are well-defined brown spots caused by years of UV exposure and usually respond well to pigment lasers. Melasma forms symmetrical, blotchy patches influenced by hormones, sun and heat; it needs gentler treatment and often returns. Your doctor will confirm which you have.
Can Yaan remove my freckles?
Freckles usually respond well to pigment lasers such as the Pico laser used in Yaan's Personal Brightening program. Because freckles are genetic and sun-sensitive, they can return without consistent sun protection. Your doctor will advise on sessions after a skin analysis.
Do I need to see a dermatologist before pigment laser?
If a spot is new, changing, raised, bleeding or irregular, yes: have a board-certified dermatologist examine it first. For typical freckles, sun spots and acne marks, Yaan's doctors assess your skin with a 3D Meta-Vu analysis before recommending laser.
Does Yaan treat white patches or vitiligo?
No. Loss of pigment, such as vitiligo or other white patches, needs medical diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist. Yaan's aesthetic laser care focuses on excess pigment such as freckles, sun spots, PIH and melasma.
How much does pigmentation laser cost at Yaan Clinic?
At Yaan Clinic, Pico toning costs ₩150,000 per session and V-laser ₩100,000 per session; LDM recovery is ₩80,000. Personal Brightening combines these, with the price confirmed at consultation. International patients pay the same price as Korean patients.
Related pages
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About this information: Prepared from Yaan Clinic's published treatment information. Treatments at Yaan Clinic are performed by licensed physicians — meet our doctors. Last updated: October 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation; suitability, dosage and results are confirmed by your doctor.
