Melasma treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
Melasma needs patience and precision, not aggressive peeling. We combine low-energy laser toning, tranexamic acid and barrier care to fade patches safely and keep them under control.
How is melasma treated?
Melasma is a chronic pigment disorder causing brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, triggered by hormones, UV and visible light, and heat. It is treated gently with a series of low-energy laser toning sessions, tranexamic acid, pigment-regulating creams and strict sun protection. Improvement builds over 2–6 months. Melasma can be controlled, but it tends to recur, so maintenance matters.
Strong lasers or harsh peels can make melasma darker. At MIN Clinic your doctor checks pigment depth with AI 3D skin analysis, reviews triggers such as hormonal contraception or pregnancy, and adjusts settings at every visit.
- Session time
- About 20–30 min
- Downtime
- None
- Sessions
- Usually 5–10
- Interval
- Every 1–2 weeks
- Results visible
- After 3–5 sessions
- Full course
- About 2–6 months
- Performed by
- MIN Clinic physicians
- Location
- Cheongdam, Gangnam
Where melasma appears
Patterns help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Cheeks
The most common, symmetric pattern.
Forehead
Broad patches often linked to hormones.
Upper lip
A "moustache" of pigment, heat-sensitive.
Jawline
Less common, sometimes mixed with PIH.
A good fit if you…
- have symmetric brown patches on cheeks or forehead
- noticed patches after pregnancy or hormonal change
- want gentle treatment with no downtime
- can commit to a series and daily sunscreen
Consider alternatives if you…
- are pregnant or breastfeeding (we postpone laser and some medicines)
- have a history of blood clots (tranexamic acid may not suit you)
- want one strong session to "burn it off"
- have well-defined spots instead — see dark spot removal
Before & after laser toning
Drag the handle to compare. Photographed at MIN Clinic with the patient’s consent.
Before
After
- Treatment
- Laser toning
- Concern
- Pigmentation, melasma-type tone
- Downtime
- None
- Clinic
- MIN Clinic, Cheongdam-dong
Individual results vary. Photos are shown with patient consent and are not a guarantee of outcome. A doctor consultation is required before treatment.
View more before & afterHow we treat melasma safely
Melasma involves overactive melanocytes, inflammation and sometimes vascular changes, so one tool is rarely enough. We layer gentle steps and adjust them at each visit.
Tranexamic acid
Oral or topical, if medically suitable.
Pigment-regulating creams
Prescription or cosmeceutical brighteners.
Sun and heat control
Tinted SPF against UV and visible light.
How your visit works
Most international guests complete the visit in one half-day, timed around their flight.
Message us
Send photos and your goals on WhatsApp. We reply in English with options and an estimated price.
Skin analysis
An AI 3D skin analysis and a one-to-one consultation with your physician.
Treatment
Melasma treatment is performed by your MIN Clinic physician, with numbing or comfort care where needed.
Aftercare
English aftercare notes, follow-up on WhatsApp and tax-free benefits with a foreign passport.
Very mild redness; back to normal the same day.
Patches look softer and lighter.
Clearer, more even complexion.
Monthly or seasonal sessions as needed.
How much does melasma treatment cost in Seoul?
Melasma treatment in Seoul typically costs ₩150,000 to ₩350,000 per session depending on included therapies. Long-term packages are common; MIN Clinic confirms your plan and price at consultation.
Melasma treatment
VAT 10% added for non-exempt patients · prices may vary with promotions · tax-free benefits with a foreign passport. Your exact price is confirmed at consultation.
See current offers
Seasonal offers and combination prices are listed on our event page and confirmed in writing at consultation.
Melasma options compared
Gentle and consistent beats strong and fast for melasma.
| Treatment | Role | Downtime | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melasma programme | Combined care | None | Best long-term control |
| Laser toning | Clears pigment | None | Core in-clinic treatment |
| Pico laser | Pigment, low-fluence | Minimal | Used cautiously |
| Chemical peels | Surface renewal | Light flaking | Mild peels only |
Dr. Min Ji Kim
Director · Board-certified specialist, MIN Clinic Cheongdam
- Former Director, Apgujeong ORACLE Dermatology
- Member, Korean Society for Cosmetic Dermatology
- Academic exchange, Shibuya Scramble Dermatology (miraDry), Japan
Melasma treatment questions we hear most
Can’t find your answer? Message our English-speaking team on WhatsApp.
Can melasma be cured permanently?
Melasma can fade a lot, but it is a chronic condition that tends to return with sun, heat or hormones. Maintenance sessions and daily sunscreen keep it controlled.
Why can lasers make melasma worse?
High energy causes inflammation, which can trigger more pigment. That is why we use low-energy laser toning in a series.
How many melasma sessions do I need?
Most patients need 5–10 sessions every 1–2 weeks, followed by maintenance. On a short trip, we can start treatment and give you a home-care plan.
Is tranexamic acid safe for melasma?
It is effective for many people but is not suitable for everyone, for example with a history of blood clots. Your doctor reviews your medical history first.
Can I treat melasma during pregnancy?
We usually postpone laser and most medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding, focusing on sun protection and gentle skincare until afterwards.
Often explored with Melasma treatment
Plan your Melasma treatment in Cheongdam
4F Daedong Tower, 326 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Sat from 10:00 · English & Korean
Results vary by individual. A doctor consultation is required before any treatment.
