Melasma care · Myeongdong, Seoul

Melasma Treatment in Myeongdong, Seoul

Patchy brown pigment on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, managed with gentle laser toning, tranexamic acid and careful sun protection.

Same price as locals
English-speaking team
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中文 · 日本語

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Skin analysis station used to assess pigmentation at Umi Clinic, Myeongdong — **5–10 sessions** Gradual lightening, then maintenance

Quick answer

What is melasma and how is it treated?

Melasma is a chronic pigment condition that causes symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip. It is driven by sunlight and visible light, hormones (pregnancy, the pill) and genetics, and is more common in women with medium skin tones.

Because strong heat can make melasma worse, Korean clinics favour a series of low-energy laser toning sessions combined with tranexamic acid, brightening skincare and strict sun protection. Melasma can be controlled and lightened, but it tends to return, so maintenance matters. See also laser toning.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Yoon Jong-woo , Medical Director, Umi Clinic (Korean-licensed physician) · Updated October 2026. Results vary by person; the doctor explains risks, side effects and alternatives at consultation.

Session: 20–30 min
Numbing: Usually not needed
Downtime: None to mild redness
Results: Gradual over 2–3 months
Course: 5–10 sessions, 1–2 weeks apart
Pricing: Same price as locals

Your visit

How Melasma works at Umi

Every visit is doctor-led and explained in English, from the first skin check to aftercare.

Pigment assessment
The doctor confirms melasma and checks for other pigment types mixed in.
Gentle plan
Low-energy laser toning and supportive care are chosen to avoid rebound.
Laser toning
Even, low-fluence passes break up pigment without heating the skin.
Home care
Broad-spectrum sunscreen, tinted mineral SPF and brightening skincare.

Before & after

How melasma gradually lightens

Gentle, repeated sessions reduce excess melanin while calming the overactive pigment cells, so patches fade without rebound.

Illustration of the mechanism — not a patient photo. Individual results vary; real before-and-after photos can be reviewed at consultation.

Sessions 1–3

Skin looks brighter; patches begin to soften.

Sessions 4–6

Patches are visibly lighter and less defined.

Maintenance

Occasional sessions and SPF keep pigment in check.

Is it right for you?

Who Melasma suits best

Good fit if you…

Have symmetrical brown patches on cheeks or forehead
Noticed pigment after pregnancy or hormonal changes
Can commit to a series of short sessions
Will use daily sunscreen year-round

Consider another option if…

You are pregnant or breastfeeding — some treatments must wait
You expect a single, permanent cure
You plan intense sun exposure right after treatment
You have pigment the doctor suspects is not melasma — other care may suit

Recovery & results

What to expect, step by step

Same day
Mild pinkness at most; make-up straight away.
First weeks
Skin looks brighter and more even.
2–3 months
Patches clearly lighter after a series.
Long term
Sun protection and maintenance to prevent return.

FAQ

Melasma questions

Can melasma be cured?

Melasma can be greatly improved and controlled, but it is a chronic condition that can return with sun or hormonal changes, so maintenance is important.

Why not use a strong laser?

High heat can trigger more pigment in melasma. Low-energy toning is gentler and lowers the risk of rebound darkening.

What is tranexamic acid?

A medicine that helps reduce pigment production in melasma. It may be used as a cream, injection or tablet when suitable, after checking your health history.

How many sessions do I need?

Often 5–10 sessions about 1–2 weeks apart, followed by occasional maintenance.

Do foreigners pay more?

No. International patients pay the same price as local patients at Umi Clinic.

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