Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul
Sun Spots
Sun spots on the face, chest, shoulders and hands cleared with IPL and Pico laser, then kept away with a dermatologist's plan.
Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul
Sun Spots
Sun spots on the face, chest, shoulders and hands cleared with IPL and Pico laser, then kept away with a dermatologist's plan.
Quick answer
Every plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 skin diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist, so the dose, device settings and session count are set for your skin rather than a template. Meet our doctors or ask about your own skin .
At a glance
| Procedure time | 20–40 minutes depending on area |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Topical numbing cream (optional for IPL) |
| Downtime | Spots darken and flake for about a week |
| Sessions | 2–3 per area, four weeks apart |
| Results last | Long-term with consistent sun protection |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Overview
What are sun spots?
Sun spots is the everyday name for flat brown marks that appear on skin that gets the most UV: the upper cheeks, bridge of the nose, chest, shoulders, forearms and backs of the hands. Medically they are early solar lentigines, the same lesion as age spots but arriving sooner, often in the late twenties or thirties among patients who ski, golf, surf, run outdoors or simply commute without sunscreen. They develop because UV stimulates pigment cells to deposit melanin in uneven clusters, and each sunny season adds a few more. Patients in Seoul often notice them first after a beach holiday or a summer of weekend hiking.
A dermatologist checks three things before treating sun spots: that each mark is a lentigo and not a mole or early keratosis; whether there is background melasma, which can be worsened by the wrong laser; and the overall state of the skin, because sun spots are usually the most visible sign of broader sun damage that includes rough texture and fine vessels. Long-standing, darker spots in older patients are discussed on our age spots page.
How sun spots are treated at Oaro
At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, treatment is chosen by location and number. For scattered spots on the face, the Helios 785 Pico laser clears individual lesions with little heat. For broad fields of spots on the chest, shoulders or hands, Lumenis M22 IPL treats the whole area in one pass and also softens the mottled redness that often accompanies them. Hands may be combined with a hand rejuvenation plan to address thinning skin. Treatment is scheduled outside the Seoul summer where possible, and every patient leaves with a sun-protection routine written for their lifestyle, whether that is the golf course or the office.
Why patients choose Oaro
- Diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist, not a technician
- Genuine devices and products: Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Helios Pico, Rejuran, Juvelook
- One treatment plan, written down, with aftercare and follow-up
- Private 1:1 rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination and clear, itemised pricing
Treatment goals
Common goals for sun spots
Clear spots on the face and body
Lighten or remove lentigines on the cheeks, chest, shoulders and hands in a small number of sessions.
Even out mottled colour
Treat the mix of brown spots and pink patches on the chest and shoulders together.
Protect against new spots
Build a realistic sun routine for outdoor sports and travel so results last.
Avoid treating the wrong lesion
Have every spot examined so moles and keratoses are managed appropriately.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
Your dermatologist examines the spots with a dermatoscope and skin imaging, asks about your sun exposure and sports, and checks for coexisting melasma that would change the plan.
2. Treatment
Facial spots are treated with Pico laser pulses after numbing cream. Chest, shoulders and hands are usually treated with IPL, which takes 20–40 minutes and feels like warm flicks. Spots darken within hours and shed over about a week. Two or three sessions per area, four weeks apart, are typical.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
Written aftercare and a care notebook are provided, with a review visit to assess clearance and plan any further session. Book a consultation to get started.
Cost guide
Sun spot treatment cost in Seoul
Pricing depends on the area treated. Body areas such as the chest and hands are priced per session, while a few facial spots may be priced individually.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Pico laser, facial spots (per session) | 100,000 – 300,000 |
| Lumenis M22 IPL, chest or shoulders (per session) | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| Lumenis M22 IPL, both hands (per session) | 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Face and chest package (3 sessions) | 700,000 – 1,500,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- Keep treated areas covered or protected with SPF 50+ for at least a month; the chest and hands need reapplication during the day.
- Let darkened spots shed naturally; do not scrub or peel them.
- Moisturise treated body areas twice daily to reduce dryness and itching.
- Skip swimming, saunas and hot springs for 48–72 hours.
- Avoid outdoor sports without protection until your dermatologist confirms healing.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Ulthera Certified Treatment Provider, Thermage FLX Master Certified, and full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Filler Society.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are sun spots dangerous?
Sun spots themselves are harmless, but a dermatologist should confirm each one because some skin cancers can resemble them.
Can sun spots on the chest be removed?
Yes. IPL clears chest and shoulder spots well and also improves the pink mottling that often comes with them.
Does IPL hurt?
Most patients describe a brief warm snap; numbing cream is available but often unnecessary.
How soon will I see results?
Spots darken and flake within a week, with visible clearing after the first session and further improvement after each.
Will sun spots return after laser?
Treated spots rarely return, but new ones form if sun exposure continues without protection.
Explore related care
Often considered together
- Skin Concerns — browse every concern we treat
- Laser Skin Clinic — IPL and laser hub
- Age Spots — long-standing spots in older skin
- Hand Rejuvenation — spots and thinning on the hands
- Freckles — the inherited, sun-reactive cousin
- Contact & Booking — book a consultation
Private 1:1 consultation
Plan your treatment with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Tell us what you would like to change, and we will examine your skin, explain the options and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients.