Which laser or light treatment matches which pigment or lesion?
Brown patches, red vessels, tattoo ink and raised moles all respond to light, but to different wavelengths and pulse lengths. This page sorts the treatments by the sub-concern they address, so you can tell whether your issue is a broad tone problem, a discrete spot, a vessel, or a surface texture matter.
How to choose
Color of the target
Brown pigment, red vessels and dark ink each absorb different wavelengths. The first step is identifying what you want treated.
Depth of the problem
Surface freckles, deeper melasma and tattoo ink sit at different levels, so a single device or setting rarely fits all.
Skin tone and sun exposure
Darker skin and recent tanning raise the risk of pigment change after light treatments, so settings and timing matter.
Diagnosis first
Melasma, sun spots and some lesions can look alike. A doctor may examine anything changing, bleeding or irregular before treating it.
Realistic expectations
Pigment often needs a series of sessions and can recur, especially melasma. Results vary by person.
Laser & Pigment treatments compared
| Treatment | Often chosen for | Works on | Time | Downtime | Sessions | At Skin Treatment Gangnam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Toning | Diffuse tone unevenness and melasma-type patches | Low-energy, repeated, gentle | 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 | Discrete pigment spots and some scars | Ultra-short pulses with shallow to mid dermal reach | 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 ₩220,000 |
| IPL Photofacial | Sun spots, flushing and mild redness together | Broad-spectrum light acting on surface pigment and vessels | 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 small vessels and persistent facial redness | Targets blood in superficial 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 | Ink of a defined color and size | Strong pulses fragmenting pigment in the dermis | 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 | Small benign raised lesions after examination | Surface removal of the lesion | 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, enlarged pores and dull surface | Surface layer only, with a carbon lotion | 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 exclude 10% VAT. The final plan and cost are decided after consultation, as many concerns need a combination of treatments. Prices are valid as of October 2026 and may be revised.
When a doctor may advise waiting
- Spots that are changing, bleeding or irregular, which should be examined before any treatment
- Active infection, recent tanning or isotretinoin use, which often postpone light treatments
- Expecting complete removal of tattoos or melasma, which may not occur
Laser & Pigment: common questions
Will melasma go away?
It can improve, but it often returns, so maintenance and sun protection are central.
Is IPL the same as a laser?
No. IPL uses broad-spectrum light, while lasers use a single wavelength.
How do I know if a mole can be removed?
A doctor should examine it first, since not all spots are suitable for cosmetic removal.
Can tattoos be fully removed?
Not always. Response depends on ink color, depth and skin.
Book a consultation at Skin Treatment Gangnam
Send your preferred date, the concern you want to discuss and a recent photo if you like. Our coordinators reply in English, Korean and Vietnamese.
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