Laser Aftercare Guide · Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

Two very different lasers

“Laser” covers treatments with very different recovery. At Doje, the two main lasers are used for different jobs.

• Helios 785/1064 dual toning is the base treatment for pigmentation such as melasma, freckles and uneven tone. It works below the surface without wounding the skin, and intensity and number of sessions are adjusted to pigment depth and pattern. Recovery is usually quick; a series of sessions is common.
• CO2 laser is an ablative laser: it vaporises tiny areas of tissue. Depending on the purpose — for example removing benign skin lesions or resurfacing — it leaves small wounds that heal over days.

Your aftercare instructions will reflect which laser you had, the settings, and the area treated.

After Helios 785/1064 toning

Make-up can usually be applied the next day, or sooner if advised. Because pigment responds to sunlight and heat, a single sunny holiday without protection can undo progress — see melasma.

After CO2 laser

1. Day 0: treated spots look red and may ooze slightly. Keep them clean and covered with the ointment or dressing you are given.
2. Days 1–5: small brown crusts form. Keep the area moist as instructed; do not pick or scrub. Cleanse gently with lukewarm water.
3. Days 5–10: crusts usually lift on their own, revealing pink new skin. Timings vary with depth and site.
4. Weeks 2–8: pinkness gradually fades. New skin is vulnerable to pigmentation, so strict sun protection matters most now.

Laser aftercare checklist

• Sunscreen every day, reapplied outdoors; add a hat and shade. This is the single biggest factor in avoiding post-inflammatory pigmentation.
• Hands off — no picking crusts or scratching.
• Gentle skincare — mild cleanser and plain moisturiser; pause retinoids, exfoliating acids, vitamin C serums and scrubs until advised.
• Skip heat — saunas, steam, hot yoga and very hot showers for the period advised.
• Make-up — after Helios usually from the next day; after CO2 only once crusts have lifted and skin has closed.
• Swimming — avoid pools and the sea while any skin is open.

When to contact the clinic

• Increasing pain, swelling, yellow discharge or spreading redness.
• Blisters after toning.
• Cold-sore flare in a treated area.
• Darkening that persists or spreads after healing.

Planning with travel and seasons

For visitors, gentle toning fits easily into a short stay, while CO2 laser is better scheduled with a few days to heal before flying or photographs. Laser for pigment is often easier to sustain in seasons with less intense sun — see seasonal treatment planning.

Cost

Fees are quoted after the 1:1 consultation according to the laser, area and number of sessions. Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is there downtime after Helios laser toning?

Usually minimal — mild redness or warmth for a few hours. Daily sunscreen and gentle skincare are the key aftercare steps.

How long do scabs last after CO2 laser?

Small crusts typically lift within about a week, depending on depth and area; pinkness can fade over several weeks.

Can I wear make-up after laser?

After toning, usually from the next day. After CO2 laser, wait until crusts have lifted and the skin has closed.

Why is sunscreen so important after laser?

Treated skin is more prone to pigmentation; consistent sun protection helps protect the result and reduces that risk.

Can pigment look darker after toning?

Sometimes pigment briefly looks darker before fading. Contact the clinic if darkening persists or spreads.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Helios dual toning
• CO2 laser
• Helios toning vs CO2 laser
• Freckles and sun spots
• Benign skin lesions
• Make-up after treatment
• Post-procedure redness

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.