Freckles & Sun Spots Treatment — Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

Freckles, sun spots — and lookalikes

Brown spots are among the most common reasons people visit a skin clinic, but they are not one condition. Getting the diagnosis right shapes everything that follows.

Freckles (ephelides)

Freckles appear in childhood, especially in people with a genetic tendency to them. Melanocytes in freckled skin respond strongly to sunlight, so freckles darken in summer and lighten in winter. The number of cells does not increase; each produces more pigment under UV exposure.

Sun spots (solar lentigines)

Sun spots — also called age spots or liver spots, although they have nothing to do with the liver — usually appear from the 30s and 40s on the cheeks, temples, hands and forearms. They reflect cumulative UV exposure and an increased number of pigment cells in that spot, which is why they stay dark in winter and tend to grow or multiply over time.

Lookalikes

• Melasma — blotchy, symmetrical patches rather than distinct spots, strongly influenced by hormones and heat; it needs a gentler approach. See melasma.
• Seborrhoeic keratoses — slightly raised, waxy or rough brown growths that often begin as flat sun spots.
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation — brown marks after acne, irritation or injury.
• Moles and atypical lesions — which must be assessed medically rather than treated cosmetically.

How Doje Clinic assesses pigmented spots

In a 1:1 consultation, Dr. Byun Jeik examines each type of spot and records pigmentation data with Mark-View 3D skin analysis. Many patients have a combination — freckles plus sun spots plus a background of melasma — and the plan has to respect the most sensitive component. Treating sun spots aggressively on a face that also has melasma, for example, can darken the melasma.

Any spot that looks irregular or has changed recently is not treated cosmetically; it is referred for medical assessment first.

Options from mild to advanced

1. Sun protection. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and physical protection slow new spot formation and keep freckles lighter.
2. Helios dual toning. Doje’s base for pigmentation. Intensity and the number of sessions are adjusted to the depth and pattern of pigment, so freckles, sun spots and any background melasma are treated proportionately.
3. CO2 laser for raised benign lesions. Slightly raised benign growths such as some keratoses may be suitable for CO2 laser removal after assessment. Small scabs typically form and fall off over about a week, and the area needs strict sun protection afterwards. See benign skin lesions.
4. Support recovery. Soothing and hydration care can be added after laser to calm the skin.

Temporary darkening of spots after laser is common before they lighten. Post-inflammatory pigmentation is a recognised risk, which is one reason Doje adjusts settings conservatively, especially for medium skin tones.

Where Doje’s programs fit

Spot treatment belongs to the pigmentation line of Doje’s Skin & Energy menu and is usually planned as single treatments or a short series. Many people time it for autumn and winter, when sun exposure is lower; see seasonal treatment planning.

When a dermatologist is more appropriate

See a dermatologist promptly for any spot that is new and growing, has irregular borders or several colours, bleeds, itches persistently or looks different from your other spots. Skin cancer screening and biopsy are medical services outside cosmetic pigment treatment.

What to expect

1. 1:1 consultation and spot-by-spot assessment.
2. Mark-View 3D baseline.
3. A plan separating toning areas from individual lesions.
4. Treatment, then aftercare and sun protection.
5. Review to decide whether further sessions help.

Cost

Fees depend on the number and type of spots and sessions, so they are quoted after a 1:1 consultation. Korean aesthetic fees are non-covered (비급여); ask for a written quote.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between freckles and sun spots?

Freckles are genetic and fade in winter, while sun spots come from cumulative UV damage and stay dark year-round.

Will my freckles come back after treatment?

Freckles can reappear with sun exposure because the tendency is genetic. Daily sun protection helps maintain results.

Do spots get darker before they fade?

Yes, temporary darkening is common after laser before the pigment lightens. Avoid picking at any crusts.

Is CO2 laser used for flat sun spots?

At Doje, CO2 laser is used for benign raised lesions after assessment; flat pigment is usually approached with Helios toning.

Which spots need a dermatologist?

Any spot that is changing, irregular, bleeding or unlike your others should be checked by a dermatologist before any cosmetic treatment.

How much does spot treatment cost?

It is quoted after a 1:1 consultation. Korean aesthetic fees are non-covered and set per plan, so ask for a written quote.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Melasma
• Uneven skin tone
• Benign skin lesions
• Helios toning vs CO2 laser
• Laser aftercare
• Reading your skin analysis

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.