REPIC Clinic Myeongdong — Dermatology Clinic
Pigmentation: freckles, sun spots and melasma
Brown spots look alike on the surface but sit at different depths. Freckles and sun spots are shallow; melasma is deep; post-acne marks are often both. Depth decides the wavelength.
What usually causes it
- 01
Surface pigment: freckles and sun spots
Pigment in the top layer. Freckles are genetic and darken in the sun; sun spots come from years of exposure. Both sit where a shorter wavelength can reach them.
How we tell them apart
- Small dots with sharp edges
- Darker after sun, lighter in winter
- Scattered across the cheeks, nose and shoulders
What we'd suggest, by cause
ZoomPass Laser (Helios 4)
Targets pigment sitting shallow in the epidermis, like freckles and sun spots.
Clarity Toning
700–755 nm targets shallow pigment.
Pico Laser (Helios 4)
785 nm reaches epidermal pigment.
One-Day Pigment Packages
Pigment treatment bundled into a single visit.
- 02
Deep pigment: melasma
Pigment in the dermis, driven by hormones, heat and sun. It is the one that comes back. It needs a longer wavelength and a lighter hand.
How we tell them apart
- Symmetrical patches on both cheeks, the forehead or the upper lip
- Blurry edges, not sharp dots
- Got worse with pregnancy, the pill or a hot summer
What we'd suggest, by cause
Hollywood Toning
1064 nm wavelength that treats dermal-depth melasma with repeated low-power passes.
Clarity (1064 nm toning)
The longer wavelength reaches the dermis.
Melasma Injection
Ethosome PTT
Brightening support alongside toning, not a standalone fix.
- 03
Mixed and post-inflammatory pigment
Brown marks after acne, a burn or a rash often sit in more than one layer at once. So does a lot of general dullness. These usually need a combination.
How we tell them apart
- Marks where a spot, rash or injury used to be
- Uneven brown patches rather than distinct dots
- Does not fit neatly into freckle or melasma
What we'd suggest, by cause
Dual Toning (Pico + 1064 nm)
Pico toning for the shallow layer, 1064 nm toning (Hollywood or Helios) for the deeper layer.
- 04
Short-term brightening (glow, not pigment removal)
Skin boosters and brightening PTT give a temporary glow. They do not remove pigment. Fine as a top-up before an event, not as the plan.
How we tell them apart
- You want an even tone for an occasion, not to clear specific spots
- Skin is also dry or dull
What we'd suggest, by cause
Brightening PTT
Absorbs brightening ingredients into the skin to clear up dull tone.
Belotero Revive
Rejuran Healer
Diagnosis comes first
What we look for first is depth. The Mark-Vu/Meta-Vu scan shows pigment under UV light that the eye cannot see, and separates surface spots from deeper melasma. The wrong wavelength for the wrong depth wastes sessions, so this is not a step we skip.
At the Myeongdong clinic a consultant goes through your concern with you, and the Mark-Vu/Meta-Vu scan and report set the plan from there.
Good to know
- Melasma is managed, not cured. Expect maintenance and strict sunscreen.
- Sun right after a pigment laser works against you. Sunscreen is part of the treatment, not an add-on.
- Treated spots often darken and crust before they lift. That is expected, not a failed treatment.
Common questions
Freckles or melasma: how do I know?
Freckles are sharp dots that change with the seasons. Melasma is blurry, symmetrical patches. The scan settles it when it is not obvious, and mixed cases are common.
How many sessions will I need?
Surface spots often need fewer. Melasma needs a series plus maintenance. We do not give a number before the scan.
Can I get pigment treated and fly the next day?
Usually yes for toning, which has little downtime. Spot removal leaves small crusts for a while. Sunscreen and a hat on the way home.
Other concerns
Results vary from person to person. A doctor decides on treatment after examining you, and nothing on this page is a promise of outcome.