Melasma Treatment in Apgujeong, Gangnam
Melasma treatment at Live Young Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam focuses on gradual, careful management rather than a quick fix. Dr. Song assesses your pigment with skin analysis, then may use gentle laser such as Brighton or Lephton over multiple sessions, combined with strict sun protection. Melasma can recur, so realistic expectations and ongoing care are part of the plan.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Song Ki-seon
, Chief Director · English-speaking doctor · Updated September 2026
Understanding melasma
Melasma appears as patches of brown or grey-brown pigment, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or chin, and frequently in a fairly symmetrical pattern. It is linked to a mix of sun exposure, hormones and genetics, and it can be triggered or worsened by heat and inflammation. Unlike a single sun spot, melasma is a chronic tendency rather than an isolated mark. That is why it is usually managed over time, and why it can recur even after it has improved.
- Common triggers: UV light, hormonal changes, heat
- Often symmetrical on the cheeks and forehead
- Can lighten and darken with seasons
Is it melasma, or something else?
Several conditions can look alike: freckles, sun spots, post-inflammatory marks and melasma can even appear together. Treating them the same way can sometimes make melasma worse, so accurate assessment comes first. At Live Young Clinic in Apgujeong, Dr. Song uses a skin analysis device and examines your skin in person before suggesting a plan.
How Dr. Song approaches melasma
In Needs Mapping, Dr. Song looks at the pattern and depth of pigment and asks about sun exposure, hormonal factors and skincare. The Curated Plan then favours gentle, gradual treatment. This may involve laser toning with Brighton or Lephton over multiple sessions, typically spaced one to two weeks apart, with settings adjusted as your skin responds. Tailored Treatment means not pushing too hard. Aggressive energy can irritate melasma-prone skin, so progress is steady rather than dramatic. Whether laser is suitable for you at all is decided at consultation.
Sun protection and daily care
For melasma, what you do between sessions matters as much as the treatment itself. Broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, reapplied when outdoors, is essential, along with a hat and shade where possible. Heat can also aggravate melasma, so long saunas or hot yoga are worth limiting. Gentle skincare, avoiding harsh scrubs and following Dr. Song's product advice can help keep skin calm. Even with good care, melasma may return, and maintenance sessions are sometimes suggested.
- Sunscreen daily, reapplied outdoors
- Wide-brimmed hat and shade
- Limit intense heat exposure
- Gentle, non-irritating skincare
Managing melasma with an English-speaking doctor in Apgujeong, Gangnam
Melasma management works well when you understand the reasons behind each step. Dr. Song explains your plan directly in English and adjusts it over time. Live Young Clinic is located on Apgujeong-ro in Gangnam, and residents or longer-stay visitors can message the clinic on WhatsApp to arrange regular sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Can melasma be cured with laser?
Melasma is generally managed rather than cured. Laser toning may help lighten it over multiple sessions, but it can recur with sun exposure, hormones or heat. Dr. Song will discuss realistic expectations at consultation.
Which laser is used for melasma at the Gangnam clinic?
Dr. Song may use gentle toning with Brighton or Lephton, depending on your skin. Settings are kept conservative and adjusted over time. Whether laser suits you is decided after assessment.
How often are melasma sessions?
Pigment laser sessions are commonly spaced one to two weeks apart, but the schedule and total number vary with your skin. Dr. Song will suggest a plan and review progress as you go.
Can laser make melasma worse?
Overly aggressive treatment can irritate melasma-prone skin. That is why the Apgujeong clinic takes a cautious, gradual approach and emphasises sun protection. Tell Dr. Song if you notice darkening between sessions.
I only have a short trip to Seoul. Is melasma treatment worth starting?
Melasma usually needs multiple sessions over time, so a single visit may give limited change. Dr. Song can still assess your skin, advise on sun protection and skincare, and suggest whether a plan fits your schedule.
Related in Apgujeong, Gangnam
Book a consultation in Apgujeong, Gangnam
Message us in English on WhatsApp. Dr. Song will review your concerns and suggest only what you need. 2F Bonkyung Building, 208 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Results vary from person to person. This page is general information and does not replace an in-person medical consultation with a doctor.
