Melasma in Busan, Seomyeon
For the pigment that other lasers,
cannot reach.
Melasma is a recurring pigmentation condition that often responds best to conservative, repeated treatment rather than aggressive single-session energy. At Newline Clinic in Seomyeon, the treating physician assesses pigment pattern, skin sensitivity, previous treatment history, and current triggers before selecting an appropriate laser-toning or pigmentation-care plan.
At a glance.
- Treatment time
- 15–25 minutes
- Results visible
- 4–8 weeks
- Duration
- 6–12 months (with maintenance)
- Downtime
- Usually minimal; varies by settings
- Sessions needed
- 8–15 (1–2 week intervals)
- Price range
- Toning 1 session ₩100,000
Before & after.
Before Photo · 1:1
After Photo · 1:1
What is Melasma Laser Toning?
Patient. Persistent. Precisely calibrated.
Melasma laser toning uses low-fluence laser energy delivered over repeated sessions to gradually target excess pigment while minimizing unnecessary inflammation. Because melasma can worsen after overly aggressive treatment, the treating physician adjusts wavelength, energy, interval, and combination care to the patient’s pigment pattern and skin response. Newline Clinic’s confirmed public price material lists Toning, while the exact laser platform and settings are confirmed during consultation.
The science
,
simplified.
Understanding the mechanism helps set realistic expectations and explains why melasma treatment is usually adjusted gradually according to skin response.
Pigmentation assessment
The treating physician differentiates melasma from sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and other pigment patterns before selecting the treatment approach.
Skin preparation
The skin is cleansed and prepared. Topical numbing may be used when appropriate depending on the planned device, energy settings, and patient sensitivity.
Conservative laser toning
Low-fluence laser treatment is delivered in controlled passes. Device choice and settings are individualized rather than assigned by a fixed package.
Gradual response & review
Melasma usually improves gradually over a treatment series. Response is reviewed between sessions so energy, interval, and supportive care can be adjusted.
Pigmentation patterns & treatment planning.
Melasma can overlap with other pigmentation. The physician first identifies the dominant pattern, then selects a conservative treatment series and reviews response over time.
| Concern | Typical Approach | Typical Series | Review Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epidermal melasma | Physician-selected low-fluence toning | Often multiple sessions | Tone change, irritation, rebound |
| Dermal melasma | Conservative pigment protocol | Often longer series | Depth, response, recurrence |
| Mixed melasma | Combination plan after assessment | Individualized | Balance efficacy and irritation |
| Post-inflammatory pigmentation | Pigment care after inflammation control | Individualized | Underlying trigger and PIH risk |
| Sun-induced lentigines | Spot or toning approach as appropriate | Individualized | Lesion type and sun exposure |
| Hori's nevus / ABNOM | Diagnosis-specific pigment treatment | Individualized | Depth and differential diagnosis |
Laser pricing, without unverified device claims.
Newline Clinic’s confirmed public price material lists toning by session. The exact laser platform, wavelength, and settings are selected after physician assessment.
| Treatment | Price | Use on this page | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toning — 1 session | ₩100,000 | Confirmed Newline price | Final device/settings confirmed at consultation |
| Toning — 5 sessions | ₩4,500,000 | As listed in Newline Clinic price material | Unusual listed figure — reconfirm before booking |
| Toning — 10 sessions | ₩1,000,000 | As listed in Newline Clinic price material | Confirm current availability and VAT treatment |
Good candidates &
who should wait.
Melasma treatment suitability depends on diagnosis, skin condition, recent sun exposure, medications, pregnancy status, and realistic expectations. The treating physician confirms candidacy before treatment.
Good candidates
- Diagnosed melasma (epidermal, dermal, or mixed)
- Stubborn pigmentation unresponsive to topical only
- Patient with realistic timeline (4–6 months for results)
- Willing to commit to strict sun protection routine
- Korean, Asian, Latin American, or mixed skin types
Not ideal for
- Recent sun exposure or active tan
- Pregnancy (melasma should not be treated during)
- Photosensitizing medications
- History of cold sores without prophylactic antiviral
- Unrealistic expectations of complete clearance
What happens after.
We believe in informed patients. Here's what to expect after treatment, and the full safety profile.
After your treatment
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and minimize direct sun exposure
- Follow any prescribed topical regimen exactly as directed by your treating physician
- Avoid saunas, hot yoga, and excessive heat for about 48 hours if advised
- Pause irritating exfoliating actives around treatment when instructed
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer while the skin is sensitive
- Do not pick at temporary darkening, dryness, or flaking
- Contact the clinic if you develop persistent blistering, severe pain, or unexpected pigment change
Possible side effects
- Temporary redness or warmth
- Mild dryness or sensitivity
- Temporary darkening of treated pigment before it fades
- Mild swelling depending on settings
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Blistering or burn if energy is excessive
- Prolonged irritation or crusting
- Infection or scarring, which is uncommon
Doctor Portrait
Son Hee-dong, MD, PhD,
board-certified
plastic surgeon.
Chief Director of Newline Clinic in Seomyeon, Busan, with a doctorate in medicine and long-standing clinical and academic work in plastic surgery.
- Board-certified plastic surgeon
- Doctorate in Medicine (MD, PhD), Dong-A University Graduate School
- Clinical Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Dong-A University Hospital
- Full member, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Full member, Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Chief Director, Newline Clinic · operating in Seomyeon since 2005
