Milia and pigmented spots
Milia are tiny, white cysts formed by keratin trapped beneath the skin. They often appear on eyelids, cheeks, or around the eyes and nose in adults and children. Pigmented spots such as freckles, lentigines, or melasma are darker and result from pigment deposits in the epidermis or dermis.
Clinically distinguishing milia from pigmented spots relies on texture, color, and evolution. Milia are firm, white bumps with a round shape, while pigmented spots are flat or slightly raised and brown to gray. Dermoscopy or careful palpation can help dermatologists differentiate them and guide treatment.
Treating milia pigment
For milia, clinicians prefer minimal procedures that preserve surrounding skin. Common approaches include sterile extraction with a fine needle or curettage, performed under proper aseptic technique. Laser or topical options may be used for resistant lesions, but these carry higher risks of scarring.
Hyperpigmentation accompanying milia often reflects sun damage or adjacent inflammatory changes. Treatments for the pigmented component include topical agents such as retinoids, hydroquinone or tranexamic acid, and photorejuvenation with non-ablative lasers. A cautious, tailored plan minimizes irritation and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Korean laser options
Korean clinics frequently employ pigment-targeting lasers to improve hyperpigmentation while maintaining skin texture. Common choices include Q-switched and picosecond lasers that fragment pigment with controlled downtime. For melasma, doctors often combine these devices with topical therapies and careful sun protection to reduce relapse.
A growing practice in Korea emphasizes safe and staged treatment plans, using test spots before full-face sessions. Clinicians monitor for post-inflammatory changes and adjust energy to minimize irritation. Real-world cases show notable pigment reduction when sessions are personalized to skin type and lifestyle.
Hyperpigmentation clinic
Managing hyperpigmentation requires ongoing sun protection, since UV exposure triggers new spots and worsens existing ones. Daily sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, along with broad spectral coverage, is essential. In clinics, clinicians also offer antioxidant serums and retinoids to support pigment reduction between procedures.
In Korea, a trend toward combination therapy is common, balancing lasers with topical agents and lifestyle modifications. Patients typically need several months of treatment with regular follow-ups to track progress and adjust plans. Ongoing education on sun avoidance and skin barrier care helps maintain results and prevent relapse.