Treatment guide · Skin Conditions

Seborrheic Keratosis in Seoul

Raised, waxy brown age spots that are usually removed in a single quick laser visit.

Ask the clinic for: 검버섯 (지루각화증)

Seborrheic Keratosis explained

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign skin growth made of surface skin cells. It looks raised, waxy or stuck-on, and ranges from light tan to black. In Korea it is called geomboseot and is very common after age 40.

How Seborrheic Keratosis works

Most Seoul clinics remove these growths with a CO2 laser, which vaporises the thickened surface cells layer by layer. Other options are freezing (cryotherapy), shaving or curettage, and erbium laser. Flat, early spots may be treated with pigment lasers instead.

Who Seborrheic Keratosis is for

• Raised brown age spots on the face, neck or hands
• Multiple seborrheic keratoses
• Spots that catch on clothing or jewellery
• Flat early age spots, using pigment lasers
• People who want quick removal in one visit

Who should avoid Seborrheic Keratosis

• Spots that are changing fast, bleeding or irregular, which need a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer
• Recent tanning on the treatment area
• People prone to keloid scars, unless a doctor advises
• Those who cannot keep the area covered and out of sun while healing
• Pregnant people, who may prefer to wait

What happens at the appointment

1. Doctor examines each spot, sometimes with a dermatoscope
2. Numbing cream or a small local anaesthetic injection
3. CO2 laser removal of each spot
4. Healing ointment and hydrocolloid patches applied
5. Instructions for patch changes and a follow-up if needed

Aftercare and flying home

• Keep patches on and change them as the clinic advises
• Do not pick at scabs; let them fall off
• Use SPF 50 sunscreen on healed areas for at least 3 months
• Avoid saunas and swimming until healed
• Expect pinkness for several weeks after scabs fall

Side effects and risks

• Redness and small scabs for 7–14 days
• Temporary darkening of the treated area, especially in Asian skin
• Lighter skin where the spot was
• Rarely, a small scar or texture change
• New spots can still form elsewhere over time

How much does Seborrheic Keratosis cost in Seoul?

₩30,000–₩100,000 per spot (about US$20–75 per spot) — Clinics price by the number and size of spots, or offer flat rates for unlimited small spots on the face. Large or thick spots cost more. All prices are estimates and vary by clinic.

Why get Seborrheic Keratosis in Korea?

Removing age spots is a very common and quick procedure in Seoul, so it is usually affordable and easy to book. Many clinics offer flat-rate packages for multiple spots.

Frequently asked questions

How much does seborrheic keratosis removal cost in Seoul?

It usually costs about ₩30,000–₩100,000 per spot in Seoul (roughly US$20–75). Many clinics offer package prices for multiple spots.

Does seborrheic keratosis removal hurt?

With numbing cream or a small anaesthetic injection, most people feel little. There may be stinging for a few hours afterwards.

Will seborrheic keratosis come back after laser?

A properly removed spot rarely returns. New spots can form elsewhere with age and sun exposure.

What is the healing time, and can I fly after removal?

Scabs heal in about 7–14 days. Flying is fine; keep patches on and avoid strong sun at your destination.

Is seborrheic keratosis dangerous?

It is benign, but some skin cancers can look similar. Any spot that changes quickly, bleeds or looks unusual should be checked by a dermatologist.

Can I remove many spots in one visit?

Yes, many clinics remove several or even dozens of spots in one session. Very large numbers may be split over visits to make healing easier.

Where to get it in Seoul

Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.