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Medical Dermatology
Seborrheic Keratosis Removal in Seoul with Precise Laser
Quick answer
Seborrheic keratoses are common, harmless, slightly raised and textured age spots that can be removed cleanly with laser once a dermatologist confirms the diagnosis. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist examines each spot, then removes suitable lesions with a precise CO2 laser and a protective dressing. Most areas heal in about a week. Book early in your trip so the spots can heal before you fly.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
Procedure time
10–30 min
Downtime
About 5–10 days
Sessions
Usually 1
Assessment
Dermatologist check first
What is a seborrheic keratosis?
Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are among the most common benign skin growths in adults, becoming more frequent with age. They typically appear as light brown to dark brown or black spots with a slightly raised, rough or waxy surface that can look stuck on to the skin. They often appear on the face, temples, neck, chest and back.
SKs are not caused by sun alone, are not contagious and do not turn into cancer. However, they can look similar to other lesions, including some skin cancers, which is why a dermatologist should confirm the diagnosis. Flat brown spots without texture are more often sun spots; see our sun spots and age spots page.
How SKs are removed
Because SKs sit in the top layer of skin, they can usually be removed without deep injury. Common options include:
- CO2 laser: precise layer-by-layer removal with an ultra-pulse laser such as our Enpulse, ideal for raised, textured spots
- Curettage: gentle scraping after local anesthetic for thicker lesions
- Cryotherapy: freezing, sometimes used on the body
On the face, laser is often preferred for its precision. Flat, pigmented SKs may sometimes be treated with pigment lasers like PicoK . The doctor chooses the method for each spot based on its thickness and location.
Who is a good candidate?
Adults with seborrheic keratoses that are bothersome cosmetically, catch on clothing or jewelry, or get irritated are good candidates. Many people choose to remove several at once, particularly on the face and neck.
Any lesion that is changing quickly, bleeding, irregular or uncertain in appearance should be examined and may need a biopsy instead of laser; our mole removal page explains this approach. Treatment may be postponed with an active infection or a recent tan, and people with darker skin may have a higher risk of temporary pigmentation afterward. Results vary between individuals.
Healing and aftercare
After laser removal, treated areas look pink and slightly raw, then form thin crusts. A hydrocolloid patch or ointment keeps the area moist and protected. Crusts usually fall off in about five to ten days, revealing pink new skin that gradually blends with the surrounding area over weeks.
Avoid picking crusts, keep the areas clean and use daily sunscreen for several months to reduce the risk of temporary darkening. Light makeup can be applied around patches. New SKs can develop over time, since they are a common part of skin aging, so occasional touch-up sessions are normal.
Removing SKs during a visit to Seoul
Most SK removals are completed in a single visit, making them practical for travelers. The main consideration is visible healing: small patches or crusts for about a week. Flying with dressings is safe, but you may prefer to schedule removal early in your trip so the skin is healing well before you leave.
If you have many spots, the doctor may treat the most noticeable ones first. Bring clear photos of the areas you want treated when you request a consultation , and mention your dates so we can plan the best timing.
The Heal approach
We confirm that each textured spot is truly a seborrheic keratosis before removal, then use precise laser so the surrounding skin is spared and heals cleanly.
Expert review
Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa
Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · Seoul National University College of Medicine
Written for international patients and reviewed for medical accuracy. Individual results vary; your plan is decided in person after a skin assessment. Our review policy
Visit us
The Heal Dermatology Clinic Jamsil
4F, 329 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 8), Exit 9
Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00
Tue–Thu 10:00–19:30
Sat 09:30–16:00 · Sun & holidays closed
International patients
Visiting Seoul? Get your plan before you fly.
English consultations with a board-certified dermatologist, 5 minutes from Jamsil Station. Treatments are scheduled around your downtime and flights. International patient guide
1
Message us
Concerns, optional photos and travel dates via form or KakaoTalk.
2
Get your plan
Suggested treatments and timing around your flights.
3
Consult & treat
In-person assessment with Dr. Yang in English, then treatment.
Frequently asked
Seborrheic Keratosis Removal: your questions answered
Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous?
No. They are benign growths and do not become cancer. However, some skin cancers can look similar, so it is important to have new or changing spots checked by a dermatologist.
Will seborrheic keratoses come back?
A removed SK usually does not return in the same spot, but new ones commonly appear elsewhere with age. Many people have occasional maintenance sessions.
Does SK removal leave scars?
Because SKs are superficial, laser removal usually heals with minimal marking. Temporary pinkness or darkening can occur and generally fades with sun protection and time. Results vary between individuals.
How many spots can be removed at once?
Several spots can usually be removed in one session. The doctor may limit the number on the face to keep healing comfortable and manageable during your trip. Comfort and healing are both considered.
Keep exploring
Related treatments & guides
English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul
Smoother, clearer skin without raised age spots
Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.