Comfort and Pain Management
Temporary redness or heat may appear, and sun protection and good moisturizing are important after treatment.
If you worry about sensation, discuss your comfort goals with the doctor in advance.
Timing and Daily Life
The treatment takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Normal daily activities are generally possible right after treatment. This can fit a short itinerary if you are visiting for a limited time.
Sessions and Short‑Stay Planning
The number of sessions needed depends on skin type and pigment condition. About 3 sessions about 3 to 4 weeks apart are generally recommended, and additional sessions or maintenance care can follow depending on skin condition. If you are in Seoul for a limited time, one session can start your long-term treatment plan.
Which of these applies may vary with the patient’s skin condition and the aim of treatment, and the doctor decides.
Common Situations and Concerns
You may be landing, checking in, and heading straight to Gangnam on a tight schedule. Build in a little extra time in case city traffic or airport transfers take longer. Visible redness can happen, so plan low-key activities for a few days if you want to look presentable. To help the skin recover, keep it well moisturized and protect it from the sun. If you have an important event or photo shoot coming up, consider scheduling the treatment a few days earlier.
About Min Clinic
Min Clinic is registered as a dermatology clinic. Three doctors practice at the clinic, and two of them are board-certified specialists. Dr. Min Young-Soo is an adjunct professor at Hanyang University and was formerly deputy director of NB Clinic, Gangnam Station branch. At Min Clinic, all medical aesthetic procedures are performed directly by a doctor.
Anesthetic cream is used. Normal daily activities are generally possible right after treatment. The effects may last 6 months or longer. The treatment takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Within a few days, as the redness settles, the skin tone may feel clearer. After that, as pigment in the skin gradually fades, improvement in pigmentation such as melasma, blemishes and freckles and a more even skin tone can be expected. It varies with pigment condition and skin type, but about 3 sessions about 3 to 4 weeks apart are usually recommended. Face washing is possible from the same day, but avoid strong cleansing and scrubs for about 1 week. Avoid rubbing the treated area too much, strong massage and pressure. Redness may last about 3 days, or crusts may form over pigmented spots. If crusts form, they fall off naturally after 7 days or more. It is best to avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for about 1 week after treatment. To help the skin recover, keep it well moisturized and protect it from the sun. Rarely, pain or tightness may be felt, and it gradually eases over time. It varies by person, but the skin tone may feel clearer within a few days after treatment. Pigmented areas may temporarily darken or form fine crusts, and gradual improvement can be expected as they fall off naturally. The number of sessions needed depends on skin type and pigment condition. About 3 sessions about 3 to 4 weeks apart are generally recommended, and additional sessions or maintenance care can follow depending on skin condition. Daily life is generally possible right after treatment. Temporary redness or heat may appear, and sun protection and good moisturizing are important after treatment.
Prices are the same for Korean and international patients. VAT is charged separately at the applicable statutory rate. Same-day treatment may be possible depending on appointment availability and the doctor's schedule. Patients are asked to contact the clinic during the recovery period with any questions or discomfort. Min Clinic does not perform medical aesthetic procedures, including ARA IPL, during pregnancy. Skincare treatments may be available after consultation. Patients under 19 may be treated with the consent of a parent or guardian. Upon request, treatment records can be provided as a detailed medical statement.
WhatsApp messages are answered during clinic hours, and the clinic responds as promptly as possible. Inquiries can be made through WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, WeChat and email. English-, Chinese-, and Japanese-speaking staff are available on-site to assist foreign visitors. Min Clinic is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, Friday from 10:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00, with a lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00 on weekdays, and the clinic is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay and JCB cards are accepted, as are Apple Pay, WeChat Pay and Alipay. PayPal is not accepted, cash is accepted in Korean won only, and payment may be split across two cards with no card surcharge. Parking is available in the Daedong Tower building, and valet parking is offered for a fee. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please contact the clinic in advance. In accordance with Korean tax law, VAT refunds for cosmetic medical services provided to foreign visitors are no longer available for treatments received on or after January 1, 2026. Times, distances and transportation costs are approximate and provided for reference only. Actual times may vary depending on the treatment plan, route and current conditions.
Getting Here
Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Suin-Bundang Line) is the nearest exit to the clinic at 4F, Daedong Tower, 326 Dosan-daero. From Exit 5 it is about 5–10 minutes on foot. The building stands at Hakdong Intersection, with an Olive Young store on the ground floor. At Gangnam-gu Office Station (Line 7 and Suin-Bundang Line), leave by Exit 3 or 3-1. From Exit 3 or 3-1 it is about 7 minutes on foot. Parking fees can be confirmed with the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
When will you start seeing results after ARA IPL, and how long do they last?
Within a few days, as the redness settles, the skin tone may feel clearer. After that, as pigment in the skin gradually fades, improvement in pigmentation such as melasma, blemishes and freckles and a more even skin tone can be expected. The effects may last 6 months or longer. It varies by person.
Can you wash your face the same day?
Face washing is possible from the same day, but avoid strong cleansing and scrubs for about 1 week.
Which of these applies may vary with the patient’s skin condition and the aim of treatment, and the doctor decides.
What activities should you avoid after treatment?
It is best to avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for about 1 week after treatment. Avoid rubbing the treated area too much, strong massage and pressure.
Which of these applies may vary with the patient’s skin condition and the aim of treatment, and the doctor decides.
Is redness or darkening of spots normal after ARA IPL in Gangnam?
Redness may last about 3 days, or crusts may form over pigmented spots. If crusts form, they fall off naturally after 7 days or more. Pigmented areas may temporarily darken or form fine crusts, and gradual improvement can be expected as they fall off naturally.
Can you fly home soon after treatment in Cheongdam?
Daily life is generally possible right after treatment. Travel plans vary by person, so consider your comfort and skincare needs as you choose your flight time.
If you have specific concerns about pain, scheduling, or aftercare while traveling, ask your doctor.
Sources
- Min Clinic official website (checked 2026-09-09)
- Min Clinic — directions and contact (official page) (checked 2026-09-16)
