Anyone who sees brown spots appearing one by one on their face in the mirror feels a complex mix of emotions. Senile lentigo, commonly known as seborrheic keratosis, is a common pigment change known to be caused by a combination of skin aging and accumulated UV exposure. The first question that usually comes to mind is one: Can it be cleanly removed, and what method is right for my skin?
Why Is It Called 'Flower of the Underworld'?
Senile lentigo are brown or dark brown spots that typically appear on the skin after the age of 40. As one ages, their number increases and their color deepens, resembling flowers blooming on the skin, which is why they have long been nicknamed 'Flower of the Underworld'. While the nickname itself feels somewhat heavy, it also effectively expresses that this is a skin change closely related to aging.
What Are the Characteristics of Seborrheic Keratosis?
Senile lentigo appear due to a complex interplay of factors such as UV exposure, skin aging, and genetic predisposition. Most are merely a cosmetic inconvenience, but it's important to remember that some can be confused with other pigmentary disorders.
Pigmentary disorders are often confusing based on appearance alone. Even if they look similar, the treatment approach differs depending on whether it's epidermal pigment like blemishes or seborrheic keratosis or a separate skin lesion like a wart or syringoma, so accurate diagnosis from the outset is necessary.
In the clinic, it's not uncommon for patients to come in thinking they have seborrheic keratosis, only to be diagnosed with a different pigmentary disorder. Therefore, accurate differentiation in the first step is paramount.
How Is Seborrheic Keratosis Removed?
The most common method is laser treatment. This method selectively destroys and removes pigment, and related equipment continues to evolve and increase in variety. Treatment effectiveness varies depending on the equipment used and the skin condition, so careful checking is needed before deciding. The approach may differ depending on whether the pigment is shallow or deep, and its thickness.
If you're curious about which treatment is right for your skin condition, you can easily inquire through chat consultation about seborrheic keratosis removal.
Limitations of Existing Laser Treatments
General lasers often only remove pigment on the skin's surface, meaning the treatment may not penetrate sufficiently deep. In such cases, the likelihood of recurrence is reported to be relatively high. Especially among various pigment troubles, seborrheic keratosis, which is often thicker, can feel more challenging to treat.
Furthermore, the possibility of scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after treatment, and the slower recovery speed in elderly individuals with thinner skin, are also considered. For these reasons, the treatment method for senile lentigo is decided with even greater caution.
Features of RePott Laser
RePott Laser is known as a device that can deliver strong energy in a short amount of time. It also utilizes AI to identify the location of pigmentary lesions and the areas requiring treatment, allowing for a more precise approach.
Recently, as RePott Laser is being used for treating lentigo and senile lentigo, there are increasing reports of experiencing relatively rapid changes, unlike in the past when it took a long time and effects felt minimal. However, results may vary individually, and to use it more safely and effectively, it is important to follow post-treatment precautions and manage the skin well.
If epidermal pigment is widely distributed or if whitening care is also needed, concomitant management such as a Customized Whitening Solution may be considered.
How to Manage After Treatment
Consistent post-treatment care is crucial for maintaining stable treatment results. Keeping the following points in mind can be helpful:
- Thorough UV protection. Consistently use sunscreen to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Do not pick scabs. Allow them to fall off naturally for even regeneration of new skin.
- Maintain sufficient moisture. Prevent skin dryness to aid recovery and reduce itching.
- Regular check-ups. Confirm the need for additional treatment if necessary and manage progress together.
When Is the Best Time to Start Treatment?
Senile lentigo may seem like a simple sign of aging, but it is a significant skin change that can greatly affect one's appearance and impression due to seborrheic keratosis. It is considered a representative factor that makes one look older, much like its nickname 'Flower of the Underworld'.
Although it is a typical phenomenon of aging, it can also appear in relatively younger age groups due to various factors such as UV radiation, skin characteristics, and genetics. If new dark spots appear that weren't there before, or if their number increases and color deepens, it is advisable to seek medical consultation as soon as possible.
RePott Laser is known as a highly versatile device for epidermal pigmentary disorders like lentigo and seborrheic keratosis, improving upon the shortcomings of existing laser treatments. However, good results are not achieved by the device alone. More safe and satisfactory results can be expected when precise observation and planning precede the procedure.
If seborrheic keratosis is bothering you but you're unsure where to start, feel free to begin a consultation below.
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Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine & Graduate School, Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2025-08-25 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16
This content is for general information purposes only, and treatment effects and progress may vary individually. Accurate diagnosis and treatment direction should be determined through consultation with medical staff.