What is Nevus of Ota & Hori's Nevus (ABNOM)?

Both conditions involve melanin-producing cells located in the deeper dermis, which gives the pigment a bluish or grayish tone. Nevus of Ota usually appears at birth or in adolescence as a blue-gray or brown patch, most often on one side of the face around the eye, temple, forehead or cheek, and sometimes the white of the eye. Hori's nevus, also called acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM), typically appears in adulthood as small gray-brown spots on both cheekbones, and sometimes the temples, eyelids or nose. ABNOM is common in East Asian skin and is frequently mistaken for melasma or freckles.

Who it's for

This treatment may be suitable if you have:

• Blue-gray or brownish patches on one side of the face since childhood or adolescence
• Small gray-brown spots on both cheekbones that appeared in adulthood
• Pigmentation that has not improved with topical products
• Pigment previously treated as melasma without much change
• Bluish discoloration around the eye or temple

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

Accurate diagnosis comes first. A dermatologist examines the color, pattern and distribution of pigment, as ABNOM often coexists with melasma and the two need different handling. Because the pigment is deep, it generally requires lasers designed to reach the dermis:

• PicoSure picosecond laser: delivers ultra-short pulses that shatter pigment into very fine particles, which the body's immune system gradually clears
• Q-switched laser: RevLite may also be used depending on your pigment and skin
• Combination planning: if melasma is also present, it is managed carefully to limit the risk of rebound pigmentation
• Supportive care: sun protection and barrier-friendly skincare between sessions

What to expect

Numbing cream may be applied before treatment for comfort. The laser feels like quick snaps against the skin. Redness, mild swelling or fine crusting can appear and usually settle within a few days. Temporary darkening of the treated area can occur before it lightens. Because the pigment is deep, improvement is gradual and usually requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Possible side effects include temporary hyperpigmentation or, less commonly, lightening. Results vary.

Aftercare

• Apply sunscreen every day and minimize sun exposure
• Avoid saunas, hot baths, alcohol and intense exercise for a few days
• Do not rub or pick at any crusts
• Moisturize gently and avoid exfoliating products while the skin heals
• Attend sessions at the recommended intervals to support steady progress

Frequently asked questions

How is ABNOM different from melasma?

ABNOM consists of deep, gray-brown spots, often on the cheekbones, while melasma is usually more superficial and patchy. They can occur together, which is why careful diagnosis matters.

Why does it need so many sessions?

The pigment lies deep in the dermis, and the body clears fragmented pigment gradually. Spacing sessions allows the skin to recover and clear pigment between treatments.

Can creams treat nevus of Ota?

Topical products generally do not reach dermal pigment. They may support the skin or manage coexisting melasma, but laser is usually the main treatment.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors, directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 (Line 3). We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. Book a consultation to confirm your diagnosis and plan a laser course. Call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.