Pico Toning in Seoul: Picosecond Laser for Stubborn Pigment and Brighter Skin
Pico laser pulses last trillionths of a second, shattering pigment with less heat than conventional lasers — ideal for freckles, sun spots, mixed pigmentation and dull tone, especially in Asian skin.
What is pico toning?
Pico toning is a low‑energy treatment with a picosecond laser that breaks pigment into ultra‑fine particles using a photoacoustic effect rather than heat, brightening tone and fading spots with very little downtime. A course of 3–10 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart, gives the best result.
Concerns we treat
What can pico toning improve?
Pico is chosen when pigment is stubborn or when skin is prone to rebound darkening.
Freckles and sun spots
Fade with fewer sessions than conventional toning.
Mixed pigmentation
Spots plus background tone; see pigmentation treatment.
Melasma (selected cases)
Very low settings within a medical melasma plan.
Post‑acne marks
Speeds fading of brown marks after breakouts.
Dull, uneven tone
Brighter, clearer skin over a course.
Tattoos
High‑energy pico removes ink; see tattoo removal.
How it works
Why picosecond pulses are different
Ultra‑short pulses create a pressure wave that shatters pigment into dust‑like particles the body clears easily. Less heat reaches surrounding skin, which lowers the risk of post‑laser darkening.
- After session 1: skin looks clearer and brighter
- Sessions 2–4: spots visibly lighten
- Sessions 5–10: more even overall tone
- Maintenance: occasional sessions plus daily SPF
Pricing
How much does pico toning cost in Korea?
Typical Seoul prices:
| Treatment | Typical price range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Full‑face pico toning | ₩150,000 – ₩350,000 per session |
| Spot‑focused treatment | ₩70,000 – ₩200,000 |
| Pico toning + brightening ampoule | ₩200,000 – ₩400,000 |
| Package (3–5 sessions) | ₩500,000 – ₩1,200,000 |
Guide ranges only. Your plan and quote are confirmed after an in‑person assessment.
What to expect
Your pico toning session, step by step
-
Assessment
Dr. Yun identifies pigment type and depth with dermoscopy.
-
Preparation
Cleansing; eye shields placed.
-
Laser
15–30 minutes of gentle pico passes; spots may get extra pulses.
-
Aftercare
Treated spots may darken briefly; SPF 50+ and no scrubbing.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with freckles, sun spots or mixed pigment
- People with pigment‑prone Asian or darker skin
- Those wanting results with little downtime
- Patients unhappy with slow results from conventional toning
Safety & side effects
- Spots can crust or darken for 5–7 days after spot treatment
- Over‑treatment can cause light patches; sessions are tracked
- Use strict sun protection during the course
- Postpone after recent tanning or with active infection
Most patients return to normal activities immediately after full‑face toning.
Compare
Pico toning vs. Q‑switched toning
Both are gentle; pico uses shorter pulses with less heat.
| Pico toning | Q‑switched toning | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse | Picoseconds | Nanoseconds |
| Heat to skin | Very low | Low |
| Sessions for spots | Often fewer | Often more |
| Typical cost | Higher | Lower |
Your dermatologist
Dr. SangYoul Yun
Chief Director · Korean Board‑Certified Dermatologist · AAD International Fellow (IFAAD)
Dr. Yun chooses pico or Q‑switched toning by pigment type and records settings each session to keep improvement steady and safe. Consultations are available in English.
Delight Dermatology Clinic · Registered foreign‑patient medical institution (KHIDI M‑2024‑01‑08‑8248) · 4F, Building B, 509 Gangnam‑daero, Seocho‑gu, Seoul · +82 2‑517‑9991 · About our clinic
FAQ
Pico Toning: frequently asked questions
How many pico toning sessions do I need?
Usually 3–10, depending on pigment type.
Is pico better than regular laser toning?
For stubborn or mixed pigment it is often faster; for maintenance both work well.
How much does pico toning cost in Seoul?
About ₩150,000–₩350,000 per full‑face session.
Can I do it on a short trip?
Yes. Full‑face toning has no downtime; spot treatments may crust for a few days.
Is pico toning safe for melasma?
In selected cases at very low settings, within a medical plan.
Does it hurt?
It feels like quick snaps; numbing is rarely needed.
Book your pico toning consultation in Gangnam
Send a photo of your pigmentation for an initial opinion.