Pico lasers are among the most requested pigmentation treatments in Seoul. This guide explains the different ways a pico laser is used, what each costs at Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, and how to choose the right plan for your pigment and your trip.
In Seoul, pico laser pricing depends on how the laser is used. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico toning for pigment and brightening costs ₩69,000 per full-face session, ₩299,000 for 5 sessions or ₩549,000 for 10. Pico fractional for texture and shallow scars costs ₩149,000 per session, or ₩199,000 combined with pico toning. Prices are in KRW and exclude 10% VAT. Melasma typically needs 5–10 toning sessions, while freckles and sun spots often respond in fewer. A doctor first identifies your pigment type, because the right laser depends on it.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is a pico laser?
A pico laser, or picosecond laser, delivers energy in extremely short pulses measured in trillionths of a second. These ultra-short pulses create a strong mechanical effect that shatters pigment into very fine particles, which the body then clears over time. Because the energy is so brief, less heat spreads into surrounding skin than with older nanosecond lasers. In Korea, pico lasers are used in two main ways for pigmentation and skin quality: pico toning and pico fractional.
- Pico toning passes low-energy pulses evenly across the face to gradually break down pigment and brighten the skin.
- Pico fractional uses a special handpiece to concentrate energy into tiny points, creating micro-zones of remodeling beneath the surface to improve texture, pores and shallow scars.
Some clinics also use a pico laser at higher energy to target individual spots. At Dernia, spot treatment is assessed by the doctor at consultation and priced within your plan. Learn more on our pico toning and pico fractional pages.
How much does pico laser cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Treatment | Option | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Pico toning | 1 session, full face | ₩69,000 |
| Pico toning | 1 session with LDM | ₩109,000 |
| Pico toning | 5-session course | ₩299,000 |
| Pico toning | 10-session course | ₩549,000 |
| Pico fractional | 1 session, full face | ₩149,000 |
| Pico fractional | 1 session with pico toning | ₩199,000 |
| Pico fractional | 3-session course | ₩399,000 |
| Pico fractional | 5-session course | ₩629,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed at consultation. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026; see payment and tax. See the pico toning price page and pico fractional price page.
Which pigmentation types respond to pico laser?
Not all pigment is the same, and this is the single most important factor in choosing a treatment. A doctor examines your skin to identify the type before recommending a plan.
| Pigment type | Typical approach | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Melasma | Gentle pico or laser toning series | Gradual improvement over 5–10+ sessions; can recur |
| Freckles | Pico toning, sometimes IPL | Often responds within a few sessions |
| Sun spots (solar lentigines) | Pico laser, IPL | Spots may darken and flake before fading |
| Post-acne brown marks | Pico toning | Fade gradually over a series |
| Dullness, uneven tone | Pico toning | Brighter look after one or more sessions |
For a deeper explanation, see pigmentation types explained and melasma treatment options in Korea.
How many pico laser sessions do you need?
Pico toning for melasma is gentle by design, because aggressive treatment can make melasma worse. That is why it usually takes 5–10 sessions or more, one to two weeks apart, followed by maintenance. Freckles and sun spots often need fewer sessions. Pico fractional for texture is usually done in 3–5 sessions about four weeks apart.
When budgeting, think in terms of the full series. For a 5-session plan, the course works out at about ₩59,800 per toning session, and for 10 sessions about ₩54,900, compared with ₩69,000 for a single session. If you are only in Seoul briefly, single sessions may be more practical, because a course only saves money when every session is used.
What affects the cost of pico laser treatment?
- Treatment mode. Pico fractional costs more than toning because it is more intensive and includes numbing.
- Number of sessions. Multi-session courses lower the per-session price for both toning and fractional.
- Combined sessions. Pico fractional with toning in one visit treats texture and tone together.
- Soothing add-ons. LDM helps sensitive or redness-prone skin settle and adds to the session price.
- VAT. Korean prices are usually quoted before 10% VAT, which is added at payment.
When comparing quotes in Seoul, check that the laser is a genuine picosecond device, that the price covers the full face and that a doctor sets the plan. The cheapest single session is not always the best value if the plan does not match your pigment type, because the wrong treatment can waste sessions or, with melasma, make pigment worse.
Pico laser vs other pigmentation treatments
Pico lasers are not the only option. Laser toning with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is the long-established Korean approach for melasma and starts from ₩49,000 per session at Dernia. IPL photofacial, from ₩89,000 for the full face, treats sun spots, freckles and diffuse redness in one pass but is not suitable on tanned skin. The doctor may combine approaches. Compare them in pico toning vs laser toning and pico toning vs IPL photofacial.
Who is a good candidate for pico laser?
Usually a good fit
- Melasma, freckles or sun spots
- Brown post-acne marks
- Dull or uneven tone
- Visitors who want little or no downtime
Talk to the doctor first
- A recent tan or sunburn
- Pregnancy, or recent isotretinoin use
- Active infection, eczema flare or cold sores
- A history of pigment darkening after laser
What happens during a pico laser session
- English consultation. The doctor examines your pigment and explains which treatment suits it, how many sessions to expect and the price.
- Preparation. Makeup is removed and eye protection is provided. Numbing cream is applied for pico fractional.
- Treatment. Pico toning takes about 15–20 minutes; pico fractional takes 20–30 minutes plus numbing. You may feel light snapping or warmth.
- Soothing. A calming mask or LDM settles redness before you leave, and you receive written aftercare in English.
Side effects and safety
Pico toning usually causes no downtime or mild redness for a few hours. Pico fractional causes redness for one to three days and sometimes fine texture or pinpoint marks. Treated spots may temporarily darken before fading. Rare risks include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven lightening, blistering or, with melasma, rebound darkening if treatment is too aggressive. A doctor adjusts settings to your skin type to reduce these risks. See aftercare after laser treatment.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply outdoors.
- Avoid exfoliants, retinoids and strong actives for a few days.
- Skip saunas and hot baths on treatment day.
Flying home? Pico toning has little or no downtime, so flying the next day is usually fine. After pico fractional, leave a day or two if possible, and keep sunscreen handy on the plane. Our aftercare guide explains more.
Planning pico laser treatment around your Seoul trip
- Protect your skin before you arrive. Avoid tanning in the weeks before treatment, and pack a high-protection sunscreen for sightseeing afterward.
- Avoid your arrival day. Book for day two or later.
- Longer stays: if you are in Seoul for two weeks or more, you can fit more than one toning session.
- Book ahead. Send photos of your pigment in natural light and your dates through our consultation form.
- Getting here. Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Frequently asked questions
How much is pico laser in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico toning costs ₩69,000 per full-face session and pico fractional ₩149,000 per session, excluding 10% VAT. Courses lower the price per session.
Is pico laser good for melasma?
Gentle pico toning is commonly used for melasma, usually over 5–10 or more sessions. Melasma can recur, so sun protection and maintenance matter.
What is the difference between pico toning and pico fractional?
Pico toning targets pigment and brightness with low energy across the face. Pico fractional concentrates energy into tiny points to improve texture, pores and shallow scars.
How many pico laser sessions do I need?
It depends on pigment type. Freckles and sun spots may need a few sessions, while melasma typically needs 5–10 or more.
Can I have pico laser with a tan?
A recent tan increases the risk of pigment problems. Tell the doctor, who may delay treatment or adjust settings.
Is there downtime after pico laser?
Pico toning has none to mild redness. Pico fractional causes redness for one to three days.
Planning pico laser treatment in Seoul?
Send photos of your pigment and your travel dates. A doctor will identify your pigment type, recommend the right pico treatment and confirm the price before treatment.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.