Pico Toning in Myeongdong, Seoul
Quick answer: Pico toning is a low-energy picosecond laser passed over the whole face to break down excess pigment gradually, brightening melasma, freckles, sun spots and dull skin with little or no downtime. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩69,000 per full-face session (KRW, VAT excluded). Most people need a series of 5–10 sessions about 1–2 weeks apart.
- Price from: ₩69,000 (1 full-face session)
- Session time: 15–20 minutes
- Numbing: Not usually needed
- Downtime: None to mild redness
- Sessions: Best as a series of 5–10
- Results: Brighter within days; pigment fades over the course
- Best for: Melasma, freckles, sun spots, uneven tone and dullness
What is pico toning?
Pico toning is a gentle, low-energy laser treatment using a picosecond laser, a device that fires pulses lasting trillionths of a second. Passed evenly over the whole face, it breaks down excess pigment a little at a time, so skin looks brighter, clearer and more even after a series of sessions. It is one of the most requested treatments in Korean clinics because there is little or no downtime. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico toning starts from ₩69,000 for one full-face session and is performed by licensed medical doctors.
How pico toning works
Older Q-switched lasers fire in nanoseconds and rely more on heat. Picosecond pulses are about a thousand times shorter, so they shatter pigment mainly through a pressure, or photoacoustic, effect while generating less heat in the surrounding skin. Your body then clears the tiny pigment fragments over the following weeks. In toning mode, energy is kept low and spread across the face in several passes, which is why it can be used carefully on sensitive pigment such as melasma. The same laser with a different handpiece is used for pico fractional, which targets pores and texture rather than pigment.
Who pico toning suits
- Melasma, as part of a long-term management plan
- Freckles, sun spots and general uneven tone
- Dull skin that needs brightening before an event
- Brown post-acne marks
Pico toning brightens gradually; it is not a one-session eraser. Distinct dark spots may clear faster with targeted spot treatment or IPL, and your doctor will tell you which type of pigment you have. Our guide to melasma, freckles and sun spots explains the differences.
How many sessions?
| Concern | Typical course | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Dullness and brightening | 3–5 sessions | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Freckles and uneven tone | 5–10 sessions | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Melasma | 5–10 sessions, then maintenance | Every 1–4 weeks, set by your doctor |
Read how many pico toning sessions you need for more detail, and see single-session and course prices on the pico toning price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.
Your session at Dernia, step by step
- Consultation in English — your doctor examines your pigment, often under magnification, and sets the plan.
- Cleansing — makeup and sunscreen are removed. Numbing is not usually needed.
- Laser — with eye protection on, the doctor passes the handpiece evenly over your face for about 10–15 minutes. It feels like light snapping or warm prickling.
- Soothing — a calming mask or LDM session, then sunscreen before you leave.
Downtime and aftercare
Most people have no visible downtime, or mild pinkness for an hour or two. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, apply SPF 50 sunscreen every day, and avoid scrubs, retinoids and strong acids for a few days. Makeup can usually be worn the same or next day. If you notice darkening, itching or irritation, tell your doctor before your next session. See what to avoid after pico toning.
Results timeline
Many people notice brighter, clearer skin within a few days of the first session. Pigment fades progressively across the course, with the clearest change after five to ten sessions. Melasma can return with sun, heat and hormonal changes, so maintenance sessions are common. See the pico toning results guide.
Pico toning vs alternatives
Compared with laser toning, pico toning uses shorter pulses and less heat, and some people see results in fewer sessions; read pico toning vs laser toning. IPL treats sun spots and redness together but is less suitable for melasma; see pico toning vs IPL photofacial.
Planning pico toning around a trip to Seoul
One session fits easily into any trip, and you can fly the next day. For a visible change, book sessions about a week apart during a longer stay, or start in Seoul and continue at home. Strong sun is the main enemy of pigment, so plan beach days and long hikes before treatment rather than straight after. The Pigment Clear Package combines pico toning with IPL and LDM. Book a consultation and your doctor will plan sessions around your dates.
Safety and who should avoid it
Pico toning is generally well tolerated, but it is postponed during pregnancy, with an active skin infection or cold sore, a fresh tan or sunburn, and after recent isotretinoin. Tell your doctor about photosensitizing medicines. Toning that is too frequent or too strong can cause blotchy light spots or rebound darkening, especially with melasma, which is why your doctor sets conservative energy and intervals. You can explore the other skin concerns we treat.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .
Does pico toning hurt?
Most people feel light snapping or warm prickling, a little like a rubber band flicking the skin. It is quick and usually done without numbing cream.
How often should I do pico toning?
Every one to two weeks is typical for brightening and freckles, while melasma may be treated more cautiously. See How often should I do pico toning?
When can I wear makeup after pico toning?
Usually the same day or the next morning, as long as your skin is not irritated. Read When can I wear makeup after laser treatment?
Can I fly after pico toning?
Yes. There is no wound, so flying the next day is fine. Keep your skin moisturized on board and wear sunscreen by the window; see Can I have laser treatment right before a flight?
Can pico toning cure melasma?
No treatment cures melasma, but pico toning can lighten it and keep it under control alongside strict sun protection and good skincare. Our guide to melasma treatment options in Korea covers the full approach.
Is pico toning suitable for darker skin?
Low-energy toning is often chosen for medium and darker skin because it produces less heat. Your doctor adjusts settings to your skin type and may start conservatively.
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Related treatments
- Laser toning — gentle Nd:YAG toning at a lower price
- IPL photofacial — fades sun spots and redness together
- Pico fractional — the same laser used to refine pores and texture
Price, results and reviews
Concerns it treats
Compare and packages
- Pico toning vs laser toning
- Pico toning vs IPL photofacial
- Pigment Clear Package — pico toning, IPL and LDM
- First Glow Package — pico toning, HA skin booster and LDM
Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong
English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.
Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer