Laser Dermatology
Pico Laser in Seoul
Melasma, Freckles & Tattoo Pigment Removal
Delight Dermatology in Seoul offers PicoPlus laser treatment. Melasma, freckles, post-acne pigmentation and tattoo pigment are assessed separately before choosing the treatment mode.
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. SangYoul Yun
AAD International Fellow
IFAAD
- Duration
- 10-15 min (face); 20-30 min (tattoo)
- Sessions
- 5-10 typical; melasma 4-8 / 2-4 wk; tattoo 6-10+ / 6-8 wk
- Downtime
- None for toning; 5-7 days microcrusts for ablative
Pico Laser Treatment in Seoul
- Duration
- 10–15 min (face) / 20–30 min (tattoo)
- Sessions
- 5–10 typical; melasma 4–8, tattoo 6–10+
- Downtime
- None (toning) / 5–7 days microcrusts (ablative)
- Peak Result
- 3–6 months across course
Results Over Time
Picosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses to target pigment. Wavelength, fluence and treatment mode are selected for the diagnosis and skin type.
1Immediately post (toning)
Mild redness for 30 min to a few hours. No wound for toning; makeup possible the next day.
2Immediately post (ablative)
Pin-point microcrusts begin forming on freckles/tattoo; surrounding redness may persist 24–48 hours.
31 week
Ablative microcrusts flake off over 5–7 days. Toning shows no visible change yet. The effect is cumulative.
41 month
Initial fade on superficial pigmentation (freckles, sun spots). Melasma requires multiple sessions first.
53 months (mid-course)
Cumulative pigment clearance becomes apparent for melasma; tattoo pigment continues breaking down.
66 months
Most pigment programs plateau. Maintenance toning every 4–8 weeks supports long-term tone control.
Pico Laser Device
Picosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses to target pigment. Wavelength, fluence and treatment mode are selected for the diagnosis and skin type.
Photomechanical Shockwaves
Picosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses to target pigment. Wavelength, fluence and treatment mode are selected for the diagnosis and skin type.
Multi-Wavelength
532 nm for superficial pigment, 1064 nm for melasma and dermal pigment, plus 660 / 595 nm for tattoo and ABNOM.
Conservative Protocols
Review skin tone, pigment depth and previous laser reactions before choosing a device or settings.
Treatment Process
1Consultation
Clarifies whether a Pico laser is the right device, or whether a different laser, topical, or combination fits your pigmentation type.
2Skin Analysis
Skin tone, pigmentation depth (epidermal vs dermal), and prior laser history are reviewed before settings are chosen.
3Pico Laser Treatment
Review skin tone, pigment depth and previous laser reactions before choosing a device or settings.
4Recovery
Post-treatment sun protection, skincare, and the expected timeline are explained in detail before the session.
Treatment explained
How a pico laser is applied to freckles and lentigines
A picosecond laser targets skin pigment with ultra-short pulses.
Film guide (1–9)
What the numbers show
- 1. Upper cheek · example pigment area
- 2. Example handpiece position
- 3. Laser handpiece
- 4. Epidermis
- 5. Dermis
- 6. Subcutaneous fat
- 7. Muscle layer
- 8. Pigment markers
- 9. Pigment broken into very small fragments
In the film
- Use eye protection suitable for the laser.
- The handpiece is brought close to the skin, and laser pulses are delivered to the treatment area.
- The pigment absorbs short laser pulses.
- Pigment particles break into smaller fragments.
Treatment Results
Clinical photographs. Individual results vary with skin condition, age, and treatment plan.
Recovery & Care
First 24 hours
Toning: avoid hot showers, saunas, vigorous exercise. Ablative: apply the prescribed soothing balm; do not pick crusts.
Days 1–7 (ablative)
Microcrusts flake off over 5–7 days. Do NOT pick or peel. Premature removal increases PIH risk. Gentle cleanse; SPF 50+ daily.
Weeks 2–4
Strict sun protection (SPF 50+, hat, shade). Avoid retinoids and acids until full re-epithelialization.
Long-term (melasma)
Daily SPF, vitamin C / niacinamide topicals, and maintenance toning every 4–8 weeks if melasma-prone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How much does pico laser treatment cost in Korea?
Delight Dermatology in Gangnam, Seoul publishes these prices in Korean won: Pico Plus 532, KRW 350,000–550,000 per session; Pico Fraxel Full Face, KRW 300,000–1,200,000 per session (single or package); Pico Fraxel Partial, KRW 150,000–600,000 per session (single or package). The itemized quote follows the examination and depends on the treatment area, amount and plan.
Q.Does Pico laser remove all pigmentation in one visit?
No. Stamp-like freckles and small lentigines may fade significantly after 1–2 sessions, but melasma, ABNOM, and Hori's nevus typically require 4–8 sessions spaced weeks apart for gradual, safe improvement. Single-visit 'complete removal' claims are inconsistent with how pigment biology actually works.
Q.Is Pico laser always better than Q-switched or IPL for pigmentation?
Picosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses to target pigment. Wavelength, fluence and treatment mode are selected for the diagnosis and skin type.
Q.Can Pico laser make melasma worse?
Melasma can worsen after laser treatment. Low-fluence treatment does not guarantee against recurrence; suitability and settings require individual assessment.
Q.How does Pico laser treat tattoos differently than older lasers?
Picosecond lasers produce shorter, more intense pulses than Q-switched lasers, which more efficiently shatter tattoo pigment into smaller particles that the body can clear. Clinical data suggests fewer sessions are typically needed, particularly for difficult colors like green and blue. Old, faded black tattoos respond well; fresh, saturated tattoos still require 6–10+ sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart.
Q.What is the downtime and recovery like?
For toning-level treatment: minimal; mild redness for 30 minutes to a few hours, you can wear makeup the next day. For fractional or ablative settings on freckles or tattoo: crusting for 5–10 days, scabs fall off naturally, followed by 2–4 weeks of pink new skin. Strict sun protection is required for at least 4 weeks after any pigment laser.
Q.How long is a Pico laser session, and is anesthesia needed?
An individual Pico laser pass typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Topical numbing cream is generally not required for standard toning-level treatment, although the dermatologist may apply it for more aggressive ablative settings on freckles or tattoo work depending on patient comfort.
Q.How many Pico laser sessions are typically planned overall?
Most pigment-focused programs are planned around 5-10 sessions in total, with exact spacing and count adjusted to pigment type; for example, melasma protocols typically run 4-8 sessions and saturated tattoos can require 6-10+ sessions, while small superficial freckles may fade significantly in 1-2 sessions.
References1
The clinical claims on this page (device specs, efficacy timelines, safety profile) are supported by the primary sources below. Each citation links to the original paper or regulatory record.
- [1]A Systematic Review of Picosecond Laser in Dermatology: Evidence and Recommendations. Lasers Surg Med (Wu DC et al.) (2021).
Notice
- Active skin infection or open wound in the treatment area
- Pregnancy or lactation (relative: elective laser deferred)
- Recent isotretinoin use within 1 month per 2017 ASDS consensus for non-ablative laser (PicoPlus is non-ablative); 6-month wait remains only for fully ablative resurfacing
- Active herpes simplex in the treatment zone (requires antiviral prophylaxis before treatment)
- Photosensitizing medication use (review with dermatologist before treatment)
- Recent tan or sun exposure within 4 weeks on the treatment area (increased PIH risk)
Session summary & comparison
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10-15 min (face); 20-30 min (tattoo) |
| Sessions | 5-10 typical; melasma 4-8 / 2-4 wk; tattoo 6-10+ / 6-8 wk |
| Downtime | None for toning; 5-7 days microcrusts for ablative |
| Peak result | 3-6 months across course |
Related procedures
Evidence & comparison guides
Need another answer before deciding?
You do not need to read every guide. Open the question that still matters to your decision.
Optional decision guides
- Interactive routeFit a dermatologist visit into your itineraryCompare a day trip, overnight visit, or longer stay by travel buffer and typical visible recovery.Open the trip planner →
- Comparison guideSummer Dermatology in Seoul | Which Lasers Are Safe June–AugustWhich lasers are safe in Seoul June–August: Pico toning, Hollywood Spectra, GentleMax, fractional. PIH risk in FST IV–VI plus a traveler flowchart.
Clinic articles
- Clinic articleDoes Frequent Laser Toning Thin the Skin? A Dermatologist AnswersA common worry: does regular laser toning thin the skin? A Seoul dermatologist explains why low-fluence 1064 nm toning targets the dermis and rebuilds collagen.
- Clinic articleMelasma Got Darker After Laser? Why It Happens & What WorksAggressive lasers can make melasma darker. A Seoul dermatologist explains why (pigment dropout, PIH) and the gentle, multimodal approach that works.
Notice: Individual results may vary depending on skin condition, treatment history, and recovery factors. All treatment plans are determined through individual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. The information on this page is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice or guarantee specific outcomes.
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