Pigmentation Care

Pigmentation Treatment in Seoul

Pico, Hollywood Spectra, and Genesis-style toning treat freckles, PIH, and melasma on Asian skin, planned by a board-certified dermatologist.

Board-Certified

Dermatologist

AAD International Fellow

IFAAD

FDA-cleared

Where applicable

MFDS-registered

Korean MoH&W

Reviewed personally by Dr. SangYoul Yun

Board-certified Dermatologist · AAD International Fellow (IFAAD) · IFAAD-verified

Overview

Pigmentation and melasma treatment in Gangnam by a board-certified dermatologist. Pico, Hollywood Spectra, and Genesis-style toning protocols tuned for Asian skin (Fitzpatrick III–IV).

Best for

melasma
solar lentigines (검버섯)
freckles
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
ABNOM (acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules)
uneven tone and accumulated sun damage

Suited for

patients wanting a non-aggressive, conservative pigmentation plan
Asian skin (Fitzpatrick III–IV) where rebound risk is high
patients with prior failed laser treatment or PIH history
international travellers needing planning around 1-week recovery on CO2-treated lesions

Pigmentation treatment — session summary
Item	Details
Treatment time	5-40 minutes depending on the device combination
Sessions	Discrete lentigines: often 1-2 PicoPlus sessions; melasma: 5-10 toning sessions at 2-4 week intervals
Pain & comfort	Topical anesthesia not required for PicoPlus spot treatment, Spectra toning, or GentleMax Pro toning
Downtime	Minimal for pico / Spectra — most patients socialise the same evening; ~1 week of crusting if a CO2 portion is used
Onset of results	Lentigines microcrust and flake over days 1-3, then lighten over weeks 1-2; melasma needs multiple sessions, with peak clearance at months 2-3
Duration & maintenance	Peak result 8-12 weeks after course completion; maintenance toning every 4-8 weeks for melasma-prone skin

PicoPlus vs Hollywood Spectra vs GentleMax Pro toning at a glance
Category	PicoPlus	Hollywood Spectra	GentleMax Pro (toning mode)
Mechanism	Picosecond photomechanical shockwave fractures melanin with minimal heat	Q-switched Nd:YAG — low-fluence 1064 nm toning plus Carbon Peel exfoliation	Long-pulsed 1064 nm gently heats the upper dermis (~40-45°C); does not fragment melanin
Best suited for	Freckles, lentigines, resistant pigment; Asian-skin-safe melasma toning	Diffuse melasma toning with same-visit Carbon Peel brightening	Background redness and tone uniformity; 755 nm mode for superficial lentigines
Session time	10-15 min (face spots)	5-10 min (toning + carbon peel)	5-10 min
Typical schedule	5-10 sessions at 2-4 week intervals for melasma protocols	Combined with PicoPlus in the same visit when appropriate	Repeated at 1-2 week intervals

Does laser pigmentation treatment hurt?

Most sessions are comfortable enough that topical anesthesia is not required — for PicoPlus spot treatment, Spectra toning with Carbon Peel, and GentleMax Pro toning alike. Expect mild erythema afterward, with possible faint frosting on treated lentigines that resolves within hours of the session.

What is the downtime after pico or Spectra toning?

Minimal — most patients socialise the same evening. Treated lentigines may darken briefly and form a microcrust that flakes off over days 1-3, while melasma areas usually show no immediate change. Only when fractional CO2 is added for raised lesions should you plan around one week of pinpoint crusting.

Can I fly home right after a pigmentation session?

Yes, for pico and Spectra sessions — Carbon Peel can even be added the same day before a flight without restriction. If CO2 is part of the plan for raised lesions, schedule one week before any major event or the flight home. Melasma protocols require a 2-3 month commitment.

Is pigment removal permanent?

It depends on the lesion. Discrete lentigines often clear after 1-2 PicoPlus sessions, and CO2-removed lesions are effectively permanent — though new spots can form with future sun exposure. Melasma is a managed condition: maintenance toning every 4-8 weeks plus daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ keeps clearance stable.

Duration: 5–40 min (varies by device)
Sessions: 5–10 across 2–4 week intervals (melasma)
Downtime: Minimal for pico/Spectra; ~1 week if CO2 portion used
Peak result: 8–12 weeks after course completion

Timeline

Immediately post
Mild erythema; possible faint frosting on treated lentigines that resolves within hours.
Day 1–3
Lentigines may darken briefly and form a microcrust before flaking off; melasma areas usually show no immediate change.
Week 1–2
Gradual lightening of treated lentigines; melasma typically requires multiple sessions before visible change.
Month 1
Tone evens; texture begins to improve via the Genesis-style toning effect.
Month 2–3
Peak clearance; the maintenance phase begins.
Month 6–12
Maintenance toning every 4–8 weeks recommended for melasma-prone skin.

Devices

PicoPlus

LutronicFDA 510(k) cleared picosecond laser; multiple clearances for benign pigmented lesions and tattoo removal

Key specs

: Picosecond pulse duration (~450 ps) — shorter than the thermal relaxation time of melanosomes
: Energy converts primarily into a photomechanical (photoacoustic) shockwave rather than heat
: Shockwave fractures melanin into sub-micron particles cleared by macrophages, with significantly less collateral thermal injury than nanosecond Q-switched lasers
: Thermal-sparing profile makes it preferred for darker (Fitzpatrick III–V) skin where PIH risk is elevated
Wavelengths used at Delight: 532 nm (superficial pigment — freckles, lentigines), 1064 nm (Asian-skin-safe melasma toning + dermal pigment), 660 nm and 595 nm available for tattoo and ABNOM
Typical session: 10–15 min for face spots; 20–30 min for tattoo work
: Topical anesthesia not required for spot treatment
Repeat: 5–10 sessions for melasma protocols at 2–4 week intervals

Hollywood Spectra (Spectra XT)

LutronicFDA 510(k) cleared Q-switched Nd:YAG laser system

Key specs

Wavelengths: 1064 nm and 532 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG, nanosecond pulses (~5–10 ns)
: Laser Toning — low-fluence 1064 nm pulses delivered in multiple passes (sub-photothermolysis dose); selectively absorbed by melanosomes, gradually fragments melanin without ablating epidermis. Cornerstone of Asian-skin-safe melasma care.
: Carbon Peel ('Hollywood Peel') — thin carbon lotion applied to skin, absorbed into pores; 1064 nm Q-switched pulse selectively absorbed by carbon particles for controlled photoacoustic exfoliation, follicular debris and sebum clearance, immediate brightening. No downtime, immediately social.
Typical session: 5–10 minutes for combined toning + carbon peel
: No topical anesthesia required

Candela GentleMax Pro dual-wavelength laser system

GentleMax Pro (Genesis-style 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG mode)

CandelaFDA 510(k) cleared 755 nm Alexandrite + 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG dual-wavelength platform

Key specs

Toning mode: Genesis-style 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG, sub-purpuric protocol
: Mechanism — non-ablative; gently heats the upper dermis to ~40–45°C in micro-pulses across multiple passes
: Controlled mild hyperthermia stimulates fibroblast activity and new collagen synthesis, reduces dilated capillaries and diffuse erythema, and refines pore appearance and tone uniformity
: Does not directly fragment melanin; instead conditions the dermal canvas so pigment treatments deliver visibly cleaner results
: 755 nm Alexandrite mode targets superficial lentigines as a complementary treatment when surface pigment dominates
Typical session: 5–10 minutes
: No topical anesthesia required
Repeat: 1–2 week intervals

CO2 fractional laser

FDA 510(k) cleared fractional ablative CO2 (10,600 nm)

Key specs

: 10,600 nm ablative wavelength absorbed by tissue water
: Reserved for raised seborrheic keratoses and stubborn lentigines that pico cannot fully clear
Typical session: 10–20 minutes
Recovery: ~1 week (pinpoint crusting and erythema)
: Result effectively permanent for treated lesions, though new lesions can form with future sun exposure
: Strict broad-spectrum SPF 50+ post-treatment is non-negotiable

Process

01
Pigment type, depth, and rebound risk reviewed first — Wood's lamp, dermoscopy, and high-resolution photo analysis classify the pigment before any laser is selected.
02
The dermatologist evaluates whether PicoPlus, Spectra, GentleMax Pro 1064-LP, CO2, or a combination fits the diagnosis. Test spots may be performed for ABNOM, dermal melasma, or rebound-history patients.
03
Treatment settings (fluence, spot size, passes) and aftercare are explained before the session.
04
A long-term maintenance plan is discussed; rebound-prone patients (melasma, ABNOM) receive a written home protocol with sun-protection and topical regimen.

“Injectables and energy devices are performed by physicians — never delegated to non-physician staff. The clinic is led by a board-certified dermatologist.”
— Dr. SangYoul Yun · Clinic Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist · AAD IFAAD

Before / After

Pigmentation laser treatment — Before — Pigmentation laser treatment

Pigmentation laser treatment — After — Pigmentation laser treatment

🔒 Photos published only with prior written consent. Anonymized by default. You may revoke consent at any time.

Cases shown are Fitzpatrick III–IV (East Asian skin). Results in lighter (I–II) or darker (V–VI) skin types may differ — discussed at consultation.

Aftercare

First 24 hours
Mild redness possible. No exfoliants, no retinoids, no hot showers. Gentle cleanser only.
Week 1
Avoid AHA/BHA, retinol, and physical scrubs. Strict broad-spectrum SPF 50+ reapplied every 2–3 hours (non-negotiable for melasma patients).
Week 2–4
Resume actives gradually. Pigment-supportive topicals (tranexamic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C) reintroduced under dermatologist guidance.
Long-term maintenance
Toning every 4–8 weeks for melasma-prone skin; oral tranexamic acid or glutathione considered case-by-case under dermatologist supervision.

FAQ

Is PicoPlus safe for Asian / Korean skin?

Yes. The picosecond pulse duration is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of melanosomes, so energy converts primarily into a photomechanical shockwave rather than heat. This thermal-sparing profile reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk in Fitzpatrick III–V skin compared with older nanosecond Q-switched lasers, and is the reason pico is preferred for darker phototypes.

How is Hollywood Spectra different from a regular toning laser?

Spectra is a Q-switched Nd:YAG platform that supports two distinct treatments — low-fluence 1064 nm laser toning for melasma, and the Hollywood Carbon Peel using carbon-lotion-mediated photoacoustic exfoliation. The combination of these two on the same platform, performed in the same visit, is what produces the brightening Spectra is known for.

Will the GentleMax Pro 1064 long-pulsed mode remove my freckles?

Not directly. Genesis-style 1064 long-pulsed toning improves the dermal canvas and reduces background redness — it does not fragment melanin like pico does. For freckles and lentigines, PicoPlus 532 nm or the GentleMax Pro 755 nm Alexandrite mode is the right tool. The dermatologist combines these based on what your skin actually needs.

How many sessions until I see a difference?

Discrete lentigines often clear after 1–2 PicoPlus sessions. Melasma is a chronic condition requiring 5–10 toning sessions at 2–4 week intervals before peak clearance, with maintenance every 4–8 weeks afterwards. Single-session miracles are not realistic for melasma — that framing leads to over-aggressive treatment and rebound.

Can melasma come back after treatment?

Yes. Melasma is a managed condition, not a cure. Sun exposure, hormones, and inflammation can all trigger return even after good clearance. The standard rebound-prevention plan combines maintenance toning every 4–8 weeks, daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+, and pigment-supportive topicals (tranexamic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C) under dermatologist supervision.

Can I do PicoPlus and Spectra toning during one visit?

Yes — this is a common combination at Delight. PicoPlus addresses discrete pigmented lesions while Spectra handles diffuse melasma with low-fluence toning, and Carbon Peel can be added before a same-day flight or social event. The dermatologist plans the order and energy levels so the two treatments do not compound irritation.

Notice

Tell the dermatologist at consultation if any of the following apply.

Active skin infection or open wound in the target area
Use of isotretinoin within the last 6 months
Use of photosensitizing medications (some antibiotics, retinoids, St. John's Wort)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (laser pigment treatment not studied — avoid as precaution)
History of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or keloid
Recent sun exposure or active tan within 4 weeks

For your visit

Pico-only sessions (PicoPlus + Spectra) leave minimal visible recovery — most patients socialise the same evening.
If CO2 is part of the plan for raised lesions, plan 1 week before any major event or flight home.
Carbon Peel can be added the same day before a flight without restriction.
Melasma protocols require a 2–3 month commitment; not suited to short-stay-only patients.

References

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.6 refs

[1]A Systematic Review of Picosecond Laser in Dermatology: Evidence and Recommendations. Lasers Surg Med (Wu DC et al.) (2021).
[2]Treatment of pigmentary disorders in patients with skin of color with a novel 755 nm picosecond, Q-switched ruby, and Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond lasers: A retrospective photographic review. Lasers Surg Med (Levin MK, Ng E, Bae YS, Brauer JA, Geronemus RG) (2016).
[3]Melasma treatment in Korean women using a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with low pulse energy. Clin Exp Dermatol (Cho SB et al.) (2009).
[4]Low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1,064 nm) laser for the treatment of facial melasma in Asians. Dermatol Surg (Wattanakrai P et al.) (2010).
[5]Nonablative facial remodeling: erythema reduction and histologic evidence of new collagen formation using a 300-microsecond 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser. Arch Dermatol (Schmults CD, Phelps R, Goldberg DJ) (2004).
[6]Oral Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Melasma: A Review. Dermatol Surg (Bala HR et al.) (2018).

Reviewed byDr. SangYoul Yun· Board-Certified Dermatologist · AAD International Fellow (IFAAD) · ASLMS Member· Last reviewed 2026-06-12

Related procedures

ProcedureHollywood Spectra in Seoul | Carbon Peel + Laser ToningHollywood Carbon Peel and laser toning in Gangnam — Lutronic SPECTRA XT (Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064/532 nm). Ultra-low-fluence protocol for Fitzpatrick III-V skin.

ProcedureGenesis Toning in Seoul | Long-Pulse Nd:YAG + AlexandriteGenesis Toning in Gangnam — multi-pass low-fluence long-pulse 1064nm Nd:YAG (Candela GentleMax Pro) for rosacea redness, photoaging, and pore refinement.

ProcedureMelasma Treatment in Seoul | Chronic Pigmentation ControlSpecialist-led melasma treatment in Korea for chronic pigmentation therapy, laser options, and recurrence management by a board-certified dermatologist.

ProcedurePico Laser Seoul — Melasma, Freckles & Tattoo Pigment RemovalPicosecond laser in Seoul by a board-certified dermatologist for melasma, freckles, sun spots, post-acne pigmentation, and tattoo removal.

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.

Next Step

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