Pigmentation, Tattoo & Hair Removal · Seomyeon, Busan

Pico Toning in Busan

#PicosecondLaser · #FinePigmentBreakdown · #TattooRemoval · #LessIrritation

Pico Toning is a laser treatment that breaks pigment into very fine particles using ultra-short picosecond pulses. It limits heat to the surrounding skin while helping clear pigment, and is widely used for melasma, blemishes and dull tone.

Quick answer: Pico Toning is a low-energy picosecond laser treatment that shatters pigment into very fine particles, which the body clears over time, helping melasma, freckles, blemishes and dull skin tone. At Art of Shine Clinic in Seomyeon, Busan, it takes about 10–20 minutes, usually needs no numbing and has no downtime. Results build over a course of sessions every 2–4 weeks. A single-session trial starts from KRW 19,000 (excl. 10% VAT).

At a glance

What is Pico Toning?

A picosecond laser fires pulses lasting trillionths of a second. At this speed, pigment is broken apart mainly by a pressure (photoacoustic) effect rather than by heat, so the surrounding skin is exposed to less heat than with older, longer-pulse lasers. In “toning”, low energy is spread evenly over the whole face to lighten pigment gradually.

Pico Toning is used for melasma, freckles, uneven tone and post-acne marks. Melasma is a long-term condition that can return with sun exposure and hormones, so regular sessions and sun protection matter. At higher energies the same technology is used for Tattoo Removal; for individual dark spots see Age Spot Removal.

How Pico Toning works

Ultra-short picosecond pulses are absorbed by pigment and break it into tiny fragments that the body's immune cells gradually remove. Low, evenly distributed energy brightens tone over several sessions without wounding the skin.

1. Consultation: your doctor assesses your pigment type (melasma, freckles, marks) and skin, and plans the energy and number of sessions.
2. Treatment: after cleansing, the laser is passed evenly over the face for about 10–20 minutes. Numbing cream is used only if your skin is sensitive.
3. After: soothing care and sunscreen are applied, and you can continue your day. The next session is usually in 2–4 weeks.

Why patients choose Pico Toning

• Fine pigment breakdown — picosecond pulses shatter pigment into very small particles.
• Gentle on surrounding skin — less heat than longer-pulse lasers.
• Versatile — used for melasma, freckles, dull tone and post-acne marks.
• No downtime — suitable during a short stay in Busan.

Who is Pico Toning for — and when we suggest something else

Good candidates

• People with melasma or patchy brown pigment across the cheeks.
• People whose skin tone looks dull or uneven rather than marked by one dark spot.
• People with freckles or light blemishes who want gradual fading.
• Visitors who need no visible downtime between sessions and sightseeing.
• Anyone willing to use daily sunscreen and repeat sessions every 2–4 weeks.
• People who want a regular tone-maintenance routine alongside other skin care.

We may suggest something else if…

• You have a few distinct, raised dark spots. Age Spot Removal treats individual spots more directly.
• Your main concern is redness, flushing or broken vessels. Excel V targets blood vessels rather than pigment.
• You want to remove a tattoo. Tattoo Removal uses higher, ink-focused settings.
• You have a fresh tan, sunburn or irritated skin. We usually wait until the skin settles.
• Dullness comes mainly from dryness. A hydrating option such as Aqua Peel may be added or tried first.

What happens at your Pico Toning session in Seomyeon

1. Message us on WhatsApp first. Send a photo in natural light without makeup. Tell us how long you have had the pigment and what you have tried.
2. Consultation with Dr. Park. She looks at the type and depth of pigment and checks for melasma. She also asks about sun habits, hormones and skin sensitivity.
3. Preparation and numbing. Makeup is removed and eyes are protected. Numbing is usually not needed, but cream can be applied if your skin is sensitive.
4. The treatment. The laser passes over the face for about 10–20 minutes. Most people feel light snapping, like tiny warm taps.
5. Out the door and follow-up. You can return to daily life immediately. Plan the next session in 2–4 weeks, and message us if redness lasts more than a few days.

How Dr. Park plans your Pico Toning treatment

Pico Toning uses ultra-short picosecond pulses at low energy. The aim is to break pigment into fine particles without heating the surrounding skin much. This matters for melasma, which can worsen with too much heat.

Dr. Park sets energy by pigment type rather than pushing for a fast result. Melasma usually needs gentler settings than freckles. Our packages range from a single trial session to 5-session courses, and one option includes 2,000 shots with Genesis.

Sessions are spaced every 2–4 weeks so the skin can clear fragmented pigment between visits. Some packages add soothing care, LDM or a hydrating skin booster to keep the skin calm.

Pico Toning results: what to expect and when

• Right after: mild redness or warmth that usually settles within hours.
• 1–2 weeks: skin can look brighter and more even.
• After 3–5 sessions: pigment and tone gradually become more even.
• Ongoing: melasma can return with sun and hormones, so maintenance sessions help. Results vary by person.

Side effects, risks and who should avoid Pico Toning

Pico Toning is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Redness, warmth, mild itching or dryness (usually settle within hours to a few days)
• Occasional tiny pinpoint spots or slight swelling
• Rarely, temporary darkening of pigment, or patchy lightening if sessions are too frequent
• Mild breakouts in acne-prone skin

Not suitable if you: have a fresh tan or sunburn; have an active skin infection, cold sore or inflamed rash on the face; are pregnant; or take medication that makes your skin sensitive to light or have recently taken isotretinoin. Tell your doctor about any history of pigment problems after lasers.

Pico Toning vs Brighton Toning, Helios 4 and Age Spot Removal: which should you choose?

All four target pigment, but they suit different patterns.

Choose Pico Toning for spread-out pigment and dull tone with no downtime. Choose Age Spot Removal for a few distinct spots. Dr. Park may combine them, treating spots once and toning the rest.

Aftercare after Pico Toning

• Redness or warmth right after treatment usually settles within a few days.
• On the day of treatment, avoid saunas, hot baths, strenuous exercise and alcohol.
• Apply sunscreen thoroughly for 1–2 weeks after treatment.
• Do not scratch or rub the treated area.
• Keep the skin well moisturised to help it calm down.

Travelling? Read our aftercare tips for travellers.

Downtime after Pico Toning, and flying home

Most people see light pinkness or warmth for a few hours. Fine pigment can look slightly darker for a few days before it fades. You can sightsee straight away, but wear sunscreen and a hat outdoors. Keep the skin moisturised and do not rub it.

Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths, hard exercise and alcohol on the day of treatment. Light makeup is usually fine the next day. Flying is generally fine; cabin air is dry, so moisturise on the plane. Tell Dr. Park your flight date so session spacing fits your trips. Read our aftercare tips for travellers.

Pico Toning prices in Busan (KRW)

Listed amounts are non-covered treatment fees in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Payment is made at the clinic on the day of your visit. Costs may vary with the treatment area and dosage, and results, recovery time and side effects differ from person to person. Details are explained during an in-clinic consultation. Event prices and periods change — please confirm on WhatsApp when you book. Prices checked: October 2026.

Full price list → · Current special offers → · How prices & payment work →

Can Pico Toning make melasma worse?

It can if settings are too strong, which is why melasma is treated gently. Melasma is sensitive to heat and inflammation. Aggressive laser energy can trigger rebound pigmentation in some people.

Pico Toning uses low energy and very short pulses to limit heat. Dr. Park adjusts settings and spacing to how your skin responds. Daily sunscreen, avoiding heat and not scrubbing the skin also matter. Tell her if you are pregnant or taking hormonal medication, as hormones can influence melasma.

Why do I need several Pico Toning sessions instead of one strong one?

Gentle repeated sessions are safer for diffuse pigment and melasma. One high-energy session would heat the skin more. That raises the risk of irritation and dark marks, especially in Asian skin types.

With toning, each session breaks up some pigment. The body then clears the fragments over the following weeks. Spacing sessions every 2–4 weeks builds gradual improvement. Many people plan around 5 sessions, which is why our larger packages are structured that way. Your own number depends on pigment depth.

What is the difference between Pico Toning and Pico laser spot removal?

Both may use a picosecond laser, but the energy and aim differ. Toning uses low energy over the whole face to even out tone gradually. It has no visible downtime.

Spot treatment uses higher energy on individual dark spots. It usually leaves small scabs that fall off in about a week. Our Signature package combines one full-face pigment removal session with 5 Pico Toning sessions. Dr. Park decides which spots need targeted treatment and which respond to toning.

How long do Pico Toning results last?

Results vary by person and by the type of pigment. Freckles and sun-related marks can return with sun exposure. Melasma is a long-term condition that often recurs, especially in summer or with hormonal changes.

Many people keep results with daily sunscreen and occasional maintenance sessions. Avoiding heat and harsh scrubs also helps. Think of Pico Toning as part of ongoing care rather than a single cure. Dr. Park can suggest a maintenance rhythm based on how your skin responds.

Pico Toning FAQ

Related treatments

• Age Spot Removal — targeted removal of sun spots
• Brighton Toning — laser toning for a more even tone
• Clarity II — dual-wavelength laser for hair and pigment
• Excel V — laser care for redness and visible vessels
• Tattoo Removal — picosecond and nanosecond laser ink fading

See all Pigmentation, Tattoo & Hair Removal or browse all 98 treatments.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Park Yoon-soo— Head Director, Art of Shine Clinic Busan

Medical graduate of Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, intern at Asan Medical Center. Rejuran and Rejuviel Expert Member (PharmaResearch), Restylane Expert Member (Galderma), Belotero Key Doctor (Merz Korea) and 2026 Coretox Expert. Member of the Korean Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Society and the Korean Society for Laser, Dermatology and Trichology.

This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Results, recovery time and side effects vary from person to person.

Ready to plan your visit?

Send one WhatsApp message with the treatment and your travel dates. We reply during clinic hours (KST): Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–16:00.