Differences in Laser Toning at Our Korean Medicine Clinic

• 1. We ensure sufficient energy with '2000 shots or more'; we do not perform quick treatments with low power or low shot counts. Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic precisely delivers sufficient energy with over 2000 shots to maximize effectiveness and minimize irritation.
• 2. Customized intensity adjustment by the director according to 'pigment depth and type'. All types of pigmentation, such as melasma, ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), and freckles, have different depths and characteristics. Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic applies weaker intensity for melasma, stronger for ABNOM, and different intensities and parameters for each area in the case of mixed types.
• 3. During treatment, 'mirror check + real-time parameter adjustment'. It's not just about firing the laser and being done. Even during the procedure, the director personally checks skin reactions with a mirror and, if necessary, changes the spot size, intensity, and even the handpiece. With precisely designed 1:1 customized treatment, we aim for actual healing, not just 'toning' in name.
• 4. Use of a Mark-Vu diagnostic device → precise diagnosis of pigment location and depth. We do not diagnose by guesswork. With the Mark-Vu diagnostic device, we check the type, distribution, and depth of pigmentation, and reflect these results in the treatment plan.
• 5. Multi-layer approach for complex pigmentation. If melasma and ABNOM are mixed, treating only one aggressively can worsen the condition. Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic first stably calms melasma, then employs a strategy of strongly targeting dermal ABNOM.

Why is Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Laser Toning Special?

Laser toning is widely used for treating pigmented lesions, but the results can vary significantly depending on the machine used, the number of shots, and the intensity of the treatment.

Various pigmented conditions like melasma, freckles, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) exhibit different depths and tissue responses, requiring precise planning for treatment.

1. Minimum 2,000 shots or more, ensuring sufficient energy

Most studies report that the safest and most effective treatment for low-power laser toning occurs between 1500 and 2500 shots.

Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic generally guarantees over 2,000 shots, designing treatments to achieve sufficient therapeutic effects without irritating the skin.

Simply operating the machine alone will not change the skin.

Custom adjustments for shot count, output, irradiation speed, and spot size must be made according to the depth of pigmentation, spread, and skin sensitivity.

2. Director's customized toning adjustments for each condition

1) Melasma

Melasma is a common pigmented condition that spreads bilaterally across the face.

Since the 'melanocytes' that produce melanin pigment are overactive, there is a risk of worsening the condition if irritated.

Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic accurately identifies the extent and depth of melasma using the Mark-Vu precision skin diagnostic device and begins treatment with a toning laser that has a short pulse duration of 5ns.

By not irritating the melanocytes themselves but selectively destroying only the melanosomes within the cells, Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic's toning method minimizes side effects.

Even during the procedure, the director personally checks with a mirror and adjusts the intensity and focal areas, delicately fine-tuning handpiece changes or parameter settings to ensure no area is missed.

We perform treatments by checking the skin together with a mirror before, during, and after the procedure.

2) ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules)

Similar to melasma, it is a condition located in the dermal layer of pigmentation, but it requires stronger intensity than melasma.

In the case of a complex type where melasma and ABNOM coexist, technical treatment expertise is crucial as conflicting strategies (weaker for melasma, stronger for ABNOM) are simultaneously required.

Specifically, if strong treatment is initiated without first treating melasma, it can worsen the melasma.

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, through thorough pre-treatment differentiation and customized treatment planning, we minimize side effects while setting personalized intensity to treat ABNOM concurrently.

For ABNOM treatments, after differentiation with Mark-Vu, the director's customized parameter settings are applied, and spot size, repetition count, and output are meticulously adjusted according to skin type.

3) Other Pigmented Lesions

Pigmentation that responds relatively quickly, such as lentigines, freckles, and blemishes, can be easily improved with the right wavelength, but treatment becomes more challenging when they coexist with melasma or ABNOM.

In these cases, too, a delicate customized strategy is required, including accurate differentiation, mirror checks during each session, output adjustment, and laser handpiece changes. At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, unlike conventional, standardized laser toning, it is more accurate to view our treatment as the director's customized melanin pigmentation therapy, despite the name 'laser toning'.

Pico Toning vs. Laser Toning

Pico toning has the theoretical advantage of destroying pigmentation more finely with short laser pulses in picosecond units.

In contrast, laser toning delivers energy over a slightly longer duration in nanosecond units.

Both toning methods selectively destroy melanin pigment to brighten skin tone and are used to treat pigmented conditions such as melasma, freckles, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules).

Due to the difference in irradiation time, pico toning might show a faster response speed in the initial 2-3 sessions, but both methods exhibit similar whitening effects after 10 or more cumulative treatments.

Laser toning is a method proven for nearly 20 years, and it can be a more stable choice, especially for sensitive skin or conditions sensitive to irritation like melasma.

Pico toning delivers strong energy in a short period, which may occasionally be accompanied by temporary redness or stinging.

Clinically, when compared using the same 1064nm wavelength, numerous studies report no significant difference between the two methods in terms of skin brightness improvement, melasma score reduction, and melanin index decrease.

Ultimately, to achieve the same effects with laser toning as with pico toning?

More than 10 repeated treatments: Cumulative treatment is key.

Appropriate energy intensity: Adjust according to skin reaction within the range of 1.0~2.0 J/cm².

Sufficient number of shots: At least 2000 shots are required.

Maintain 1-2 week interval: If the treatment interval is too long, the cumulative effect may decrease.

Customized design: It is important to receive treatment from a practitioner who can make real-time adjustments according to skin type and reaction.

If these conditions are met, a synthesis of various studies shows no difference compared to pico toning.

The above content used research papers as references.

Medicina (Kaunas), 2022, Lasers in Medical Science, 2021, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2021, etc.

What is Laser Toning?

Laser toning is a procedure that repeatedly irradiates low-power laser energy deep into the skin to gradually break down pigments and evenly refine skin tone.

Unlike high-power treatments that simply burn pigments, this method accumulates subtle stimulation to gently break down melanin and induce skin regeneration.

It is a treatment that can be widely applied to various pigmentary disorders such as melasma, freckles, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) without irritating the skin, and is currently one of the most widely used pigment treatments.

1. Type of laser used: Q-switched Nd:YAG

Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is used for laser toning.

The 1064nm wavelength of this laser can reach the upper dermis where melanin pigment is mainly distributed, and has the advantage of selectively destroying only pigment without damaging the skin surface.

It can be safely used on sensitive or thin skin as it focuses on pigment removal while preserving the skin barrier.

2. Low output, high-frequency 'tone-up' stimulation

While traditional pigment treatments remove pigments at once with strong lasers, laser toning repeatedly irradiates low-energy lasers thousands of times.

This method minimizes skin tissue damage, gradually breaks down melanin particles, and then induces the body's immune system (macrophages) to absorb and remove them.

As a result, the skin tone gradually becomes more even and clear.

3. Dendrite destruction + melanin removal within melanocytes

Laser toning not only breaks down pigments but also plays a role in suppressing the melanin production pathway itself.

The key is to destroy the dendrites of melanocytes.

Dendrites (branches) are channels that transmit mature melanosomes (melanin carriers) produced by melanocytes to the outside of the skin, i.e., the epidermis.

If the laser cuts off these dendrites, melanin carriers cannot move out of the skin, and as a result, pigment cannot form on the skin surface.

In addition, it can directly destroy the melanin pigment accumulated within melanocytes, which is effective in clearing existing hyperpigmentation.

This action is only possible with lasers with short irradiation times, measured in 'nanoseconds' or 'picoseconds'.

In other words, it is a key mechanism that only appears in treatments such as laser toning or pico toning.

3 Key Points of Laser Toning

3 Core Treatment Principles of Laser Toning

Laser toning is a treatment that goes beyond simple pigment removal to control the entire process of melanin production and transport.

1. Removal of existing pigment particles

For pigmentary disorders other than melasma (freckles, ABNOM, etc.), melanin is removed with strong parameter settings to achieve an improvement effect.

However, melasma is sensitive to stimulation, so careful adjustment is required, and care must be taken not to further activate melanocytes with irritation.

2. Inhibition of melanosome transport by destroying dendrites

It prevents melanosomes produced by pigment cells from migrating to the epidermal layer, thereby blocking pigment deposition in advance.

3. Direct destruction of melanin within melanocytes

The laser directly breaks down melanin pigment present inside melanocytes, reducing melanin concentration and inducing a tone-up effect.

Laser Toning Effects

• 1. Tone-up effect that brightens skin tone. Fine laser stimulation gently breaks down melanin, naturally brightening dull skin.
• 2. Melasma and Pigmentation Relief By selectively destroying melanosomes without stimulating melanocytes, even sensitive melasma can be stably treated.
• 3. Improvement of ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) Treats dermal pigmentation safely with custom intensity capable of reaching deeper pigments than melasma.
• 4. Blocking Pigment Production to Reduce Recurrence By destroying the dendritic sheath, which is the pathway for pigment, it prevents melanin from emerging and suppresses pigment regeneration itself.
• 5. Smooth Skin Texture with Fine Line and Texture Improvement Laser stimulation promotes skin regeneration, leading to the additional benefits of refined texture and softened fine lines.
• 6. Minimum Irritation, Maximum Effect As it involves repeated irradiation with low output, skin irritation is minimal, allowing even sensitive skin to undergo the treatment without discomfort.

Recommended for Laser Toning

• 1. Those concerned about dull and uneven skin tone
• 2. Those who frequently develop and experience worsening melasma, blemishes, and freckles
• 3. Those with dermal pigmentation such as ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules)
• 4. Those with thin and sensitive skin who wish to receive pigmentation treatment
• 5. Those who also desire improvement in fine lines and skin texture
• 6. Those who need consistent skin improvement while minimizing irritation

Laser Toning Procedure

• STEP 1. Mark-Vu Skin Precision Diagnosis: We identify the depth and extent of pigmentation that cannot be determined by simply looking at the skin surface.
• STEP 2. 1:1 Direct Consultation with the Director and Treatment Plan Setup
• STEP 3. Custom Parameter Setting and Laser Toning Treatment (Double-check with the director in the mirror before treatment)
• STEP 4. Mirror Check During Treatment and Re-check Focused Areas
• STEP 5. Mirror Check After Treatment and Progress Guidance

A Sincere Message from the Director

Whether it's melasma or ABNOM, many patients have suffered for a long time due to pigmentation alone.

You also have many anxieties like, 'Can this get better?' or 'What if it gets worse instead?'

That's why, when it comes to pigmentation treatment, we ensure it's not just a procedure where 'only the machine operates'.

We make it a principle to visually check each part of the skin and precisely target only what is truly necessary.

Pigmentation requires a completely different approach depending on skin depth and sensitivity.

Laser toning is not just a perfunctory procedure; we have established a system where you can definitely see results. We will strive to ensure you get better.

Post-Treatment Precautions

• ㆍ시술 후 당일 세안/메이크업 가능하며 자외선 차단 잘 신경쓰실 수 있도록 권장드립니다.
• ㆍ일시적으로 자극된 피부에 진정과 보습을 보다 더 신경써주시는 것을 권장드립니다.
• ㆍ시술 후 붓기 또는 붉은 기 발생 될 수 있으며 시간이 지나면 자연스럽게 완화되니 너무 걱정마시고 며칠동안 지속된다면 내원안내드리고 있습니다.