Pico Toning in Seoul
Yaan Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Pico toning is a low-energy picosecond laser treatment that breaks up pigment to brighten and even skin tone. At Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, it is performed with the PicoPlus laser, which has four wavelengths (1064, 532, 595 and 660 nm), and is usually tailored within Yaan's Personal Brightening program alongside V laser and LDM Recovery Therapy.
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At a glance
| Treatment type | Picosecond laser toning (PicoPlus) |
|---|---|
| Best for | Melasma, freckles, sun spots, brown acne marks, dull tone, pores |
| Treatment time | Confirmed at consultation |
| Anesthesia | Confirmed at consultation |
| Downtime | None reported at Yaan; immediate return to daily activities |
| Results visible | Gradual over a course; Yaan shows before/after at 3 months |
| Sessions | Usually a series; confirmed at consultation |
| Stay in Seoul (suggested) | Confirmed at consultation |
| Price at Yaan | ₩150,000 per session |
Pico toning is a laser treatment that uses extremely short picosecond pulses at low energy across the whole face to shatter pigment into tiny particles the body can clear, gradually brightening tone. At Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, pico toning is delivered with the PicoPlus picosecond laser and is usually planned as part of the clinic's Personal Brightening program.
It is one of the most requested skin treatments in Korea, especially among people with Asian skin, where melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation are common.
What is pico toning?
Pico toning is a gentle, repeated laser treatment that targets melanin with picosecond pulses, which are one trillionth of a second long. The short pulse breaks pigment mainly through a mechanical effect rather than heat.
Older Q-switched lasers use nanosecond pulses, which rely more on heat. Because picosecond pulses deliver energy faster, they can typically break pigment into finer particles with less heat in the surrounding skin. That is why pico toning is often chosen for heat-sensitive conditions such as melasma, at carefully selected settings.
Which pico laser does Yaan Clinic use?
Yaan Clinic uses the PicoPlus picosecond laser, which offers both pico and nano modes and four wavelengths: 1064, 532, 595 and 660 nm. Yaan describes it as FDA and KFDA approved.
| Wavelength | Typical use (general) |
|---|---|
| 1064 nm | Deeper pigment, melasma and overall toning; generally the safest for darker skin |
| 532 nm | Superficial brown spots such as freckles and sun spots |
| 595 nm | Redness-related and colored targets |
| 660 nm | Certain pigment types and colored targets |
Wavelength uses are general; your doctor chooses the wavelength, mode and energy for your skin. Yaan also has Revlite SI, a nanosecond pigment laser, and the V laser for redness. See all devices on the equipment page.
What does pico toning treat?
Pico toning is mainly used for melasma, freckles, sun spots, brown acne marks and dull, uneven tone. It can also refine the look of pores.
- Melasma – improvement is possible, but melasma often returns and needs maintenance. See our melasma guide.
- Freckles and sun spots – typically respond well.
- Brown acne marks – post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation fades gradually.
- Dull tone and pores – overall brightness and smoothness.
Red acne marks and flushing respond better to a vascular laser such as V laser, which is why Yaan often combines the two.
Pico toning vs laser toning: which is better?
Both treat pigment and tone. Pico toning uses picosecond pulses that typically break pigment more finely with less heat, while conventional laser toning uses nanosecond pulses. Many patients choose pico, but the best option depends on your pigment type.
| Pico toning | Conventional laser toning | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse length | Picoseconds | Nanoseconds |
| Main mechanism | Mostly mechanical (photoacoustic) | More photothermal |
| Heat in surrounding skin | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Devices at Yaan | PicoPlus | Revlite SI and others |
| Downtime | Typically none | Typically none |
Read the laser toning page for more detail.
How does pico toning fit into Personal Brightening?
At Yaan Clinic, pico toning is usually the pigment-targeting part of Personal Brightening, which adds V laser for redness and LDM Recovery Therapy for soothing. Your doctor decides which parts you need.
If your concern is only brown pigment, the plan may be mostly Pico. If you also have redness, V laser is added. LDM, a high-density ultrasound treatment that Yaan describes as exclusive post-care, helps calm the skin after laser. Learn more about LDM treatment.
Does pico toning hurt? Is there downtime?
Pico toning typically feels like light snapping or warm tingling and is well tolerated. Yaan Clinic states that patients can return to daily activities immediately.
Mild redness for a few hours is common. Makeup can usually be applied soon after, but your doctor will confirm. Settings are adjusted for sensitive skin.
Good to know: Too much laser energy, or too many sessions too close together, can sometimes worsen pigment or cause light spots, especially in melasma. That is why settings and intervals should be set by a doctor. Daily sunscreen is essential. Any new or changing mole or dark spot should be checked by a board-certified dermatologist first.
How many pico toning sessions do I need?
Pico toning is usually done as a series rather than a single session, because pigment fades gradually. Yaan Clinic does not publish a fixed number; your doctor plans it after assessing your pigment.
Yaan shows before-and-after results at three months, which reflects how progressive the improvement is. Maintenance sessions may help if pigment tends to return.
What to expect at your appointment
- Consultation and skin analysis – your doctor examines your pigment; 3D Meta-Vu analysis can map spots and tone.
- Protocol – wavelength, mode and energy are set, and V laser or LDM added if needed.
- Cleansing and eye protection – makeup is removed and eye shields are fitted.
- Pico toning – the laser passes evenly across the treatment area.
- Soothing – LDM Recovery Therapy or cooling, then sunscreen.
How much does pico toning cost at Yaan Clinic in Seoul?
At Yaan Clinic, pico toning costs ₩150,000 per session. Because pigment usually needs a series, your total depends on the number of sessions your doctor recommends.
| Treatment at Yaan Clinic | Guide price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Pico toning, 1 session | 150,000 |
| Pico Fraxel, 1 session | 150,000 |
| V-laser, 1 session | 100,000 |
| Pico Fraxel + Rejuran S 1cc + LDM (acne scars) | 400,000 |
International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and your final price is confirmed at consultation. The consultation fee (10,000 KRW, or 30,000 KRW including a director consultation) is waived if you have a treatment. The cosmetic VAT refund for foreign patients ended on 1 January 2026.
For a full breakdown, see the pico toning price guide, the acne scar treatment price guide and all Yaan Clinic treatment prices.
For international patients: With no downtime, pico toning fits around sightseeing, but plan for sun protection outdoors, especially in Korean summer. If you can only visit once, ask whether a combined Personal Brightening session suits you, and how to continue care at home. Contact +82 10 5308 0499 (WhatsApp) and read your first visit.
Who is a good candidate for pico toning?
Good candidates have brown pigment, uneven tone or dullness and can commit to daily sun protection during a course. Pico toning may be postponed if you have a fresh tan, an active skin infection or are using medicines that increase light sensitivity.
Tell your doctor about pregnancy, recent peels, retinoids and any history of pigment darkening after treatments.
Why choose Yaan Clinic for pico toning?
Yaan Clinic has more than 16 years of clinical experience with skin treatments and performs pico toning directly by medical professionals, using an FDA- and KFDA-approved four-wavelength PicoPlus laser.
Because the clinic also runs Revlite SI and V laser, your plan can combine pigment and redness care rather than relying on one device. Learn about our doctors and Yaan's genuine products and safety standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is pico toning good for melasma?
Pico toning is commonly used for melasma because picosecond pulses break pigment with less heat. It can improve melasma, but melasma is often hormone- and sun-related and tends to return, so maintenance and strict sun protection are usually needed. Your doctor will set cautious settings.
How many sessions of pico toning will I need?
Most people need a series of sessions because pigment fades gradually. Yaan Clinic does not publish a fixed number; it depends on your pigment type and depth. Yaan shows before-and-after results at around three months.
Is there downtime after pico toning?
Yaan Clinic states that you can return to daily activities immediately. Mild redness may appear for a few hours and usually settles quickly. Use sunscreen daily and avoid tanning during your treatment course.
What is the difference between pico toning and Personal Brightening?
Pico toning uses the PicoPlus laser to target brown pigment and tone. Personal Brightening is Yaan Clinic's wider program that can combine pico toning with V laser for redness and LDM Recovery Therapy for soothing, tailored to your skin.
Can pico toning be done on darker skin?
Often yes, with appropriate settings. The 1064 nm wavelength is generally considered the safest for darker skin types. Your doctor will assess your skin type and pigment risk before deciding on wavelengths and energy.
Does pico toning remove freckles?
Pico toning can lighten freckles and sun spots, often noticeably. Freckles may reappear with sun exposure, so daily sunscreen helps maintain the result. Your doctor may use a more targeted setting for distinct spots.
How much does pico toning cost at Yaan Clinic?
At Yaan Clinic, pico toning costs ₩150,000 per session, and Pico Fraxel is also ₩150,000 per session. The total depends on how many sessions you need. International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and the final price is confirmed at consultation.
Related pages
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About this information: Prepared from Yaan Clinic's published treatment information. Treatments at Yaan Clinic are performed by licensed physicians — meet our doctors. Last updated: October 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation; suitability, dosage and results are confirmed by your doctor.
