Laser toning is a popular treatment not only for those concerned about pigmentation and blemishes but also among our own doctors, who regularly perform the procedure on each other as part of skin maintenance.

　

Revlite, Fotona, Pico, Dual, Genesis... so many types of “○○ toning”

　

Even within the same dermatology clinic, there are numerous types of laser machines, each with different names, so it’s only natural that confusion arises.

　

In this post, we will analyze the differences and effects of general laser toning versus pico toning.

　

Which toning laser is better?

If you’re interested in dermatology, you’ve probably heard the term “toning” before.

　

Generally speaking, regular laser toning is more affordable, while pico toning tends to be more expensive at dermatology clinics.

　

So, does that mean pico is better?

　

To answer that upfront—not necessarily.

　

What is toning?
This typically refers to a low-fluence laser treatment method using a nanosecond (10⁻⁹ seconds) laser device.

 

What is pico?
This uses a laser device operating in picoseconds (10⁻¹² seconds) for low-fluence laser treatment.

　

Since pico lasers are newer and more expensive devices, many dermatology clinics tend to recommend them over nanosecond lasers, often at a higher cost.

　

However, the cases in which pico lasers truly outperform others are limited to specific patients—such as those undergoing tattoo removal or treating melasma.

　

In fact, conventional lasers have been in use for many years, and a large body of research has accumulated validating their effectiveness for various types of pigmentation.

(Current toning lasers are also newer models, developed to address the shortcomings of older machines.)

　

It’s true that pico lasers can act on pigment particles in a shorter time, breaking them down more finely and causing fewer side effects due to reduced photothermal effects (heat-related impact). However, this does not necessarily mean they are more effective overall.

　

Wisconsin laser center

 

The claim that “pico is always better” is a misleading statement driven by sales motives.

　

What’s important for achieving results with toning?
In pigment treatments, two main wavelengths are commonly used: 755 nm and 1064 nm.

　

The selection of wavelength, energy, and method of laser application depends on various factors, such as the type of pigmentation, skin tone (based on the Fitzpatrick scale), and the presence of melasma. For this reason, the physician’s skill is the most critical factor.

(Even with the best equipment, receiving 20 or 30 treatments from a doctor who lacks knowledge about pigmentation will yield no results.)

　

However, evaluating a clinic’s competence is surprisingly simple.

　

When choosing a clinic for pigmentation treatment, make sure to check whether:

　

They regularly compare before-and-after photos of spots during the treatment process.

　

(If the doctor isn’t confident in the results, they won’t show them, nor will they conduct consultations personally.)

　

Can toning treat all types of pigmentation?
No, it cannot.

　

To put it simply, the principle of toning is not to destroy the spots themselves, but to prevent the cells that create them (melanocytes) from delivering new melanin (melanosomes) to the skin’s surface—a process known as dendrectomy.

　

出典：
A low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser modifies the 3D structure of melanocyte and ultrastructure of melanosome by subcellular-selective photothermolysis
Ji Young Mun (Jan. 2011)

　

Therefore, in order to prevent melanin pigment from being transferred to the epidermis, dermatologists typically recommend undergoing more than 10 treatment sessions on a regular basis.

(A 2–3 week interval between sessions is considered the most appropriate.)

　

Side Effects of Pico Laser Toning
Hello, this is Dr. Kim from Kim Dermatology. In this post, I’d like to talk about the side effects of laser toning.

※If the treatment is performed with inappropriate energy levels or at improper intervals, the side effects mentioned above are more likely to occur.

　

Summary in 3 Lines

1. Pico toning is not necessarily better. Rather than choosing expensive treatments, you should choose what suits your skin best.

2. Pigmentation treatment is highly complex and requires a skilled physician.

3. Toning alone cannot completely remove all types of pigmentation.

　

That concludes our information on laser toning treatments.

　

Since pigmentation treatment requires more expertise than most other procedures,

be sure to look for a doctor who is experienced in pigmentation care and offers reasonable pricing.

　

I hope this article has been helpful to many of you.

　

If you have any questions about the treatment, feel free to leave a "like" or a comment. We’ll be happy to respond kindly and in detail.

　

Thank you very much.

　

📍 Primi Clinic
3F, 52 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Primi Clinic)