What aspects do we focus on in Korean Medicine Clinic Laser Toning?

• 1. Sufficient Energy Delivery with Over 2000 Shots Our Korean Medicine Clinic precisely irradiates the skin with sufficient energy to help improve pigmentation, and we plan treatments to minimize unnecessary irritation.
• 2. Customized Intensity Adjustment Considering Pigment Depth and Type Each pigment disorder, such as melasma, ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), and blemishes, has different depths and characteristics of occurrence. Therefore, we approach melasma delicately and adjust different parameters for each area, such as applying appropriate intensity as needed for dermal pigmentation like ABNOM.
• 3. Skin Reaction Monitoring and Real-time Parameter Adjustment During Treatment Laser treatment is not simply a matter of following a fixed protocol. During the procedure, the doctor personally checks the skin's reaction and, if necessary, immediately adjusts parameters such as laser spot size, energy intensity, and handpiece type to perform a precise, customized treatment.
• 4. Precise Pigment Analysis Using Mark-Vu Diagnostic Device We do not rely solely on visual diagnosis but objectively identify the type, distribution, and depth of pigmentation using the Mark-Vu diagnostic device. Based on these diagnostic results, we establish a more accurate treatment plan.
• 5. Multi-layered Approach to Complex Pigment Disorders When melasma and ABNOM are present simultaneously, treating only one aggressively can potentially worsen the other. At our Korean Medicine Clinic, we first manage and soothe melasma stably, then establish a treatment plan for dermal ABNOM, approaching it step by step.

Special Features of Korean Medicine Clinic Laser Toning

Laser toning is widely used for managing pigment disorders, but treatment results can vary individually depending on the equipment used, number of shots, and energy intensity.

Various pigment disorders like melasma, blemishes, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) have different depths of occurrence and tissue responses, making precise treatment planning crucial.

1. Sufficient Energy Irradiation with a Minimum of 2,000 Shots

Most studies report that safe and effective results can be achieved within the range of 1500-2500 shots during low-fluence laser toning.

At our Korean Medicine Clinic, we generally irradiate with over 2,000 shots, planning treatments to achieve sufficient improvement effects while minimizing skin irritation.

Simply operating a laser device alone makes it difficult to achieve desired changes in the skin.

Considering the depth of pigmentation, distribution, skin sensitivity, and more, delicate custom adjustments must be made to the number of shots, output, irradiation speed, and even spot size.

2. Disease-specific Customized Toning Adjustment

1) Melasma

Melasma is a representative pigment disorder that spreads widely on both sides of the face.

Since melanocytes, which produce melanin pigment, are excessively activated, there is a risk of symptoms worsening with excessive stimulation.

Our Korean Medicine Clinic first identifies the scope and depth of melasma using a Mark-Vu precise skin diagnostic device, then carefully begins treatment with a toning laser that has a short pulse duration of 5ns.

We aim to minimize the possibility of side effects by giving minimal stimulation to the melanocytes themselves while selectively destroying melanosomes within the cells.

Even during the procedure, the doctor personally observes the skin's reaction in a mirror, adjusts intensity and changes the focus area, and performs precise treatment through delicate adjustments such as handpiece replacement and parameter settings.

We check skin changes with you in a mirror not only before and after treatment but also during the procedure.

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

ABNOM is a condition where pigmentation is located in the dermal layer, similar to melasma, but it may require stronger energy irradiation than melasma.

When melasma and ABNOM appear in combination, clinical experience and a technical approach are crucial because one side needs to be adjusted weakly while the other needs to be adjusted strongly.

In particular, if strong treatment is performed without first considering melasma, melasma symptoms could worsen.

At our Korean Medicine Clinic, we adjust individual intensities to reduce the risk of side effects and expect ABNOM improvement through thorough pre-differentiation and customized treatment plans.

Even during ABNOM treatment, after a Mark-Vu diagnosis, the doctor sets individual parameters and carefully adjusts spot size, repetition rate, output, and more according to the skin type.

3) Other Pigment Disorders

Pigments that respond relatively well to lasers, such as lentigo, freckles, and blemishes, can be easily improved if the wavelength is adjusted appropriately. However, when these pigments appear alongside melasma or ABNOM, treatment becomes complex.

Even in such complex situations, accurate diagnosis along with checking skin reactions at each treatment session, adjusting output, changing laser handpieces, and other meticulous customized strategies are necessary. Unlike conventional uniform laser toning, our Korean Medicine Clinic aims for customized treatment optimized for each patient's individual melanin pigment.

Pico Toning vs. Laser Toning: What are the differences?

Pico toning has the theoretical advantage of being able to destroy pigments into finer particles by using extremely short laser pulses measured in picoseconds.

On the other hand, laser toning delivers energy for a somewhat longer duration than pico toning, using pulses measured in nanoseconds.

Both toning methods are used for managing various pigment disorders, including skin tone improvement, melasma, blemishes, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), by selectively destroying melanin pigment.

Due to the difference in laser irradiation time, pico toning may show a faster response speed in the initial 2-3 sessions, but both methods can show similar skin whitening effects after consistently receiving treatment for 10 or more sessions.

Laser toning is a clinically proven treatment method for approximately 20 years and can be a stable option, especially for sensitive skin or in the treatment of melasma that is prone to irritation.

Since pico toning delivers strong energy in a short moment, there is a possibility of temporary reactions such as redness or stinging.

Indeed, numerous clinical studies comparing both methods based on the same 1064nm wavelength have reported no significant differences in improvements such as skin brightness, reduction in melasma index, and decrease in melanin index.

So, what should be done to expect similar effects to pico toning with laser toning?

For optimal results, more than 10 repeated sessions are recommended. Consistent management is important.

It is important to observe skin reactions and adjust the energy intensity appropriately within the range of 1.0 to 2.0 J/cm².

During the treatment, apply at least 2,000 shots to ensure sufficient irradiation.

It is recommended to maintain a treatment interval of 1 to 2 weeks. If the treatment interval is too long, the cumulative effect may decrease.

It is recommended to receive treatment from a practitioner who can carefully observe the individual's skin type and reaction during the procedure and adjust the energy accordingly.

If the treatment is performed under these conditions, a synthesis of various research findings suggests that there may not be a clinically significant difference when compared to picotoning.

The above content is based on actually published research papers.

References include Medicina (Kaunas, 2022), Lasers in Medical Science (2021), Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy (2021), among others.

Principle of Laser Toning

Laser toning is a procedure that repeatedly irradiates the skin with low-intensity laser energy deep into the skin to gradually break down melanin pigments and balance the overall skin tone.

Unlike methods that remove pigment with strong lasers, this treatment works by continuously providing subtle stimulation to break down melanin and aid skin regeneration.

While being gentle on the skin, it can be used for various types of pigmented lesions such as melasma, freckles, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules). It is currently one of the most sought-after pigment treatment methods.

1. Type of Laser Used: Q-switched Nd:YAG

Laser toning treatments primarily use Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers.

This laser, with a wavelength of 1064nm, can deliver energy to the upper dermis where melanin pigments are primarily concentrated. It has the characteristic of acting intensively on pigments without causing significant damage to the skin surface.

While focusing on melanin removal, it can also reduce the burden of skin barrier damage. Therefore, it can be considered for sensitive or thin skin.

2. Skin Tone Improvement through Low-Output and Repeated Irradiation

Unlike conventional pigment removal methods, laser toning irradiates the skin with low-energy laser thousands of times, divided into multiple sessions.

This treatment method reduces damage to skin tissue while finely breaking down melanin particles. The broken-down melanin undergoes a process of natural absorption and excretion by the body's immune system (macrophages).

Through this process, you can expect the skin tone to gradually brighten and become more even.

3. Destruction of Melanocyte Dendrites and Melanin Removal

Laser toning goes beyond simply destroying pigment; it also performs the function of regulating the pathway through which melanin is produced.

A crucial part of this action lies in destroying the dendrites of melanocytes.

Mature melanosomes (melanin carriers) produced in melanocytes travel to the epidermal layer through these dendrites.

When the laser damages these dendrites, melanin carriers cannot be transferred to the epidermis, which can contribute to reducing melanin pigment deposition on the skin surface.

Simultaneously, it can directly break down melanin pigments accumulated inside melanocytes, helping to improve existing hyperpigmentation.

These mechanisms primarily occur in lasers with short pulse durations, measured in 'nanoseconds' or 'picoseconds'.

This is a significant mode of action observed in treatments such as laser toning or pico toning.

Three Main Actions of Laser Toning

Laser toning addresses pigment issues based on three main principles.

This treatment goes beyond simply eliminating pigment; it improves the skin by regulating the overall process from melanin production to its migration.

1. Breakdown and Removal of Existing Pigment Particles

For other pigmented lesions such as general freckles or ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), which are not melasma, improvement can be expected by removing melanin with relatively strong energy settings.

However, melasma reacts sensitively to external stimuli, requiring delicate energy control. Special care must be taken to prevent melanocytes from becoming excessively activated due to excessive stimulation.

2. Regulation of Melanosome Transport through Dendrite Destruction

It prevents melanosomes produced in melanocytes from migrating to the epidermal layer, thereby reducing the occurrence of hyperpigmentation in advance.

3. Removal of Melanin Accumulated Inside Melanocytes

The laser directly breaks down melanin pigments within melanocytes, reducing the amount of melanin and thereby inducing a change towards brighter skin tone.

Expected Benefits After Laser Toning Treatment

• 1. Overall Skin Tone Improvement: As precise laser energy breaks down melanin pigments, you can expect your generally dull skin to appear noticeably clearer and more even.
• 2. Improvement of Melasma and Pigmentation By avoiding unnecessary stimulation of melanin cells and selectively destroying only melanosomes, even sensitive melasma can be comfortably treated.
• 3. Alleviation of ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) With customized intensity control that reaches pigments deeper than melasma, dermal pigmentation issues are delicately managed.
• 4. Reduces Recurrence by Blocking Pigment Production Pathways By destroying the dendritic processes, which are the pathways for melanin migration, it helps prevent melanin from surfacing to the epidermis and suppresses the formation of new pigments.
• 5. Improvement in Fine Lines and Skin Texture Laser stimulation promotes the skin's natural regeneration process, leading to additional benefits such as refined skin texture and reduced fine lines.
• 6. Reduced Skin Burden, Maintained Efficacy By using a method of repeated irradiation with low energy, it helps minimize skin irritation while still achieving satisfying results. This method is suitable even for sensitive skin.

Recommended for Laser Toning

• 1. Those concerned about dull and uneven skin tone.
• 2. Those who consistently develop or notice their melasma, blemishes, or freckles darkening.
• 3. Those with deep-seated pigmentation, such as ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules).
• 4. Those with thin and sensitive skin who are cautious about pigment treatment.
• 5. Those also considering improvement in fine lines or skin texture.
• 6. Those who desire continuous skin improvement while minimizing skin irritation.

Laser Toning Treatment Process

• STEP 1. A precise Mark-Vu skin diagnosis thoroughly identifies the depth and distribution of pigmentation that is difficult to ascertain with the naked eye.
• STEP 2. After a 1:1 consultation with the director, a personalized treatment plan is established.
• STEP 3. After setting customized laser parameters, the toning treatment begins. A final check is performed with the director in the mirror before the treatment.
• STEP 4. During the treatment, areas requiring focus are re-checked in the mirror.
• STEP 5. After the treatment, results are checked in the mirror, and guidance on future care is provided.

A Message from the Chief Director

Pigmentation issues such as melasma or ABNOM often weigh on patients' minds for a long time.

We fully understand concerns like 'Will it get darker after treatment?' or 'Can it really get better?'

Therefore, when treating pigmentation, we don't just use equipment; we focus on carefully examining each individual's skin.

Directly assessing the patient's skin condition with our eyes and precisely irradiating with only the necessary amount of laser is a crucial principle of our treatment.

The most appropriate approach may vary depending on the type and depth of pigmentation, as well as skin sensitivity.

Laser toning is by no means a procedure to be taken lightly. We have meticulously established a system to ensure patients experience positive changes. We will always do our best for your improvement.

Post-Treatment Precautions

• ㆍFacial cleansing and makeup are possible on the day of treatment, and we recommend paying special attention to sun protection.
• ㆍIt is advisable to pay extra attention to soothing and moisturizing care for temporarily sensitive skin.
• ㆍSwelling or redness may appear after the procedure, but these usually subside naturally over time. If symptoms persist for several days, we recommend visiting us for a consultation.