Laser Toning [with Unparalleled Results]

Features of Our Clinic's Laser Toning Treatment

• 1. Delivering over 2,000 shots of energy At our clinic, we do not rush treatments with low power or a small number of shots. We strive to precisely deliver sufficient energy, over 2,000 shots, to minimize skin irritation while achieving effective results.
• 2. Customized Intensity Adjustment Based on Pigment Depth and Type Melasma, ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), and blemishes each have different depths and characteristics. At our clinic, we treat melasma delicately, ABNOM more intensively, and in cases of complex patterns, we apply different treatment intensities and parameters for each area.
• 3. Skin Response Monitoring and Real-time Parameter Adjustment During Treatment Laser treatment is not just about irradiation and finishing. During the procedure, our medical staff directly observes the skin's response using a mirror and, if necessary, meticulously adjusts the spot size, intensity, or handpiece. Through this precise, customized treatment, we provide care tailored to each individual.
• 4. Precise Diagnosis Using Mark-Vu Diagnostic Device We do not rely solely on visual diagnosis. We use the Mark-Vu diagnostic device to accurately identify the type, distribution, and depth of pigmentation. This objective diagnostic result is used to formulate a treatment plan tailored to each individual.
• 5. Multi-faceted Approach to Complex Pigmentation When melasma and ABNOM are present together, treating only one type aggressively can worsen the skin condition. At our clinic, we first stabilize melasma and then proceed to treat dermal ABNOM more intensively.

Features of Our Clinic's Laser Toning Treatment

Laser toning is a widely used treatment for managing pigmentary disorders. However, the expected results may vary depending on the type of equipment used, the number of shots delivered, and the treatment intensity.

Various types of pigmentary disorders such as melasma, blemishes, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) exhibit different skin depths and tissue responses. Therefore, meticulous planning before treatment is crucial.

1. Application of over 2,000 shots of energy

Many studies report that low-power laser toning, within the range of 1500-2500 shots, can be performed relatively safely and effectively.

At our clinic, we typically administer over 2,000 shots and formulate a plan to minimize excessive skin irritation while aiming for sufficient treatment effects.

It is difficult to achieve skin changes simply by operating a laser device.

It requires a process of meticulously adjusting the number of shots, power output, irradiation speed, spot size, and other parameters according to the depth and distribution of pigmentation, as well as individual skin sensitivity.

2. Individual Toning Adjustment Based on Disease Type

1) Melasma

Melasma is a type of pigmentary disorder that appears on both sides of the face and is widely distributed.

Since melanocytes, which produce melanin pigment, are excessively activated, unnecessary stimulation can potentially worsen melasma.

At our clinic, we objectively assess the extent and depth of melasma using the Mark-Vu skin diagnostic device. Subsequently, we proceed with the treatment using a toning laser with short pulses in 5ns increments.

Rather than stimulating the melanocytes themselves, we focus on selectively destroying only the melanosomes within the cells to minimize side effects.

During the treatment, our medical staff checks the skin's response with the patient using a mirror and adjusts the treatment intensity and focal areas. We meticulously coordinate handpiece changes and parameter settings to ensure all areas are evenly treated.

We proceed by checking the skin condition together through a mirror not only before and after treatment but also during the treatment itself.

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

Similar to melasma, it is a pigmentary disorder located in the dermal layer, but it often requires stronger treatment intensity compared to melasma.

If melasma and ABNOM present simultaneously as a complex pattern, a delicate approach for melasma and an intensive approach for ABNOM must be applied concurrently. Such opposing management requires meticulous treatment.

Specifically, if strong treatment for ABNOM is performed without first managing melasma, there is a possibility that melasma could worsen.

At our clinic, we reduce the risk of side effects through thorough differential diagnosis and customized planning before treatment, and we set the treatment intensity tailored to each individual so that ABNOM can also be improved simultaneously.

ABNOM treatment also involves precise differentiation through Mark-Vu diagnosis, followed by setting parameters suitable for the individual. Various factors such as spot size, repetition rate, and power output are meticulously adjusted according to skin type.

3) Other Pigmentary Disorders

Pigments that respond relatively quickly to laser wavelengths, such as lentigines, freckles, and blemishes, can be easier to manage when they appear alone. However, when accompanied by melasma or ABNOM, management tends to become more complex.

In such cases, accurate differential diagnosis is also crucial, and delicate customized management, such as mirror checks, power adjustments, and laser handpiece changes, is required for each treatment. Through these processes, our clinic provides melanin pigment management tailored to each individual's condition.

Comparison of Pico Toning and Laser Toning

Pico toning utilizes extremely short laser pulses in picosecond units, allowing it to destroy pigments more finely.

Conversely, laser toning operates in nanosecond units, delivering energy to the skin over a slightly longer duration than pico toning.

Both treatment methods can be used to selectively destroy melanin pigment, thereby improving skin tone and managing pigmentary disorders such as melasma, blemishes, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules).

Due to the difference in laser irradiation time, pico toning might be expected to show a faster response in the initial 2-3 sessions. However, after 10 or more consistent treatments, both methods tend to show similar whitening effects.

Laser toning is a clinically proven treatment method for nearly 20 years. It is known to be a stable option, especially for sensitive skin or conditions like melasma that are susceptible to irritation.

Pico toning delivers strong energy intensively in a short burst, which may result in temporary redness or stinging after the treatment.

Numerous clinical studies comparing both treatment methods based on the same 1064nm wavelength report no statistically significant differences in results such as improved skin brightness, reduced melasma index, and decreased melanin index.

To expect effects comparable to Pico Toning with Laser Toning?

Cumulative effects can be expected through more than 10 repeated treatment sessions.

Treatment is performed by delicately adjusting energy intensity within the range of 1.0~2.0 J/cm², tailored to the skin's reaction.

It is beneficial to deliver at least 2000 shots during the treatment.

It is important to consistently maintain 1-2 week intervals. If the treatment intervals are too long, the cumulative effect may weaken.

It is recommended to receive treatment from a medical professional who can adjust the energy in real-time according to your individual skin type and the reactions observed during the procedure.

If these treatment conditions are met, several research studies suggest that results similar to picotoning can be expected.

All content described above is based on research papers.

Medicina (Kaunas), 2022; Lasers in Medical Science, 2021; Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2021, and others were used as references.

What is Laser Toning?

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

This treatment differs from methods that directly burn pigments with high power. It uses a method of gradually accumulating subtle stimuli to gently break down melanin and induce skin regeneration.

It is a treatment method that can be applied to various pigmentary disorders such as melasma, blemishes, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), while minimizing skin irritation. It is currently one of the most widely used methods for pigment improvement.

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

For laser toning, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is primarily utilized.

The 1064nm wavelength of this laser can safely reach the upper dermis where melanin pigment is mainly distributed. It is characterized by selectively destroying only the pigment while reducing the risk of skin surface damage.

It can minimize damage to the skin barrier while focusing on pigment removal. This allows for consideration of treatment with relatively less burden even for sensitive or thin skin.

2. Low-Power, High-Repetition 'Tone-Up' Stimulation

Laser toning uses a method of repeatedly delivering low-energy laser pulses thousands of times. This is a different approach from conventional treatment methods that remove pigment in a single session with a strong laser.

This method gradually and finely breaks down melanin particles while minimizing skin tissue damage. The broken-down pigment is then absorbed by our body's immune system (macrophages) and helps in its natural removal.

As a result, you can expect a more even and brighter skin tone.

3. Destruction of Dendrites (Dendritic Processes) within Melanocytes and Melanin Removal

Beyond simply breaking down pigments, laser toning also functions to regulate the melanin production pathway itself.

One important role in this process is the destruction of dendrites (dendritic processes) in melanocytes.

Dendrites, also known as dendritic processes, act as pathways that deliver mature melanosomes (melanin carriers) produced by melanocytes to the outer epidermis.

When the laser damages these dendritic processes, melanosome carriers are prevented from moving out to the skin surface, which can contribute to reducing pigment formation on the skin.

Furthermore, it can directly break down the melanin pigment accumulated within the melanocytes, helping to improve existing hyperpigmentation.

These actions are particularly effective with lasers having short pulse durations, measured in nanoseconds or picoseconds.

In other words, it is one of the important mechanisms primarily observed in treatments such as laser toning or pico toning.

3 Main Mechanisms of Laser Toning

Three Main Treatment Principles of Laser Toning

Laser toning is a treatment that goes beyond simple pigment removal, improving pigmentation by regulating the entire process of melanin production and transport.

1. Breakdown of Existing Pigment Particles

For pigmentary disorders other than melasma, such as blemishes or ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), improvement can be expected by breaking down melanin with relatively higher energy settings.

However, melasma can be sensitive to stimulation, requiring more meticulous energy adjustment during treatment. It is important to be cautious as excessive stimulation can activate melanocytes.

2. Reduced Melanosome Transport through Dendrite (Dendritic Process) Damage

It contributes to reducing the occurrence of hyperpigmentation by impeding the migration of melanosomes, produced in melanocytes, to the epidermal layer.

3. Direct Breakdown of Melanin within Melanocytes

Laser energy directly destroys the melanin pigment located within the melanocytes. Through this, you can expect improved skin tone by reducing melanin concentration.

Expected Effects of Laser Toning

• 1. Skin Brightening Effect: As melanin pigment is gently broken down by subtle laser stimulation, you can expect a gradual brightening of dull skin tone.
• Can help improve melasma and hyperpigmentation. By selectively destroying melanosomes without stimulating melanocytes, we attempt an approach that reduces the burden on sensitive melasma.
• Helps alleviate Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules (ABNOM). We adjust the intensity to reach pigments located deeper than melasma, ensuring stable access to dermal pigments.
• Can help reduce concerns about pigment recurrence. We aim to prevent melanin discharge by destroying dendritic sheaths, which are pathways for melanin to move to the surface, and suppress pigment production.
• Can help improve skin texture and fine wrinkles. The stimulation from the laser promotes the skin's regeneration process, leading to the auxiliary effects of smoother overall skin texture and reduced fine wrinkles.
• Minimizes skin irritation and enhances treatment efficacy. The method of repeated irradiation with low energy results in less skin irritation, making it suitable for relatively sensitive skin.

Recommended for Laser Toning

• Those concerned about uneven and dull-looking skin tone
• Those who continuously experience or see a darkening of pigmented lesions such as melasma, blemishes, and freckles
• Those with pigments located in the dermal layer, such as Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules (ABNOM)
• Those with thin or sensitive skin who still wish to improve pigmentation issues
• Those who simultaneously expect improvements in both skin texture and fine wrinkles
• Those who want to achieve consistent skin changes with minimal irritation

Laser Toning Procedure

• STEP 1. Mark-Vu Precision Skin Diagnosis: We thoroughly analyze the depth and exact range of pigmented lesions that are difficult to identify with the naked eye.
• STEP 2. 1:1 Consultation with the Director: We establish a treatment plan optimized for each individual's skin condition.
• STEP 3. Laser Toning Treatment after Personalized Parameter Setting: Before the procedure, we reconfirm the treatment area with the director using a mirror.
• STEP 4. In-Treatment Mirror Check: We re-examine areas that require intensive care.
• STEP 5. Post-Treatment Final Confirmation and Aftercare Guidance

A Message from Our Director

We understand that many patients have long suffered from pigmentation issues such as melasma or ABNOM.

We also believe that you have significant concerns about whether improvement is possible or if the condition might worsen.

Therefore, we make every effort to ensure that pigment treatment is not merely a procedure using only equipment.

We prioritize the principle of directly examining the patient's skin condition and precisely treating only the necessary areas with the appropriate amount.

The approach to pigmented lesions must vary depending on the individual's skin depth and sensitivity.

We have prepared a systematic approach to ensure that laser toning treatments are not merely perfunctory, but that patients can experience positive changes. We will sincerely strive for the improvement of our patients' skin.

Post-Treatment Precautions

• ㆍYou may wash your face and apply makeup starting from the day of the procedure. We especially recommend paying attention to sun protection.
• ㆍTemporarily sensitive skin requires sufficient soothing and moisturizing care.
• ㆍSome swelling or redness may appear after the procedure, but it usually subsides naturally over time. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is advisable to visit our clinic for a consultation.