Pigmentation Toning: KKEUT Korean Medicine Clinic's Approach

1. Preparation for Precise Treatment

We provide one-on-one dedicated care to each patient, with a relaxed booking system that allows ample time for precise and focused treatments.

2. Three Toning Methods Tailored to Specific Area Characteristics

We apply dual toning, fractional toning, and basic toning methods tailored to the characteristics of each area. This helps reduce skin irritation while promoting improvement.

3. Clinical Standard of at least 1500 Shots

According to clinical data, a significant pigment response is observed when 1000-1500 shots or more are cumulatively delivered. Based on this evidence, we perform treatments with a principle of at least 1500 shots per area.

4. Treatment Progress is Managed with Records

For body areas, we use before-and-after photos to document and manage the changes, helping us systematically adjust treatment plans and monitor skin responses.

5. Our Commitment to Punctuality

If you have to wait for more than 10 minutes past your appointment time, we will apply a 5% discount for every 10 minutes of waiting. This is not just a service we provide, but our promise to respect our patients' valuable time.

The Special Features of KKEUT Korean Medicine Clinic's Pigmentation Toning

1. Dense Treatment, What's the Background?

We limit the number of patients seen per day, and the director personally handles consultations to treatments through a one-on-one customized system.

We ensure ample time between appointments so that patients can receive treatment at a relaxed pace. This creates an environment where you can focus on the treatment without feeling rushed.

During treatment, we monitor the skin's real-time response and flexibly adjust the irradiation mode, energy intensity, and pattern. This helps ensure a more precise and dense treatment.

2. Significant Treatment Volume: At least 1500 Shots

For body pigmentation treatments, a minimum of 1500 shots per area is our basic principle.

This number is not arbitrarily set. It is based on clinical evidence from studies like Kauvar et al., Dermatol Clin (2012), which show a significant pigment response when 1000-1500 shots or more are cumulatively delivered.

Considering the distribution and depth of the pigment, as well as the skin's reaction rate, we meticulously plan and administer the most appropriate treatment volume.

3. Treatment Progress is Documented

For body areas, it can sometimes be challenging to accurately confirm changes with diagnostic equipment. Therefore, we meticulously record and track treatment progress through individual before-and-after photo shoots.

These records go beyond simple before-and-after comparisons; they serve as important criteria for evaluating treatment responses and adjusting future treatment plans.

Understanding the Treatment Principles of Pigmentation Toning at KKEUT Korean Medicine Clinic

Beyond simply removing pigment, we approach treatment by precisely inhibiting multiple stages, from pigment creation and transfer to its remaining presence.

1. Selectively Targeting Melanin Pigment Only

Using low-power laser toning with a 1064nm wavelength, we precisely select and repeatedly irradiate only melanin pigment.

We progressively break down pigment while minimizing irritation to surrounding tissues. As a result, you can expect a gradual and even improvement in skin tone.

→ Targets only melanin / Reduces skin irritation for stable results

2. Breaking Down Pigment Without Cell Stimulation

Energy is delivered in nanoseconds, minimizing stimulation to melanocytes (pigment-forming cells).

Instead, only the melanin pigment within the cells is selectively broken down.

→ Lowers the risk of pigment regeneration, reduces treatment burden, allowing for a stable approach

3. Modulating Pigment Transfer Pathways

Melanin pigment moves to the skin's superficial layer through cell dendrites.

Laser toning can partially modulate these pigment transfer pathways, helping to inhibit new pigment from rising to the skin's surface.

→ Improves existing pigment + Inhibits new pigment formation + Modulates transfer pathways

Recommended Treatment Schedule for Pigmentation Toning

Generally, we recommend more than 10 sessions, with intervals of 1 to 2 weeks.

Since laser toning involves repeated irradiation with low energy, a single session may only result in minor breakdown of pigment particles.

It is common to notice changes after undergoing approximately 5 to 10 repeated sessions.

Setting the treatment interval to 1-2 weeks comprehensively considers the time needed for macrophages to process pigment after melanin breakdown, as well as the skin regeneration cycle of 7-14 days.

When the goal is to refine overall skin tone and maintain treatment effects, maintenance toning sessions may be performed at intervals of 3-6 weeks.

The purpose is to prevent repigmentation after treatment and to help improve overall skin texture.

Pigmentation Toning Treatment Procedure

1. Diagnosis and Customized Design of Treatment Area

Carefully considering the individual's pigment depth, skin thickness, and sensitivity,

we plan the treatment by adjusting the laser intensity, number of shots, and handpiece type according to the characteristics of each area.

2. Identifying Focus Areas with the Patient

We check and discuss the most concerning pigmented areas directly with the patient while looking in a mirror together.

Based on this, we finely adjust the treatment plan to ensure more intensive treatment for those specific areas.

3. Laser Toning Procedure (1500 shots or more)

We primarily use the general toning method, and if necessary, may combine it with RTP mode or fractional toning, considering the characteristics of the treatment area.

To achieve sufficient results without causing excessive irritation to the skin, we apply at least 1500 shots per area.

4. Post-Treatment Area Check and Guidance

Immediately after the treatment, we will directly explain important information, such as the total number of shots used.

After checking the skin's reaction, we will also provide guidance on appropriate post-treatment care methods, if needed.

7. Tracking and Comparing Treatment Progress (Optional)

Since it is difficult to photograph body areas with diagnostic equipment,

if you wish, we can take and compare before-and-after progress photos at the 5th and 10th treatment sessions.

When Pigmentation Toning May Be Needed

1. Those who experience discomfort due to underarm or bikini line pigmentation after hair removal

This treatment can help when post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs due to repeated irritation after shaving or waxing.

2. Those who have developed pigmentation on their buttocks or inner thighs due to sitting posture or wearing tight underwear

In cases where pigment has settled deep into the dermis due to continuous pressure and friction, more precise laser toning treatment may be considered.

3. Those whose décolletage or side areas have darkened due to friction from sportswear or bra straps

For pigments that are shallow and widely spread on the skin surface, toning treatment can help to even out the overall tone.

4. Areas with thick skin and long-standing pigmentation, such as knees, elbows, and ankles

These are pigments located deep in the dermis, and combining fractional toning with consistent cumulative irradiation can be more beneficial for improvement.

5. Those concerned about pigmentation from acne marks or acne scars remaining on the back or buttocks

This treatment can be suitable for simultaneously improving pigment marks caused by repeated inflammation and uneven skin texture.

6. Those who find it difficult to improve body pigmentation with whitening products or home care alone

In such cases, it is necessary to consider laser treatment that directly targets melanin pigments within the skin.

7. Rather than simply wanting to make body pigmentation ‘whiter’

those who desire improvement because a specific area has become noticeably ‘darker or more intense’

Rather than the overall brightness of the skin tone,

if a particular area looks unusually dark or patchy and is a cause for concern,

body toning can be an excellent solution for such concerns.

Post-Treatment Precautions

• ㆍFacial cleansing and makeup are possible from the day of the treatment. However, we strongly recommend paying special attention to sun protection.
• After the procedure, it is recommended to pay extra attention to soothing and moisturizing care for temporarily irritated skin.
• After the procedure, you may experience swelling or redness. These symptoms usually subside naturally over time, so there's no need to worry excessively. However, if the symptoms persist or cause significant discomfort after a few days, please contact the clinic.