Pigmentation Toning: Treatment Approach

1. Preparation for Meticulous Treatment

We provide dedicated care for each patient, and with ample appointment times, we help ensure a focused and high-quality treatment.

2. Customized Toning Techniques for Each Area

Dual toning, fractional toning, and basic toning methods are applied according to the characteristics of each area. This helps minimize skin irritation and allows us to expect improvement in pigmentation.

3. Clinical Standard of At Least 1500 Shots

According to clinical studies, when irradiated with 1000 to over 1500 shots, pigment reaction tends to be positive. Based on this medical evidence, we perform treatments with a principle of at least 1500 shots per area.

4. Systematic Recording of Treatment Progress

For body treatments, we manage the change process as data through before-and-after photography. This helps in formulating treatment plans and monitoring skin reactions.

5. Efforts to Value Patients' Time

If you wait for more than 10 minutes past your appointment time, we apply a 5% discount for every 10 minutes. This reflects our medical team's commitment to respecting your valuable time.

Characteristics of Pigmentation Toning

1. Environment for Intensive Treatment

We limit the number of patients treated per day, and the director personally conducts consultations and treatments one-on-one.

To allow patients to receive treatment at a relaxed pace, we secure ample time between appointments. This creates an environment where we can focus on the treatment without rushing.

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

2. Sufficient Treatment Volume, At Least 1500 Shots

For body pigmentation treatments, we apply laser irradiation of at least 1500 shots per area as a fundamental principle.

This number is not an arbitrary decision. In studies such as Kauvar et al., Dermatol Clin (2012), it has been shown that when cumulative irradiation exceeds 1000-1500 shots, significant changes in pigment response occur, and this clinical evidence formed the basis for setting this standard.

Carefully observing the distribution and depth of the pigment and the skin's reaction speed, we plan and perform the treatment with the most appropriate dosage.

3. Recording Treatment Progress

For body areas, it can be difficult to observe subtle 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 become important data for evaluating treatment responses and adjusting future treatment plans.

Understanding the Principles of Pigmentation Toning

Beyond simply removing pigment, we approach it by precisely controlling various stages, from pigment generation to delivery and retention.

1. Selectively Targeting Melanin Pigment Only

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

We minimize irritation to surrounding tissues and gradually break down only the pigment. Through this, we can expect a gradual and even improvement in skin tone.

By focusing on melanin pigment and reducing skin irritation, we facilitate a stable treatment.

2. Reducing Cell Stimulation for Pigment Breakdown

By delivering energy in short bursts of nanoseconds, we minimize stimulation to melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment).

The principle is to selectively break down only the melanin pigment within the cells.

This lowers the risk of pigment regeneration and reduces the treatment burden, allowing for a stable approach.

3. Regulating Pigment Delivery Pathways

Melanin pigment travels to the skin surface through cell branches called dendrites.

Laser toning can partially regulate these pigment delivery pathways, helping to inhibit new pigment from rising to the skin surface.

Improvement of existing pigment, inhibition of new pigment formation, and regulation of delivery pathways are achieved through a combined approach.

Recommended Treatment Cycle for Pigmentation Toning

Generally, at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks, it is recommended to receive a total of 10 or more treatments.

As laser toning is a method of repeated irradiation with low energy, with just a single treatment, it may be difficult to sufficiently break down pigment particles into fine fragments.

You can expect to see desired changes after repeating the treatment typically 5 to 10 times.

The reason for setting treatment intervals at 1-2 weeks is determined by comprehensively considering the time it takes for macrophages to process melanin pigment after its breakdown, and the skin's 7-14 day regeneration cycle.

To manage your overall skin tone and maintain the effects obtained from the treatment for a long time, you might consider receiving maintenance toning once every 3-6 weeks.

Maintenance treatments can help prevent repigmentation and smooth the overall skin texture even after completing the main treatment.

Pigment Toning Treatment Process

1. Examination of Treatment Area and Customized Plan

By precisely understanding the patient's pigment depth, skin thickness, sensitivity, etc.,

a treatment plan is established by adjusting the laser intensity, number of shots, and type of handpiece to suit the specific characteristics of each area.

2. Discussion of Focus Areas with the Patient

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

Through this process, the plan is adjusted to allow for more intensive treatment in those specific areas.

3. Laser Toning Treatment Performed (Minimum 1500 shots)

While general toning methods are primarily applied, RTP mode or fractional toning can also be utilized depending on the characteristics and condition of the treatment area.

For sufficient improvement within a range that does not strain the skin, over 1500 shots are delicately irradiated per area.

4. Immediate Post-Treatment Area Check and Aftercare Guidance

Immediately after the treatment is completed, we provide a detailed explanation of key information such as the total number of shots.

We check the skin's reaction and, if necessary, provide guidance on appropriate post-treatment methods.

7. Treatment Progress Check and Comparison (Optional)

Since photographing body areas with diagnostic equipment can be somewhat difficult,

if you wish, before-and-after photos can be taken at the 5th and 10th treatment sessions to compare the progress together.

Situations Where Pigment Toning Can Be Considered

1. Those bothered by pigmentation in the armpits or bikini line after hair removal.

Improvement can be expected when post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has appeared due to repeated skin irritation from shaving or waxing.

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

If pigmentation has occurred even in the dermal layer due to continuous pressure and friction, it is advisable to consider more precise laser toning treatment.

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

Broad areas of shallowly distributed pigment on the skin surface can contribute to evening out the overall skin tone with toning treatment.

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

Pigmentation in these areas is often located deep within the dermal layer, so consistently applying fractional toning can have a more positive impact on improvement.

5. Those concerned about pigmentation caused by acne marks or acne scars on the back or buttocks.

It can be expected to be suitable for simultaneously managing pigment marks caused by repeated inflammation and uneven skin texture.

6. Those for whom improving body pigmentation is not easy with only whitening products or home care.

In such cases, laser treatments that directly target melanin pigment within the skin can be considered.

7. Rather than simply wanting to make body pigmentation 'brighter',

those who desire improvement because specific areas are particularly 'dark or deep'.

Rather than the overall brightness of the skin,

if a particular area is noticeably dark or uneven and bothersome,

body toning can be a useful solution for such concerns.

Precautions After Treatment

• ㆍWashing your face and applying makeup are possible on the day of the treatment. However, we urge you to pay special attention to sun protection.
• After the procedure, it is recommended to pay attention to soothing and moisturizing care for temporarily sensitive skin.
• After the procedure, some swelling or redness may be visible. These reactions usually subside on their own over time, so there's no need to worry too much. If symptoms do not improve after several days or if discomfort is severe, please contact our clinic for a consultation.