Picosecond laser & Pico Fraxel · Myeongdong, Seoul

Pico laser in Myeongdong, Seoul

Q: Can pico laser remove melasma?

It can help lighten melasma when used gentl y over several sessions, but melasma is chronic and can relapse, so maintenance and sun protection matter.

Ultra-short picosecond pulses that shatter pigment and, in fractional mode, refresh texture — for spots, uneven tone, acne marks and fine scars.

Same price as locals
English-speaking team
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Skin analysis station at Umi Clinic in Myeongdong, Seoul — **3–6 sessions** Spots fade gradually after each session

Quick answer

What is a pico laser and Pico Fraxel?

A pico laser fires pulses lasting trillionths of a second (picoseconds). This produces a photo-acoustic effect that breaks pigment into very fine particles the body clears, with less heat than older nanosecond lasers. In Pico Fraxel mode, a fractional lens creates tiny zones under the skin surface that stimulate collagen for texture and shallow scars.

In Seoul, pico lasers are widely used for freckles, sun spots, uneven tone, post-acne marks and tattoo fading. For melasma-prone skin, the doctor uses low-energy settings or laser toning protocols.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Yoon Jong-woo , Medical Director, Umi Clinic (Korean-licensed physician) · Updated October 2026. Results vary by person; the doctor explains risks, side effects and alternatives at consultation.

Session: 15–30 min
Numbing: Topical cream when needed
Downtime: None to a few days of mild redness or tiny crusts
Results: Gradual over 2–4 weeks per session
Sessions: Typically 3–6, 2–4 weeks apart
Pricing: Same price as locals

Your visit

How Pico laser works at Umi

Every visit is doctor-led and explained in English, from the first skin check to aftercare.

Consult & skin check
The doctor distinguishes spot types, melasma and scars and chooses pigment, toning or fractional mode.
Numbing
Numbing cream for spot or fractional treatment; toning often needs none.
Picosecond pulses
Quick snapping pulses target pigment or create micro-zones for texture.
Aftercare
Leave small crusts alone, moisturise and wear SPF 50 daily.

Before & after

How a pico laser clears pigment

Picosecond pulses break pigment into tiny fragments that the immune system removes over the following weeks, while fractional mode renews texture.

Illustration of the mechanism — not a patient photo. Individual results vary; real before-and-after photos can be reviewed at consultation.

Day 1

Treated spots may look grey or darker.

Days 5–10

Tiny crusts shed and the area lightens.

After a course

More even tone and finer texture.

Is it right for you?

Who Pico laser suits best

Good fit if you…

Have freckles, sun spots or uneven pigmentation
Have post-acne brown marks
Want texture refinement with short downtime
Want a gentle option for darker or Asian skin types

Consider another option if…

You have a fresh tan or sunburn
You are pregnant
You have an active infection, herpes or open wounds in the area
You use photosensitising medication without doctor review

Recovery & results

What to expect, step by step

Same day
Mild redness; treated spots may darken. Pigment toning has almost no visible signs.
First week
Small crusts on spot-treated areas flake off; Pico Fraxel may cause light pinkness for 1–3 days.
2–4 weeks
Pigment lightens and texture looks fresher; next session can follow.
Maintenance
Periodic sessions plus daily sunscreen keep pigment from returning.

FAQ

Pico laser questions

Pico laser or laser toning — what is the difference?

Laser toning traditionally uses a nanosecond Nd:YAG at low energy. Pico lasers use far shorter pulses, which can break pigment more efficiently with less heat. Many clinics in Seoul now use pico for toning as well.

Does a pico laser hurt?

It feels like quick snaps of a rubber band. Numbing cream is used for spot removal and fractional mode.

Can pico laser remove melasma?

It can help lighten melasma when used gently over several sessions, but melasma is chronic and can relapse, so maintenance and sun protection matter.

How many sessions do I need?

Isolated spots may clear in 1–2 sessions; overall tone, marks and texture usually need 3–6.

Do foreigners pay more?

No. International patients pay the same price as local patients at Umi Clinic.

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