A pico laser fires pulses measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). Peachcell Clinic uses the Picolite Black pico laser for three treatments: pico toning for melasma and uneven tone, Pico-K for pigment spots, and Pico Fraxel for texture and scars. Pico laser in Korea is popular with visitors because Korean clinics treat a lot of pigmentation in Asian skin.
Pigmentation is not one condition. Melasma, freckles, sun spots and post-acne marks can look alike but respond differently, and treating them the wrong way can make some of them darker.
Dr. Ha has a particular interest in pigmentation. He practiced for years in Jeju, where strong sun means many pigment cases, and in October 2026 he gave an invited lecture at the KORA Autumn Congress on pigmentation treatment and skin regeneration with pico laser.
How it works
Pigment absorbs the laser energy. Because a picosecond pulse is so short, it breaks pigment into very fine particles mostly through a pressure effect rather than heat. The body then clears those particles over the following weeks.
Pico toning uses low energy spread evenly across the face. It lightens melasma and dull tone gradually while keeping heat low, which matters because melasma can get worse with aggressive, hot treatment. This is why toning is done as a series.
Pico-K uses higher energy on individual spots, which darken and flake off over about a week. Pico Fraxel uses a fractional handpiece that creates tiny points of effect under the skin to stimulate collagen for texture, pores and scars.
Who it suits
- Melasma and blotchy, uneven skin tone (pico toning)
- Freckles and sun spots (Pico-K)
- Dark marks left after acne
- Dull skin that looks shadowed
- Texture, pores and shallow scars (Pico Fraxel)
When another option fits better
- Redness and visible small vessels: Accento N (1064nm) or Sylfirm X fits better.
- Melasma that keeps returning after toning: Dr. Ha usually adds Sylfirm X to address the vascular side.
- Raised moles and growths: these may need CO2 laser after the doctor examines them.
- Sagging or fine lines as the main concern: a skin booster or lifting device fits better.
Dr. Ha’s note
In Jeju I saw more pigmentation than anywhere else, and the main lesson was this: you have to know what kind of pigment you are treating before you fire the laser. Freckles and sun spots respond well to a stronger pulse. Melasma does not. If I treat melasma too hard, it can come back darker. So with melasma, I keep the energy low, take my time over a series, and often combine toning with Sylfirm X. I also tell patients that melasma can return with sun, heat and hormones. I would rather you hear that from me now than be surprised later.
Aftercare
- Mild redness and warmth are normal and settle within hours to a day.
- If spots form crusts, let them fall off on their own, usually within 5–10 days. Do not pick.
- Use sunscreen every day and reapply outdoors. Sun is the main reason pigment returns.
- Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang and firm massage for about a week.
- No alcohol or smoking for about a week.
- Pause exfoliants and retinoids for a few days, or as the doctor advises.
- Results vary. Melasma can come back, and maintenance is often needed.
Watch Dr. Ha explain it
0:59Top 5 pigmentation concerns a dermatology clinic sees
Melasma, dark spots, freckles and age spots look alike but are treated differently.
Watch on YouTube
0:59The skin concern I saw most while practicing in Jeju
Strong sun, many kinds of pigmentation. How each type is approached.
Watch on YouTubeBefore & after
Cases published by Peachcell Clinic on its website and official Instagram. Results vary by individual, and swelling, bruising or other side effects can occur. Your plan is decided after a consultation with the doctor.
Instagram ReelHow we treat melasma and dark spotsPeachcell Clinic · in English
Instagram ReelThe 5 pigmentation types we see mostPeachcell Clinic · in EnglishWinter 2026 · Prices
- ₩290,000VAT separate
One-Day Package
Dual toning + whitening care
- ₩690,000VAT separate
Toning 4-Session Package
Dual toning ×4 + skin care ×4 (choose one: Ionzyme, PlaPeel, LDM or Sono)
- ₩880,000VAT separate
Peachcell Signature Pigmentation Package (4 sessions)
Accento + melasma injection + Cryo ×1 · Sylfirm X + exosome LDM ×1 · dual toning + whitening care ×2
- ₩1,090,000VAT separate
Basic Whitening
Full-body pico toning + glutathione (Baekok) injection
- ₩1,990,000VAT separate
Premium Whitening
Full-body PlaPeel + dual toning + glutathione (Baekok) injection
Winter event prices are valid until 30 November 2026. All prices are in Korean won (KRW) and do not include 10% VAT. See the full price list
Frequently asked questions
How much does pico laser cost at Peachcell?
Single pico toning and Pico-K sessions are not on Peachcell’s winter 2026 menu. Toning is part of the pigment packages: the One-Day Package (dual toning + whitening care) is ₩290,000, and the Toning 4-Session Package is ₩690,000. Package prices change by season, VAT (10%) is separate, and your final quote is confirmed after the consultation. Ask on WhatsApp for current pricing. See the full winter 2026 price list.
How many pico toning sessions do I need for melasma?
Usually 5–10 sessions, 1–2 weeks apart. On a short trip you can start a series, but melasma is better treated steadily over time. Dr. Ha will tell you honestly what one trip can achieve.
Does pico laser hurt?
Toning feels like light snapping on the skin, and most people do not need numbing. Spot treatment and Pico Fraxel sting more, so we apply numbing cream first.
How many days should I stay in Seoul after spot removal?
Toning has almost no downtime. After Pico-K, small crusts usually fall off in 5–10 days. You can fly with them, but if you want them gone before you go home, treat early in your trip.
Will my pigmentation come back?
Freckles and sun spots can return with sun exposure. Melasma often returns with sun, heat or hormonal changes. Daily sunscreen and occasional maintenance help. Results vary from person to person.
Results vary by individual. Every treatment plan is decided after an in-person consultation with the doctor.
