Laser toning
We use low-energy laser light over a series of sessions, aiming to fade the melanin built up in the epidermis a little at a time.
Depth: epidermis to upper dermis This is a model, so layer thickness is not to scale.
How it works
Examination firstMelasma, dark spots, nevus of Ota (pigment set deeper, in the dermis), and dark marks left by inflammation can look alike on the surface, yet they sit at different depths and call for different treatment. Before any treatment, we examine your skin to find out which kind of pigment it is.
01What it uses
Low-energy laser light
We use a wavelength that melanin absorbs well, at an energy low enough that the skin does not heat up.
02Which layer
Epidermis to upper dermis
The light passes through the epidermis to reach the upper dermis and is absorbed by the melanin scattered along the way.
03How it works
A little at a time, over several sessions
Once melanin is broken into finer particles, the body clears it slowly. It takes several sessions, and how much changes varies from person to person.
Concerns and how it works
If this sounds like you
- The melasma on my cheeks seems to be spreading
- Dark spots make my complexion look dull
- The patches show through even when I wear makeup
Melasma forms when pigment cells make too much melanin, which then collects in the epidermis and upper dermis. Sun, hormones, and heat darken it easily, and strong irritation can make it darker rather than lighter. Laser toning spreads low-energy light evenly over the whole face, in several sessions 1–2 weeks apart.
Treatment details
Sessions, downtime, and side effects
- Usual sessions
- Usually 5–10 sessions
- Interval
- 1–2 weeks
- Treatment time
- About 15 min
- Numbing
- Usually none
- Downtime
- Redness for a few hours to a day
What it is for
Improving melasma and dark spots. How much your skin changes, and how quickly, varies from person to person.
Side effects
Redness, temporary hyperpigmentation, and, rarely, patchy white spots can occur. Melasma can come back.
Is it right for you
When it suits you,and when it may not
- Good for: You have melasma and dark spots together, and your skin tone looks uneven
- Good for: A strong laser has darkened your pigment before, and you prefer gentler sessions spread over time
- Good for: You need to wash your face and wear makeup on the day of treatment
- Good for: You can come in regularly every 1–2 weeks
- May not suit: Skin that was recently tanned or sunburned (we treat once it has settled)
- May not suit: Inflammation, a wound, or a cold sore in the treatment area
- May not suit: Pregnancy (we suggest waiting until after you give birth)
- May not suit: A mole that is changing shape, or pigment that has not been identified yet (we examine it first)
Before and after
From before your visit back to daily life
- BeforeExamination, plan, and price
- Day of treatmentAbout 15 min · numbing: usually none · makeup OK the same day
- After 1 dayOK again: saunas and hot baths; strenuous exercise
Before treatment
- Before treatment, apply sunscreen thoroughly so your skin does not tan.
- If you use skincare with retinoids or exfoliating ingredients, tell us at your consultation. We decide how long to pause them after the examination.
- If you take a medicine that makes skin more sensitive to light, such as some antibiotics or acne medications, let us know its name.
- Come with makeup removed from the treatment area. You can also take it off here in our powder room.
After treatment
- You can wash your face and wear makeup the same day.
- Wear sunscreen every day, and reapply if you are outdoors for a long time.
- Skip saunas and strenuous exercise for 1 day.
- Do not rub your face hard or peel off flaking skin, and moisturize well.
Price
The final price, VAT included
This is a self-pay fee. There are no discounts or promotional prices, and we go over each item and its price again before treatment.
- Full face, 1 session₩88,000
Self-pay · final price, VAT included · as of Nov 2, 2026
SuppliesNone
MedicationNone
Common questions
What people often ask about laser toning
How much pain should I expect?
You may feel a light sting, like a rubber band snapping against the skin. We usually do not apply numbing cream, and how much it hurts differs from person to person. If you tell us during treatment, we adjust the intensity.
How long will it take me to recover?
Redness tends to settle within a few hours to a day. The treatment takes about 15 minutes, and you can wash your face and wear makeup the same day.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually 5–10 sessions, 1–2 weeks apart. Melasma can come back, so after about five sessions we reassess your skin and decide whether to continue.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
If dark spots stand out, we can plan a picosecond laser spot treatment alongside it, and if redness is mixed in, a vascular laser. Whether they are done on the same day or on separate days depends on your skin. For melasma, we sometimes add a topical or oral medication as well.
Keep exploring
Other treatments in the same layer
Skin conditions in the same layer (covered by National Health Insurance): acne, atopic dermatitis, and eczema & hand eczema. Reaching the same layer does not make this a treatment for those conditions.