Discoloration Toning at Kkeut Oriental Medicine Clinic, Cheonan Buldang

Body Pigmentation Toning designed with PICOHI 300ps

Only that particularly darkened area, precisely.

Have you felt limitations with home care for particularly darkened areas?

Discoloration toning is not a procedure to whiten the entire body, but rather a treatment to intensively improve specific noticeably darkened areas.

Underarms and bikini line, elbows and knees, buttocks and inner thighs — pigmentation caused by friction, pressure, and repeated inflammation does not fade well with whitening cosmetics or home care alone. This is why laser toning, which directly targets melanin in the skin, is necessary.

Kkeut Oriental Medicine Clinic in Cheonan Buldang performs discoloration toning with 'PICOHI', a 300-picosecond (300ps) pico laser.

3 Principles of Discoloration Toning at Kkeut Oriental Medicine Clinic, Cheonan Buldang

① Clinical Environment that Enhances Concentration

We operate by limiting the number of daily patients and aim for a 1:1 customized treatment system where the director personally consults. We create an environment where medical staff are not rushed by allowing ample appointment times, and during the procedure, we monitor skin reactions in real-time, flexibly adjusting the irradiation mode, intensity, and pattern. Not compromising the concentration of the procedure with excessive bookings — this is a promise we keep with our patients, along with minimizing wait times.

② Over 2,000 Shots per Area Based on Clinical Evidence

This number is not arbitrarily set. It is based on evidence from various clinical studies, including Kauvar et al. (Dermatol Clin, 2012), which observed significant changes in pigmentation improvement with cumulative irradiation of 1,000-1,500 shots or more. We precisely set and apply an effective treatment dose, comprehensively considering the distribution pattern and depth of pigmentation, and the patient's skin reaction speed.

③ Systematic Record Management of Consultations and Treatment Progress

We manage records of the director's consultation content and treatment reactions for each session. Based on the accumulated data, we meticulously adjust the treatment plan and settings for the next session.

How does Discoloration Toning work?

It is an approach that doesn't just stop at erasing pigments but comprehensively inhibits the processes of melanin creation, transfer, and residual presence.

① Selectively Destroys Melanin Pigment Only

Low-power picotoning using a 1064nm wavelength precisely targets only melanin for repeated irradiation. Pigments are gradually broken down with minimal damage to surrounding skin tissue, and skin tone can gradually improve to become more uniform.

→ It targets only melanin, minimizing skin irritation for stability.

② Reduces Cell Stimulation, Breaks Down Pigment Only

PICOHI delivers energy in an extremely short moment of 300 picoseconds (0.3 nanoseconds). Before heat can spread to the surroundings, a momentary shockwave selectively shatters only the melanin pigment within cells, thereby reducing direct stimulation to the melanin-producing cells (melanocytes). Shorter pulses than nanosecond lasers break down pigments into smaller, more uniform particles, making their excretion easier.

→ It is a relatively stable procedure that lowers the risk of pigment regeneration and potential side effects.

③ Inhibits Pigment Transfer Pathways

Melanin pigment has the characteristic of moving to the skin surface via dendrites. Laser toning can inhibit part of this transfer pathway, reducing the ascent of new pigments to the skin surface.

→ It reduces existing pigments + inhibits new pigment formation + partially blocks pigment transfer.

How often and how many sessions are needed?

Generally, we recommend a total of 10 or more sessions, spaced 1-2 weeks apart.

Since laser toning uses a low-power, repetitive irradiation method, the degree of pigment particle breakdown might be minimal with just a single session. Visually noticeable changes can be expected only after consistently repeating the treatment for at least 5 to 10 or more sessions.

The 1-2 week interval is a treatment spacing that comprehensively considers the process of macrophages clearing broken-down melanin and the skin's natural regeneration cycle (approximately 7-14 days). After completing the treatment, maintenance toning at 3-6 week intervals can prevent repigmentation and continuously manage skin texture.

Treatment Procedure

1. Diagnosis of treatment area and establishment of customized plan — Considering the depth of pigmentation, skin thickness, and sensitivity, we determine the appropriate method between general picotoning and fractional picotoning, and individually plan the laser intensity, number of irradiations, and handpiece for each area.

2. Joint confirmation of improved areas with a mirror — We examine the most concerning pigmented areas directly with the patient in front of a mirror, listen to their feedback, and then adjust the treatment plan to focus more on those areas.

3. Laser toning procedure (over 1,000 shots per area) — While general picotoning is the base, fractional picotoning is used in conjunction depending on the skin characteristics of the area, and over 1,500 shots may be irradiated depending on the area and condition to achieve sufficient effects without excessive stimulation.

4. Post-procedure confirmation and detailed guidance — We provide detailed explanations of the mode and handpiece used, intensity, and total number of shots. Immediate cooling treatment is applied according to the reaction of the treated area, and post-treatment care instructions are also provided if necessary.

We recommend discoloration toning for these individuals

01. Those concerned about underarm/bikini line pigmentation after hair removal — It can help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) caused by repeated irritation from shaving or waxing.

02. Those with darkened buttocks/inner thighs — Delicate laser toning may be needed for pigmentation that has extended to the dermal layer due to sedentary lifestyle habits or continuous pressure/friction from tight underwear.

03. Those with darkened décolletage/sides due to friction — Pigmentation widely spread on the surface due to repeated friction from sportswear or bra straps can be helped by toning to improve skin tone more uniformly.

04. Thick and long-standing pigmented areas like knees, elbows, and ankles — For deep dermal pigmentation, combining fractional toning with consistent laser irradiation can help with improvement.

05. Those concerned about acne scars and pigmentation on the back/buttocks — It can help improve both pigmented marks and uneven skin texture caused by repeated inflammation.

06. Those for whom whitening products or home care alone are not enough — In such cases, laser treatment that directly targets melanin pigments within the skin may be necessary.

07. Those who desire improvement in 'specific darkened areas' rather than 'overall whitening' — If you are bothered by certain areas that are particularly dark or mottled rather than the overall brightness of your body, pigmentation toning can be the right solution for that concern.

Post-Procedure Instructions

• Light showering and cleansing are possible on the day of the procedure, and please pay careful attention to sun protection for the treated area.

• For skin that may become temporarily sensitive after the procedure, please ensure sufficient soothing care and moisturization.

• Slight swelling or redness may occur in the treated area, but these usually subside naturally over time. If they persist for more than a few days, it is recommended to visit the clinic for a consultation.

Not whitening the entire body,

But precisely targeting that specific darkened area.

Pico High 300ps, over 1,000 shots per area — This is pigment toning at Cheonan Buldang Kkeut Oriental Medicine Clinic.