Strengths of Oriental Medicine Clinic's Laser Toning

• Our Oriental Medicine Clinic uses 'over 2000 shots' of laser energy. Instead of performing treatments with unnecessarily low output or few shots, we focus on delivering sufficient energy precisely to achieve satisfactory results while minimizing skin irritation.
• Pigmentation requires different approaches depending on its depth and type. Various types of pigmentation, such as melasma, ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules), and blemishes, each have their own characteristics. We approach sensitive pigmentation like melasma gently, and for dermal pigmentation like ABNOM, we adjust to a more intensive strength. In complex cases, we apply customized intensity and settings for each area.
• The treatment does not end simply because the laser irradiation is complete. Even during the treatment, the director personally observes the patient's skin reaction carefully with a mirror. If necessary, we meticulously adjust the laser's spot size, intensity, and even change the handpiece. This is more than just shooting a laser; it's a delicate process tailored to each individual's skin condition.
• Pigmentation diagnosis does not rely on 'intuition'. We use a Mark-Vu diagnostic device to meticulously confirm the exact location, type, distribution, and depth of the pigmentation. Based on these diagnostic results, we establish a suitable treatment plan for each patient.
• When multiple types of pigmentation appear together, approaching them with only one method may risk exacerbation. For example, when melasma and ABNOM are present together, we first stably calm the melasma, then proceed with intensive management of the ABNOM located in the dermal layer. This multi-layered approach helps reduce skin burden and aids improvement.

The Uniqueness of Our Oriental Medicine Clinic's Laser Toning

Laser toning is a commonly used method to improve pigmentation issues. However, there can be clear differences in treatment results depending on the equipment used, the number of shots, and the intensity of the treatment.

Various pigmentary disorders such as melasma, blemishes, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) differ in their depth within the skin and tissue response. Therefore, a precise treatment plan tailored to the characteristics of each condition is crucial.

1. Sufficient energy delivery of over 2,000 shots

According to many studies, low-fluence laser toning is known to be relatively stable and effective within the range of 1,500 to 2,500 shots.

We apply a minimum of 2,000 laser shots, planning treatments to reduce unnecessary skin irritation while expecting sufficient improvement.

Simply operating the equipment alone makes it difficult to bring about skin changes.

It is essential to meticulously adjust the number of shots, output intensity, laser irradiation speed, and spot size according to the depth and distribution of pigmentation, as well as individual skin sensitivity.

2. Customized Toning Adjustment for Each Pigmentary Disorder

1) Melasma

Melasma is one of the pigmentary disorders characterized by its widespread appearance, primarily on both sides of the face.

Since melanocytes are overactive and produce a large amount of melanin pigment, strong stimulation to the skin can potentially worsen melasma.

We accurately analyze the extent and depth of melasma using a Mark-Vu skin diagnostic device. Based on this information, we initiate laser toning treatment with a short pulse duration of 5 nanoseconds.

We strive to reduce potential side effects after treatment by using a method that selectively destroys only the melanosomes within the cells without stimulating the melanocytes.

Even during the treatment, the director personally observes the patient with a mirror and adjusts the laser's intensity and the areas to focus on. To ensure no area is missed, we may change the handpiece or finely adjust the equipment settings.

We observe skin changes with the patient using a mirror from before the treatment, throughout the process, and after the treatment.

2) ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules)

ABNOM, like melasma, is a condition where pigmentation is distributed in the dermal layer. However, it may require stronger laser energy compared to melasma.

In complex cases where melasma and ABNOM appear simultaneously, contradictory treatment strategies are needed: gently for melasma and strongly for ABNOM. This demands precise treatment expertise from the medical staff.

If strong laser treatment is performed without first stabilizing melasma, the melasma may actually worsen.

We strive to reduce side effects through thorough differential diagnosis and customized treatment planning before the procedure. We set the appropriate laser intensity for each patient to ensure that ABNOM can also be improved.

For ABNOM treatment, after accurate differential diagnosis with Mark-Vu, the director's customized parameters are applied. This method involves delicately adjusting the laser spot size, repetition rate, and output intensity according to the patient's skin type.

3) Other Pigmentary Disorders

Pigmentation that responds relatively quickly, such as lentigines, freckles, and blemishes, can be easily improved with the appropriate wavelength. However, if these pigmentations are accompanied by melasma or ABNOM, the treatment can become more complex.

Even in such complex situations, a delicate, customized approach is required, involving accurate diagnosis, mirror-assisted verification during each session, and adjustment of output and laser handpiece. Unlike conventional, uniform laser toning methods, we aim for melanin pigment treatment tailored to each individual's condition.

Pico Toning vs. Laser Toning Comparison

Pico toning offers the theoretical advantage of being able to destroy pigmentation more finely by using ultra-short laser pulses measured in picoseconds.

In contrast, laser toning delivers laser energy over a relatively longer duration, measured in nanoseconds, compared to pico toning.

Both treatments selectively target melanin pigment to improve skin tone and can be utilized for managing various pigmentary disorders such as melasma, blemishes, and ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules).

Due to the difference in laser irradiation time, pico toning may show a faster response in the initial 2-3 treatments. However, when treated consistently for 10 or more sessions, both methods can achieve similar levels of whitening effects.

Laser toning is a treatment method whose efficacy has been confirmed for approximately 20 years. It can be a more stable approach, especially for sensitive skin or skin conditions vulnerable to irritation, such as melasma.

Pico toning delivers strong energy intensively within a short period, so temporary redness or slight stinging may be experienced after the treatment.

Clinical study results often report that when compared based on the same 1064nm wavelength, both methods show no significant difference in improving skin brightness, reducing melasma severity, or lowering melanin index.

Consequently, what methods can achieve effects comparable to pico toning even with laser toning?

It is important to gradually build up the effects through more than 10 repeated treatments.

During the treatment, the energy intensity should be adjusted appropriately while observing the skin's reaction between 1.0 and 2.0 J/cm².

It is known that sufficient laser irradiation of at least 2000 shots is required.

It is recommended to maintain an interval of 1 to 2 weeks. If the treatment interval becomes too long, the cumulative effect may weaken.

It is important to receive treatment from skilled medical professionals who can adjust in real-time according to the patient's skin type and the reactions observed during the procedure.

If these conditions are met, various research results indicate that there is almost no difference when compared to Picotoning.

All information mentioned above is based on relevant research papers.

References include Medicina (Kaunas), 2022, Lasers in Medical Science, 2021, and Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2021.

What is Laser Toning?

Laser toning is a treatment method that gradually breaks down pigments and uniformly improves overall skin tone by irradiating low-energy lasers deep into the skin multiple times.

Unlike treatments that directly remove pigments with high output, this procedure uses a method that accumulates subtle stimuli to gently break down melanin pigments and aid the skin's own regeneration.

It is a treatment method that can be applied to various pigmentary disorders such as melasma, freckles, and acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM), while minimizing irritation to the skin. It is also one of the most widely used methods among various pigment treatments today.

1. Type of laser used: Q-switched Nd:YAG

Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are primarily used for laser toning treatments.

The 1064nm wavelength of this laser penetrates deep into the upper dermis, where melanin pigments are primarily located. It selectively destroys only the pigments without damaging the skin surface.

As it focuses on pigment removal while preserving the skin barrier, it can be considered for sensitive or thin skin with relatively minimal impact.

2. Low output, high-frequency 'tone-up' stimulation

While some existing pigment treatments remove pigments in one go using strong lasers, laser toning utilizes a method of irradiating weak energy lasers repeatedly.

This method gradually and finely destroys melanin particles while reducing damage to skin tissue. Afterward, our body's immune system, specifically macrophages, absorbs these destroyed particles, helping to remove them naturally.

Through this process, you can expect a change where your skin tone gradually becomes more even and clearer.

3. Dendrite destruction + melanin removal within melanocytes

Beyond simply removing pigments, laser toning also performs the function of inhibiting the pathway by which melanin is generated.

The core of this action is the destruction of the dendritic processes (dendrites) of melanocytes.

Dendrites act as pathways that deliver mature melanin carriers (melanosomes) produced in melanocytes to the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.

When the laser damages these dendrites, melanosomes are unable to move to the epidermis, which, as a result, can prevent pigment deposition from occurring on the skin surface.

Furthermore, it can help improve existing hyperpigmentation by directly destroying the melanin pigment accumulated within the melanocytes themselves.

This action primarily occurs with lasers that have short pulse durations, in nanosecond or picosecond ranges.

Therefore, this can be considered an important mechanism of action that can be expected from treatments such as laser toning or pico toning.

Laser Toning: 3 Key Points

Three main treatment principles of laser toning

Beyond simply removing pigments, laser toning is a treatment method that regulates the entire process from melanin production to its transport.

1. Removal of existing pigment particles

For pigmentary disorders other than melasma, such as freckles or acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM), melanin removal and improvement can be expected through relatively strong treatment settings.

However, melasma is sensitive to stimulation, so very careful energy control is essential. Incorrect application could potentially over-activate melanocytes, requiring caution.

2. Inhibition of melanosome transport through dendrite (dendritic process) destruction

It prevents melanosomes produced in pigment cells from moving to the epidermal layer, thereby preemptively preventing pigment deposition.

3. Direct destruction of melanin within melanocytes

The laser directly breaks down melanin pigment accumulated within melanocytes, which can lower melanin concentration and lead to a brighter skin tone.

Laser Toning Effects

• 1. Tone-up effect for brighter skin tone: Subtle laser stimulation gently breaks down melanin, allowing you to expect a gradual change where dull skin becomes clearer.
• 2. Melasma and Pigmentation ReliefThis can help alleviate sensitive melasma and pigmentation. It's a method that reduces burden by selectively treating melanosomes without stimulating melanin cells.
• 3. ABNOM (Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules) ImprovementYou can expect improvement in dermal pigmentation, such as Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules (ABNOM). The procedure is performed by adjusting the customized intensity to reach pigmentation located deeper than melasma.
• 4. Blocking Pigment Production to Reduce Recurrence ConcernsHelps reduce concerns about pigment recurrence. By caring for the dendrite sheath, which is the pathway for melanin to move out of the skin, it can help inhibit the production of pigment.
• 5. Smooth Skin Texture with Fine Line & Texture ImprovementIt can also have a positive impact on improving skin texture and fine lines. Laser stimulation promotes the skin's regenerative process, helping to create an overall refined skin texture and providing the expected effect of reducing fine lines.
• 6. Minimally Stimulating ProcedureThe procedure is performed in a way that minimizes skin irritation. By using a method of irradiating with low energy multiple times, even sensitive skin types can consider the procedure relatively comfortably.

Recommended for Laser Toning

• 1. Those concerned about dull or uneven skin tone
• 2. Those who continuously develop or experience darkening of pigmented lesions such as melasma, blemishes, and freckles
• 3. Cases where pigment is deposited in the dermal layer, such as Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-like Macules (ABNOM)
• 4. Those with thin and sensitive skin who want to address pigmentation concerns
• 5. Those who also desire improvement in fine lines and skin texture
• 6. Those who desire consistent improvement with minimal skin irritation

Laser Toning Procedure Steps

• STEP 1. A precise skin diagnosis is performed using Mark-Vu. This analyzes the exact depth and scope of pigmentation that is difficult to identify with the naked eye.
• STEP 2. A customized treatment plan is established through a 1:1 consultation with the director.
• STEP 3. After setting personalized parameters, the laser toning procedure begins. Immediately before the procedure, we will confirm the treatment area once more with the director while looking in the mirror.
• STEP 4. During the procedure, we will check the progress in the mirror and, if necessary, re-examine the focused areas.
• STEP 5. After the procedure, we will check the results in the mirror and provide a detailed explanation of the future progress.

A Message from Our Director

Many patients have experienced discomfort for a long time due to pigmentation issues such as melasma or ABNOM.

Sometimes, patients have vague anxieties, wondering, 'Can it really improve?' or 'What if it gets even darker?'

Considering these concerns, we always strive to ensure that pigmentation treatment is not just a mechanical process.

It is our important principle that our medical staff meticulously examine the skin condition themselves and precisely apply energy only as much as needed for each area.

For pigmented lesions, a customized approach is crucial, depending on the skin depth and individual sensitivity.

Laser toning is not a procedure performed carelessly. We have strived to establish a systematic approach to provide positive changes to our patients. We will do our best to achieve the improvements you expect.

Post-Procedure Precautions

• ㆍWashing your face and applying makeup are possible from the day of the procedure. We recommend paying special attention to sun protection.
• ㆍIt is recommended to provide sufficient soothing and moisturizing care for temporarily irritated skin.
• ㆍSlight swelling or redness may appear after the procedure, but these usually subside naturally over time. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, please inform our medical staff, and we will provide the necessary guidance.