What is PicoSure Pro?
Lasers that target pigment work by delivering energy that melanin absorbs. Traditional Q-switched lasers use nanosecond pulses. A picosecond laser such as PicoSure Pro uses pulses roughly a thousand times shorter, so the pigment is broken up mainly by a rapid pressure effect rather than by heat alone. Finer particles are cleared more easily by the body, and less heat reaches the surrounding skin.
PicoSure can be used in several ways. In toning mode, low energy is spread evenly across the face to lighten diffuse pigment and dullness. In spot mode, higher energy targets individual freckles or sun spots. With a focusing lens (often called pico fractional), the laser creates tiny zones of change within the skin that stimulate renewal, which can help with fine texture and shallow marks.
People usually ask about PicoSure for:
- Freckles, sun spots and uneven brown patches
- Dull or blotchy tone and post-acne marks
- Fine texture, small pores and shallow acne marks
- Tattoo ink and old eyebrow tattoos
PicoSure modes and prices
The doctor chooses the mode and course length after examining your pigment. Melasma in particular needs a gentle, conservative approach, because aggressive settings can make it worse.
| Option | Typical use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pico Toning | Single toning session | ₩150,000 |
| Pico Fractional | Texture, fine marks | ₩200,000 |
| PicoSure Pro Pico Toning, 5 sessions | Tone and pigment course | ₩600,000 |
| PicoSure Pro All-in-One Toning, 5 sessions | Combined toning course | ₩950,000 |
| PicoSure Pro All-in-One Toning, 10 sessions | Longer course for stubborn tone | ₩1,800,000 |
| Eyebrow Tattoo Removal (first visit) | Cosmetic tattoo ink | ₩59,000 |
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. See the laser toning price page.
PicoSure or another toning laser?
For pigment and tone, PicoSure is one of several options. Genesis Toning is gentler and focuses on overall glow and mild redness, while Excel V targets redness and capillaries. For body areas such as elbows and underarms, see body pico toning.
What changes in your skin
Toning brightens gradually over a course, while treated spots usually darken, crust and flake within about a week to reveal lighter skin. Pigment can return with sun exposure, so SPF and occasional maintenance matter. For spots linked to ageing, see our age spots treatment page.
How a PicoSure visit works
- Doctor consultation We identify the pigment type — freckles, sun spots, melasma or marks — and choose a mode.
- Preparation Cleansing and eye protection; numbing cream for spot or fractional treatment if needed.
- Laser Usually 10–30 minutes. Toning feels like light warm snapping; spots feel sharper.
- Calming & SPF Cooling or a soothing mask, sunscreen, and spot dressings if crusting is expected.
On a short trip, toning is easy to fit in because redness usually fades within hours. Spot treatment leaves small crusts for about a week, so plan it at the start of your stay and keep the area out of strong sun while it heals.
Downtime, side effects and aftercare
PicoSure delivers less heat than many older pigment lasers, but it is still a laser and results depend on correct settings for your skin. What to expect:
- Common: mild redness and warmth for a few hours after toning; small darkened spots and crusts for 5–10 days after spot treatment.
- Less common: temporary darkening of pigment (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), mild swelling, or pinpoint bleeding after fractional mode.
- Rare: lighter patches (hypopigmentation), blisters, or melasma worsening if over-treated.
Tell the doctor first if you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have melasma, or use isotretinoin or photosensitising medication
- Have a recent tan or plan intense sun exposure soon after
- Have cold sores, active skin infection or a history of keloids
Aftercare
Wear SPF every day and reapply outdoors, avoid saunas and exfoliating acids for a few days, and do not pick crusts. If anything looks unusual, send a photo on WhatsApp for a doctor's review.
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every PicoSure plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
PicoSure FAQ
How much does PicoSure cost in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, Pico Toning is ₩150,000 per session and a 5-session PicoSure Pro Pico Toning course is ₩600,000, VAT excluded. See the laser toning price list.
How many PicoSure sessions do I need?
Toning usually needs 5–10 sessions about 2–4 weeks apart. Isolated freckles or sun spots may lighten after 1–2 spot sessions.
Can PicoSure treat melasma?
It can be part of a careful melasma plan using low-energy toning, but melasma is easily irritated and tends to recur. The doctor may combine it with other care and strict sun protection.
Is PicoSure safe for darker skin?
Picosecond lasers are often used on Asian and darker skin types with conservative settings. There is still a risk of temporary pigmentation, so tanning should be avoided before and after.
Does PicoSure hurt?
Toning feels like light warm snaps and usually needs no numbing. Spot and fractional treatments are sharper, so numbing cream may be used.
Can PicoSure remove tattoos?
Yes, picosecond lasers are commonly used for tattoo removal over multiple sessions. See our laser tattoo removal page.
