Laser Toning for Pigmented Spots & Melasma: 2 Key Benefits to Expect, Pricing, and Number of Sessions Explained

“What exactly is laser toning?”
“What results can I expect from laser toning?”

If you have questions like these about laser toning treatment, you’ve come to the right place.

Laser toning is a treatment designed to address pigmented spots, melasma, and dullness by gradually reducing melanin pigment through low-intensity laser irradiation.

On this page, we explain the features, expected effects, pricing, and number of sessions for laser toning. We’ve written this guide in plain language for anyone considering the treatment, so please read through to the end.

At our clinic, we propose a treatment plan suited to each individual patient and provide care focused on meaningful outcomes. We take the time to thoroughly understand your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.

What Is Laser Toning?

Laser toning is a treatment that can address pigmented spots, melasma, and dullness.

Medical-grade laser energy is delivered at a low intensity to gradually reduce “melanin,” the pigment responsible for pigmented spots and melasma.

Because scabbing is unlikely to occur, this treatment is well suited for those who prefer to manage their skin concerns discreetly.

Laser toning can be performed not only on the face but also on the body. It can address dark discoloration on areas such as the underarms, elbows, and buttocks.

For those whose skin has become darkened through self-care practices such as shaving, body laser toning may be a suitable option.

Two Effects You Can Expect from Laser Toning

Laser toning treatment may offer the following two benefits:

• Improvement of pigmentation such as pigmented spots, melasma, and freckles
• Improvement of enlarged pores and dark spots

Below, we explain in detail the two effects that can be expected from laser toning. We also compare it with conventional laser treatments, so please use this as a reference.

1. Improvement of Pigmentation Such as Pigmented Spots, Melasma, and Freckles

Laser toning treatment may help improve pigmentation concerns.

By directing laser energy at the affected area, melanin in the skin is gently reduced, which can help improve the appearance of pigmented spots and freckles.

In addition, laser toning may also be effective for melasma. Melasma refers to symmetrical patches of pigmentation that appear on the cheeks and below the outer corners of the eyes. It is commonly seen in women in their 30s and 40s and is thought to be related to hormonal changes.

Conventional laser treatments have generally been avoided for melasma due to the risk of activating melanin and potentially worsening symptoms. With laser toning, the low-intensity irradiation helps suppress melanin activation and can gradually lighten melasma over time.

2. Improvement of Enlarged Pores and Dark Spots

Laser toning may also be effective for tightening enlarged pores and improving dark spots.

By delivering low-intensity laser light evenly across the skin, this treatment minimizes skin stress while helping to improve overall skin tone and tighten pores.

Additionally, repeated sessions can help reduce melanin levels over time, which may contribute to improvement of dark discoloration.

Laser Toning Treatment Pricing

The cost of laser toning at our clinic varies depending on your treatment goals.

Please refer to the relevant price list below for your specific concern:

• Price list for Pigmented Spots & Melasma
• Price list for body dark spots
• Price list for enlarged pores

Laser Toning Treatment Procedure

The laser toning treatment process at our clinic is as follows:

1. Consultation
   We listen carefully to your concerns and goals, assess the condition of your skin, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
2. Cleansing
   Before treatment, you will cleanse your face to remove makeup and excess oil.
3. Laser Irradiation
   Laser light is applied to the areas requiring treatment, such as pigmented spots or melasma. Treatment time varies by individual but typically takes approximately 5 to 30 minutes.
4. Cooling
   After the procedure, the skin is moisturized and cooled to soothe any warmth caused by the laser. Some redness may remain, but this usually subsides within a few hours. Makeup can be applied on the day of treatment.

Recovery After Laser Toning

Laser toning involves minimal downtime after treatment. In most cases, no protective tape or dressings are required, and cleansing and makeup are possible immediately after the session.

Laser toning is also unlikely to cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in most cases.

However, the skin tends to become drier following laser toning, so it is important to keep up with your own moisturizing routine consistently.

Number of Sessions Required for Laser Toning

Because results from a single session of laser toning can be difficult to notice, multiple sessions are generally needed.

While individual results vary, many patients begin to notice a difference after an average of 5 to 10 sessions.

With 20 or more sessions, pigmented spots and melasma can become noticeably lighter.

Recommended Treatment Intervals for Laser Toning

The recommended interval between laser toning sessions varies depending on the stage of treatment.

At our clinic, we recommend the following schedule:

Up to around the 6th session, attending once a week tends to make it easier to notice improvement. In many cases, melasma and pigmented spots show improvement by around the 12th session.

However, stopping treatment altogether at that point may lead to the recurrence of melasma or pigmented spots.

To help maintain your results, we recommend continuing with regular sessions approximately once a month.

Five Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Toning

Here are five frequently asked questions about laser toning.

Q1. Will melasma or pigmented spots return if I stop treatment partway through?

If you stop laser toning treatment before completing the recommended course, there is a possibility that melasma or pigmented spots may recur.

For this reason, we recommend continuing with your laser toning sessions as advised.

To help prevent recurrence of melasma or pigmented spots, it is also important to maintain a proper skincare routine, including sun protection.

Q2. What are the risks and disadvantages of laser toning?

There are three potential risks and disadvantages to be aware of with laser toning:

• Multiple sessions are needed before results become noticeable
• There is a risk of skin reactions
• There is a risk of developing leukoderma (white patches)

Laser toning typically requires approximately 5 to 10 sessions before results become apparent.

While laser toning involves minimal downtime, irradiation can occasionally cause temporary redness or dryness that may contribute to breakouts.

Symptoms such as redness or acne are generally temporary; however, it remains important to maintain a proper skincare routine after treatment, including moisturizing and sun protection.

Laser toning also carries a risk of leukoderma. Leukoderma refers to a condition in which melanin pigment is lost, causing patches of skin to appear lighter or white.

Treating at excessively short intervals or using high laser intensity can contribute to this condition. At our clinic, we space out sessions appropriately and use low-intensity laser settings to minimize this risk.

Q3. Can too many laser toning sessions worsen melasma or pigmentation?

The likelihood of melasma or pigmentation worsening due to excessive laser toning is considered low.

With continued sessions, laser toning tends to support gradual improvement of melasma and pigmentation. Ongoing treatment may also contribute to improvements in skin firmness and hydration, so overtreatment with laser toning is generally not a major concern.

Q4. Is it possible for a laser toning treatment to go wrong?

The possibility of complications from laser toning cannot be ruled out entirely.

If the laser intensity is too high, melanocytes may become activated, which could cause pigmented spots or melasma to appear darker than before treatment.

Continued treatment at high intensity may also cause pigment loss, resulting in leukoderma in some cases. It is therefore important to receive treatment using appropriately low laser settings.

To minimize the risk of complications, our clinic carefully adjusts laser intensity to an appropriate level, thoroughly assesses each patient’s skin condition, and works with each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Come to IC Clinic for Laser Toning

Laser toning is a treatment that gradually reduces melanin pigment through low-intensity laser irradiation.

Laser toning may offer the following benefits:

• Improvement of pigmentation such as pigmented spots, melasma, and freckles
• Improvement of enlarged pores and dark spots

One of the distinguishing features of laser toning is its ability to address melasma, which has historically been difficult to treat with conventional laser therapies.

At our clinic, we listen carefully to each patient’s concerns and work together to create a personalized treatment plan. If you have concerns about pigmented spots, melasma, pores, or dark discoloration, please feel free to reach out to IC Clinic for an initial consultation.

We propose treatment approaches suited to each individual and provide care focused on meaningful outcomes. We take the time to thoroughly understand your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.