“I want to reduce pigmented spots and dullness with a treatment that involves minimal discomfort.”
“I’ve been told that melasma is difficult to treat with laser.”
“I’d like laser treatment, but I’m too busy to take enough downtime.”
Do any of these concerns sound familiar?
Pico Toning is a treatment option that may offer benefits for pigmented spots, melasma, and similar skin concerns. By using a low-output laser, it helps minimize damage to the skin while requiring little to no downtime.
On this page, we explain the potential effects, advantages, and disadvantages of Pico Toning. We address a wide range of questions about the treatment, so if you have skin concerns, we hope you find this information helpful.
At our clinic, we propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient and deliver care focused on outcomes. We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Pico Toning?
- 2 4 Potential Benefits of Pico Toning
- 2.1 1. Improvement of Melasma
- 2.2 2. Improvement of Dullness and Pigmented Spots
- 2.3 3. Improvement of Enlarged Pores
- 2.4 4. Improvement of Facial Redness
- 3 Side Effects and Downtime of Pico Toning
- 4 Pico Toning Treatment Process and Post-Treatment Progress
- 5 Pico Toning Treatment Fees
- 6 Differences Between Pico Toning and Photofacial (IPL)
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Pico Toning
- 7.1 Q. Is Pico Toning less expensive than other laser treatments?
- 7.2 Q. How often should sessions be scheduled?
- 7.3 Q. From which session might I begin to notice the effects of Pico Toning?
- 7.4 Q. Can melasma worsen after a Pico Toning session?
- 7.5 Q. Will pigmented spots or melasma worsen if I stop Pico Toning treatment?
- 8 Visit IC Clinic for Pico Toning Treatment
What Is Pico Toning?
Pico Toning is a treatment that gradually reduces melanin pigment in the skin by delivering low-output laser energy in a shower-like manner across the treatment area.
It may offer benefits for reducing pigmented spots, dullness, and melasma.
With conventional laser treatments, there was a risk that stimulating melasma could trigger inflammation, potentially causing the pigmentation to darken further.
However, because Pico Toning repeatedly delivers low-output irradiation designed to avoid stimulating the melanin pigment, it may offer benefits even for melasma that was previously considered difficult to treat with laser.
In addition, since the treatment works by using shockwaves to break down melanin pigment, discomfort during the session is generally minimal and extended downtime is not required.
4 Potential Benefits of Pico Toning
Pico Toning may offer benefits for the following four types of skin concerns:
- Melasma
- Dullness and Pigmented Spots
- Enlarged Pores
- Facial Redness
As these concerns tend to be noticeable across the face, many people find them a source of ongoing worry.
Below, we explain each concern in detail.
1. Improvement of Melasma
Pico Toning is primarily expected to offer improvement for melasma.
Melasma refers to light-brown patches that spread across areas such as the cheeks and chin.
While the precise cause has not been fully established, the condition is thought to be related to female hormones, as it frequently develops during pregnancy.
(Reference: Pigmented Spots | Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Because melasma can trigger inflammation when stimulated, high-output lasers cannot be used for this condition.
With Pico Toning, low-output irradiation can be repeated in a way that helps avoid causing skin inflammation.
2. Improvement of Dullness and Pigmented Spots
Pico Toning may also offer benefits for reducing pigmented spots and dullness.
By delivering irradiation across multiple sessions, it gradually breaks down the melanin pigment in the skin that causes pigmented spots and dullness.
Because the laser output used in Pico Toning is low, crusting after treatment rarely occurs. The treated area may appear temporarily red immediately after irradiation, but it typically returns to its normal appearance within a short time.
Makeup, face washing, and bathing are all permitted on the same day. With minimal downtime, treatment can be continued without difficulty even for those who regularly interact with many people throughout the day.
For these reasons, Pico Toning is well suited to those who wish to minimize skin burden and downtime.
Popular Article: Best Aesthetic Dermatology Clinics for Laser Pigmented Spot Removal — Dermatology vs. Cosmetic Surgery, Insurance Coverage, Fees, and Effects Explained
3. Improvement of Enlarged Pores
Pico Toning may also offer benefits for improving enlarged pores.
Pico Toning can help tighten the sebaceous glands in the dermis and help regulate sebum secretion.
As a result, pores may become less noticeable, and an overall improvement in skin texture can be expected.
4. Improvement of Facial Redness
Pico Toning may also be beneficial for improving facial redness.
One contributing factor to facial redness (rosacea) is the dilation of capillaries.
(Reference: Facial Redness and Innate Immunity | Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan)
The laser used in Pico Toning reaches the dermis where these capillaries are located and may help constrict dilated blood vessels.
With repeated irradiation, the capillaries may gradually normalize, helping to reduce facial redness.
Please note that depending on the cause of facial redness, another treatment may be more appropriate. We will suggest a treatment plan suited to your individual symptoms, so if you are concerned about facial redness or similar issues, please visit our clinic for a consultation.
Side Effects and Downtime of Pico Toning
The risk of side effects and downtime associated with Pico Toning is generally low.
This is because using a low-output laser helps minimize damage to the skin as much as possible.
Some patients may notice warmth or a mild tingling sensation after the session, but this is temporary and typically subsides within a short time.
However, in rare cases, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (white patches) may occur, so please monitor the condition of your skin carefully after treatment.
It is important to maintain consistent sun protection on the treated area and to avoid excessive friction when cleansing or massaging the skin.
If you notice any persistent discomfort in the treated area after your session at our clinic, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Pico Toning Treatment Process and Post-Treatment Progress
For those considering Pico Toning, here is a step-by-step overview of the treatment process.
- Medical Questionnaire & Consultation
After completing the medical questionnaire, you will cleanse your face to remove any makeup.
Your attending physician will then conduct a consultation. Please feel free to raise any questions or concerns you may have. - Laser Irradiation
You will be provided with eye protection goggles before the Pico Toning laser is applied.
If you experience any warmth or tingling, please let us know right away. The irradiation typically takes several tens of minutes for the full face. - Aftercare
Skincare is applied to complete the session. Under the guidance of our physician, you may apply makeup and return home immediately after treatment.
After your session, please be diligent about sun protection and moisturizing to maintain your skin condition until your next appointment.
Depending on your treatment plan, Pico Toning is typically performed across multiple sessions spaced at appropriate intervals.
Pico Toning Treatment Fees
The fees for Pico Toning vary depending on the treatment content.
Please refer to the fee schedules below, organized by skin concern, for pricing details.
- Fee Schedule for Pigmented Spots & Melasma
- Clogged Pores
- Fee Schedule for Redness & Facial Redness
Differences Between Pico Toning and Photofacial (IPL)
In addition to Pico Toning, “Photofacial (IPL)” is another treatment option for pigmented spots and freckles.
Both approaches use light-based irradiation to address skin concerns. However, Pico Toning and Photofacial (IPL) differ in their respective treatment objectives.
The specific differences are outlined in the table below.
| Treatment | Technology Used | Treatment Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Pico Toning | Laser irradiation | Aims to address the root cause of pigmented spots and dullness |
| Photofacial (IPL) | Light (IPL) irradiation | Aims to reduce the appearance of pigmented spots and dullness |
Depending on the condition, Photofacial (IPL) may be the more suitable option.
Our clinic offers both Pico Toning and Photofacial (ICON), so if you are unsure which treatment to choose, please feel free to consult with us.
Related Article: Improve Pigmented Spots and Acne Scars with Photofacial (ICON) — Effects, Features, and Precautions Explained | IC Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions About Pico Toning
Finally, we have compiled answers to frequently asked questions about Pico Toning.
If you have concerns about the effects or side effects of the treatment, please read through the Q&A below.
Q. Is Pico Toning less expensive than other laser treatments?
Fees vary depending on the area treated.
As Pico Toning uses relatively advanced equipment, costs do tend to be on the higher side.
Other treatments used for pigmented spots and melasma include “Laser Toning” and “Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser.”
Depending on the number of sessions and the area treated, either of these options may be available at a lower cost than Pico Toning.
At our clinic, we offer treatment plans tailored to each patient’s budget, so if cost is a concern, please come in for a consultation.
Q. How often should sessions be scheduled?
The recommended interval between sessions is approximately 2 weeks to 1 month.
Because Pico Toning requires minimal downtime, patients are able to return for follow-up sessions at relatively short intervals.
That said, the skin is in a sensitive state immediately after treatment, so irradiation cannot be performed too frequently.
For this reason, our clinic schedules Pico Toning sessions at intervals of approximately 2 weeks to 1 month.
Please note, however, that treatment for melasma carries a higher risk of side effects, so we allow an interval of at least 1 month between sessions.
Q. From which session might I begin to notice the effects of Pico Toning?
We generally recommend five or more sessions in order for patients to begin noticing the effects of Pico Toning.
Because Pico Toning delivers low-output laser irradiation, it is uncommon for noticeable results to be observed after just one session. Results vary among individuals, but please allow for approximately 5 to 10 sessions.
According to a study conducted by Kasai Plastic Surgery, 210 patients underwent pico laser treatment for pigmented spots (solar lentigines). Improvement was observed in 113 patients, with an average of 4.6 treatment sessions.
Based on this research, effects are generally more likely to become noticeable from around the fifth session onward.
Q. Can melasma worsen after a Pico Toning session?
While it is uncommon for melasma to worsen after treatment, improvement cannot be guaranteed for every case.
Pico Toning is expected to be highly effective for melasma. This is because low-output laser irradiation helps minimize stimulation to the epidermis.
However, the risk of melasma worsening as a result of Pico Toning cannot be entirely ruled out.
To help minimize this risk, please monitor the condition of the treated area closely throughout the course of treatment and return for a consultation promptly if you notice anything unusual.
Q. Will pigmented spots or melasma worsen if I stop Pico Toning treatment?
Neglecting sun protection and moisturizing may increase the risk of worsening or recurrence.
Stopping Pico Toning treatment does not mean that pigmented spots or melasma will worsen immediately.
That said, laser irradiation may leave the skin in a more sensitive state. Please maintain diligent sun protection and moisturizing to keep your skin in good condition.
Pico Toning aims to address skin concerns at their source, but a certain period of treatment is required. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to speak with your attending physician.
Visit IC Clinic for Pico Toning Treatment
Pico Toning is a treatment that may offer benefits for melasma, dullness, pigmented spots, and similar skin concerns.
By repeatedly delivering low-output laser irradiation, treatment can be carried out while helping to minimize the burden on the skin. Specifically, it may be used for the following concerns:
- Melasma
- Dullness and Pigmented Spots
- Enlarged Pores
- Facial Redness
If you are troubled by any of the skin concerns listed above, we invite you to visit IC Clinic. Through personalized consultations, we will propose a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
At our clinic, we propose a treatment plan suited to each individual patient and deliver care focused on outcomes. We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
