Pico Laser in Jongno & Myeongdong Pico laser in Seoul, explained.
Pico laser delivers energy in picosecond pulses — trillionths of a second — that shatter pigment into fine particles the body clears naturally. It is used for sun spots, freckles, uneven tone and tattoo ink. At Obliv Seoul Origin in Jongno, central Seoul, a physician reads your pigment with Mark-Vu imaging before deciding the settings.
Pico Laser, in brief.
The essentials, answered plainly. Your physician confirms what applies to your skin at consultation.
Ask a physician- What it is
- A laser that fires picosecond-length pulses to break up pigment with a photoacoustic (pressure) effect rather than mainly heat.
- Best for
- Sun spots, freckles, uneven tone, some dermal pigment and tattoo ink.
- How it works
- Very short pulses fragment pigment into tiny particles that the skin's immune cells gradually clear.
- Skin layer treated
- Epidermis and upper dermis — where most visible pigment sits.
- Treatment time
- Usually 10–20 minutes for the face, after cleansing and optional numbing cream.
- Downtime
- Toning-style settings: mild redness for hours. Spot settings: small darkened spots or fine crusts for about 3–7 days.
- Results
- Treated spots usually lighten over 2–4 weeks as the skin renews.
- Typical course
- Spots often need 1–2 sessions; tone or tattoo work usually needs a series, about 4 or more weeks apart.
How does pico laser work?
Older pigment lasers deliver energy in nanoseconds; pico lasers work about a thousand times faster. At that speed the pigment is broken apart mainly by a pressure (photoacoustic) effect, producing finer particles with relatively little heat spreading into the surrounding skin.
The same device can be used in different ways: concentrated settings to treat individual spots or tattoo ink, or low, even passes across the face — known as pico toning — for dullness and uneven tone.
In our Skin Architecture approach, pico laser addresses pigment in the epidermis and upper dermis. Deeper pigment or pigment mixed with redness may need a different plan, which your physician will explain.
Which pigment concerns can pico laser treat?
Pigment is not all the same, and the type decides the treatment. Mark-Vu imaging helps your physician see how deep and how widespread your pigment is before choosing settings.
Melasma is treated more cautiously: strong spot settings can make it worse, so gentle toning and home care are usually preferred.
- Sun spots and age spots (solar lentigines)
- Freckles
- Uneven or dull skin tone
- Some dermal pigment such as Hori's nevus (ADM) or nevus of Ota, over a longer course
- Post-inflammatory marks, gently and over time
- Tattoo ink, depending on colour and depth
What happens on the day?
You meet a physician first. After Mark-Vu imaging, your skin is cleansed, eyes are protected, and numbing cream may be applied for spot work. The laser itself feels like quick snaps against the skin.
- Consultation and Mark-Vu imaging with a physician
- Cleansing and eye protection; numbing cream if needed
- Laser treatment (around 10–20 minutes for the face)
- Soothing care, sunscreen and written aftercare in English
- Your settings recorded in the Skin Library for your next visit
Recovery, sun protection and travel plans
After spot treatment, treated areas usually darken and form fine crusts that flake off in about 3–7 days; leave them to fall naturally. After toning settings, mild redness usually settles within hours.
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for several weeks. People with darker skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so settings are chosen conservatively. If you are visiting Seoul — perhaps staying near Myeongdong or Insadong — allow about a week before a flight or event after spot removal, and tell us your dates on WhatsApp.
Pico laser is usually postponed during pregnancy, with active infection or cold sores in the area, after recent tanning or strong sun exposure, and while taking isotretinoin. Your physician will check this at consultation.
Pico laser: spot settings vs pico toning
| Pico spot treatment | Pico toning | |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Clearing distinct spots or ink | Evening out overall tone |
| Best for | Sun spots, freckles, tattoos | Dullness, melasma-prone skin, uneven tone |
| Energy | Concentrated on each spot | Low, even passes across the face |
| Downtime | Small crusts for about 3–7 days | Mild redness for hours |
| Typical course | 1–2 sessions for many spots | 5–10 sessions, 1–2 weeks apart |
Concerns pico laser is chosen for
From first message to follow-up.
Consultation, plan and aftercare are handled in English — whether you live in Seoul or are here for a few days.
Message us on WhatsApp with your concerns and travel dates. We reply with availability.
Mark-Vu imaging and a physician consultation identify which skin layer is involved.
A clear plan and pricing before anything begins — often on the same day when appropriate.
Written aftercare, and your records kept in our Skin Library for your next visit.
Not sure it is right for you?
Send a photo and a few lines about your concern. A physician-led team will tell you whether Pico Laser suits your skin — or what would suit it better.
Start a WhatsApp enquiry
Pico Laser — asked & answered.
General information only. Your physician will advise on what is right for your skin.
Ask your own questionHow many pico laser sessions will I need?
Distinct sun spots and freckles often respond to 1–2 sessions. Tone, deeper pigment and tattoos usually need a series spaced about four weeks or more apart, as advised by your physician.
Does pico laser hurt?
Most people describe a quick snapping or warm prickling sensation. Numbing cream can be used for spot treatment, and toning settings are usually comfortable without it.
Is pico laser better than other pigment lasers?
Not always — it depends on the pigment. Pico lasers produce finer fragmentation with less heat, which suits many concerns, but your physician chooses the approach based on what your skin shows.
Can I fly after pico laser?
Yes — flying itself is not a problem. After spot removal, crusts take about 3–7 days to clear, so plan the session early in your stay and keep using sunscreen on the journey home.
Can pico laser make pigment darker?
It can, temporarily. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more likely in darker skin or with sun exposure, which is why settings are chosen conservatively and strict sun protection is advised.
Where is the clinic and do you speak English?
We are in Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno — about five minutes' walk from Jonggak and Jongno 3-ga stations, close to Insadong and Myeongdong. Consultations are supported in English, and you can enquire on WhatsApp.
Related treatments.
Pico Toning
Gentle, repeated low-energy pico sessions for melasma, dullness and uneven tone.
Read more → Tone · PigmentPigmentation Laser
Laser chosen by pigment type — sun spots, freckles, melasma, marks and deeper pigment.
Read more → Tone · PigmentLaser Toning
Low-energy Q-switched Nd:YAG sessions that gradually even tone and soften melasma.
Read more → Tone · PigmentSun Spot Removal
Sun spots and sun-induced unevenness treated with Pico laser or toning, matched by imaging.
Read more → Tone · PigmentPigmentation Treatment
Spots, freckles and melasma diagnosed first, then treated with Pico laser or gentle toning.
Read more → Visiting usLaser Skin Clinic in Jongno
Pico, toning, CO2 and fractional lasers — chosen by a physician for your skin and stay.
Read more →Visit the maison.
Pagoda Tower, 1st–2nd floor
93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 청계천로 93 파고다타워 1~2층
Line 2 — Euljiro 1-ga, Euljiro 3-ga
Line 3 — Jongno 3-ga, Euljiro 3-ga
Medical information on this page is for general education and does not replace an in-person consultation. Results, downtime and suitability vary between individuals; all treatments are performed only after physician assessment. Page reviewed by the Obliv Seoul Origin medical team.
