Pigmentation Toning: Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Unique Approach

1. Treatment Environment for Meticulous Procedures

Through dedicated consultations focused on each patient and flexible appointment scheduling, we can perform more precise procedures without rushing.

2. Customized 3-Step Toning System by Area

Considering the characteristics of each skin area, we appropriately combine dual, fractional, and basic toning, along with adjusted toning intensity. This helps reduce skin irritation and improve pigmentation.

3. Evidence-Based Application of a Minimum of 1500 Shots

Clinical studies have reported significant results in pigment response when applying 1000-1500 shots or more. Based on this evidence, we set a minimum of 1500 shots per area as our treatment standard.

4. Recording and Tracking Treatment Progress

We manage the changes in body areas through before-and-after photos as data. Based on this, we observe individual patient responses and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

5. A Promise to Respect Patients' Time

We believe that adhering to appointment times is a fundamental courtesy to our patients. We meticulously manage waiting times to ensure no inconvenience.

Pigmentation Toning: Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Differentiated Method

1. Creating a Unique Environment for High-Density Procedures

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, we limit the number of daily patients, allowing the director to provide 1:1 personalized care from consultation to treatment.

Thanks to our flexible reservation system, we have a structure that allows us to dedicate ample time to focus on each procedure.

During the procedure, we monitor skin reactions in real-time and flexibly adjust the laser irradiation mode, intensity, and pattern. This delicate approach enables precise and high-density treatments.

2. Three Toning Systems Considering Area-Specific Characteristics

Body pigmentation varies by area in terms of skin thickness, pigment depth, sensitivity, and other conditions.

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, we reflect these individual characteristics and provide customized treatments using a 'three-toning system per area' rather than a single approach.

1) Dual Toning (RTP)

For areas where the skin may be thin and sensitive, such as armpits or groin, we use dual toning.

The RTP method divides laser irradiation into two passes at one location, precisely targeting only melanin pigment while minimizing thermal stimulation. By reducing melanocyte stimulation, it can also help improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

2) Fractional Toning

For areas where the skin is thick and pigmentation is deeply rooted, such as knees, elbows, and buttocks, we apply Fractional 1064 Toning.

By irradiating high-density energy to reach the dermis, we can expect both pigment improvement and collagen regeneration effects.

3) Basic Toning (1064nm Uniform Irradiation)

For areas with shallowly dispersed pigment or generally uneven tone, we gently refine the skin tone with basic laser toning.

When combined with other toning methods, it can reduce the likelihood of pigment recurrence and contribute to skin stabilization.

Why are '3' methods necessary?

The causes and skin conditions for body pigmentation can vary from patient to patient.

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, we analyze the characteristics of each area and apply the appropriate method, thereby planning treatments that reduce unnecessary irritation and precisely deliver the necessary energy.

Even with the same type of laser, results may vary individually depending on the treatment method.

3. Minimum 1500 Shots or More – Based on Effective Treatment Volume

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, our fundamental principle for body pigmentation treatment is a minimum of 1500 shots per area.

This is not merely about increasing the number of shots, but an approach based on clinical evidence from Kauvar et al., Dermatol Clin (2012), which reported significant pigment response with cumulative irradiation of 1000-1500 shots or more.

Considering the depth and distribution of pigment, as well as each patient's skin reaction speed, we carefully design and apply meaningful treatment volumes.

4. Recording and Tracking Treatment Progress

Since body areas can sometimes be difficult to assess with general diagnostic equipment, we meticulously track progress through individual before-and-after photos.

These records go beyond simple comparison, serving as important data for evaluating treatment responses and adjusting future treatment plans.

5. Appointment Time is Treatment Time: Our Promise

We deeply value your time not merely as a simple appointment schedule, but as a crucial part of your treatment process and an expression of mutual respect.

We adhere to the principle of maintaining the density and quality of our treatments by not overbooking appointments.

This is also our medical team's philosophy: to dedicate sufficient time to each individual to provide meticulous care.

Hyperpigmentation Toning Treatment Principle

Beyond simply removing pigmentation, we design precise procedures that multi-step inhibit pigment formation, transfer, and residual presence within the skin.

1. Selectively destroys melanin only

Low-fluence laser toning using a 1064nm wavelength precisely targets and repeatedly irradiates only melanin pigment.

Pigment gradually breaks down without damaging surrounding tissues, allowing skin tone to gradually improve and become more even.

This treatment targets only melanin, reducing unnecessary irritation to the skin and allowing for stable results.

2. Destroys only pigment, without stimulating cells

By delivering energy in very short nanosecond pulses, melanocytes (which produce melanin) are not stimulated,

and only the melanin pigment within the cells is selectively destroyed.

This lowers the risk of pigment regeneration and minimizes side effects, enabling stable treatment.

3. Blocks the 'pathway' of pigment

Melanin pigment travels to the skin surface through pathways called dendrites.

Laser toning helps partially inhibit these pigment transfer pathways, preventing new pigment from rising to the surface.

As a result, comprehensive management is achieved, combining the removal of existing pigment with the inhibition of new pigment formation and the blocking of its transfer.

Hyperpigmentation Toning Special Toning Modes

Dual Toning (RTP Mode)

This method involves delivering energy in two divided pulses to the same area. This allows the energy level to remain low while still achieving treatment effects.

It can be applied with reduced irritation to sensitive skin areas and may also be beneficial for managing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Precision treatment is possible, reducing the burden on thin and sensitive skin areas.

Fractional Toning (Fractional 1064 Handpiece)

This method finely divides laser energy and delivers it deep into the skin's dermal layer.

In addition to improving hyperpigmentation, it induces collagen regeneration, promising synergistic benefits for skin texture improvement.

It can be suitably applied not only to thick or deep hyperpigmentation but also to areas requiring skin tissue regeneration.

Recommended Hyperpigmentation Toning Treatment Cycle

Generally, we recommend a total of 10 or more treatments, performed at 1-2 week intervals.

Laser toning is performed by irradiating with low energy multiple times, so the effect of pigment particle breakdown may be minimal with just a single treatment.

Therefore, visible changes can be expected when treatments are consistently repeated at least 5 to 10 or more times.

The 1-2 week treatment interval is determined by comprehensively considering the time required for macrophages to process pigment after melanin breakdown and the skin's natural regeneration cycle (approximately 7-14 days).

To maintain an even overall skin tone and sustain the effects, maintenance treatments (maintenance toning) can be considered at 3-6 week intervals.

This can help prevent repigmentation after completing hyperpigmentation toning treatment and continuously improve skin texture.

Hyperpigmentation Toning Treatment Process

1. Area Diagnosis and Treatment Design

We meticulously diagnose individual pigment depth, skin thickness, and sensitivity to determine the most suitable approach among the three toning modes (General, RTP, Fractional) and design the treatment accordingly.

The laser intensity, number of shots, and handpiece are individually designed to match the specific characteristics of the treatment area.

2. Setting Focused Treatment Areas via Mirror Consultation

While looking in the mirror together, you can directly identify and tell us your most concerning areas of hyperpigmentation.

We adjust the plan to ensure the treatment is more focused on those specific areas.

3. Laser Toning Treatment (Over 1500 shots per area)

Based on general toning methods, and considering the characteristics of the treatment area, RTP mode or fractional mode may be applied in conjunction.

To deliver sufficient energy without excessive stimulation to the skin, we perform the treatment by irradiating at least 1500 shots per area.

4. Treatment Details Confirmation and Guidance

Immediately after the treatment, we will explain in detail which mode and handpiece were used, as well as the laser intensity and total number of shots.

Depending on the reaction of the treated area, we provide immediate cooling treatment, and also provide guidance on necessary aftercare.

5. Progress Photo Tracking and Comparison (Upon request)

Unlike the face, body areas can be challenging to photograph with professional diagnostic equipment.

If desired, at the start of the treatment and at the 10th session, we can take and compare before-and-after progress photos.

Pigmentation Toning may be considered for those who:

1. Are concerned about pigmentation that has developed in the armpits or bikini line after hair removal.

Treatment can be considered for areas where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has occurred due to repeated irritation from shaving or waxing.

2. Have developed pigmentation on the buttocks or inner thighs due to prolonged sitting or wearing tight underwear.

If pigmentation has extended to the dermal layer due to continuous pressure and friction, precise laser toning treatment can help improve it.

3. Have dull skin tone in the décolletage or flank area due to friction from sportswear or bra straps.

Such shallow and widely spread pigmentation can be helped by laser toning to even out the overall skin tone.

4. Have areas like knees, elbows, or ankles where the skin is thick and pigmentation has been long-standing.

If pigmentation has penetrated deep into the dermal layer, fractional toning can be applied concurrently, and consistent treatment helps with improvement.

5. Are concerned about acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to acne on the back or buttocks.

This treatment is suitable for improving both the remaining pigmented marks from repeated inflammation and uneven skin texture.

6. When body pigmentation concerns are not resolved with whitening functional products or general home care alone.

In this case, laser treatment that directly targets melanin pigments in the skin can be considered.

7. Are not simply looking to make their body skin ‘whiter’;

but want to improve a specific area that has become noticeably ‘darker’.

Rather than the ‘overall brightness’ of the skin,

if you are concerned about a specific area appearing dark or patchy,

body toning may help resolve it.

Aftercare and Precautions

• ㆍ시술 당일에도 세안이나 가벼운 메이크업은 가능합니다. 자외선 차단에 특히 신경 쓰는 것이 좋습니다.
• ㆍ시술 후 피부가 일시적으로 자극받을 수 있으므로, 진정 및 보습 관리에 좀 더 주의를 기울여 주는 것이 좋습니다.
• ㆍ시술 후 간혹 붓기나 붉은 기가 나타날 수 있지만, 대부분 시간이 지나면서 자연스럽게 가라앉습니다. 만약 증상이 며칠 이상 지속된다면 병원으로 문의해주시면 안내해드리겠습니다.