Key facts
| Korean name | 피코토닝 |
|---|---|
| What it is | A low-energy picosecond laser passed over the face to lighten pigment such as melasma. |
| Maker | Several makers, for example Cynosure (PicoSure), Candela (PicoWay) and Lutronic (PicoPlus) |
| Korea (MFDS) | Varies by laser; PICOCARE (2016) approval reported, PicoPlus and others not confirmed in our sources |
| United States (FDA) | Varies by laser; listed uses are tattoo and pigmented-lesion removal, and PicoWay also lists melasma |
| Downtime | Minimal in one Korean case series; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation seen in some patients with 755 nm |
| Sessions | Studies used five sessions 2 weeks apart or eight sessions 4 weeks apart |
| Clinics in this directory | 12 |
| Published regular prices (lowest) | ₩20,000 (≈ US$15) — JRYN Skin Clinic Seomyeon, PicoCare toning, 1 session, VAT excluded |
| Published regular prices (highest) | ₩1,100,000 (≈ US$831) — DayBeau Skin Clinic Myeongdong Premium, Fotona pico toning, 10 sessions, VAT excluded |
| Prices checked | 29 October 2026 |
Facts come from the sources listed on this page; prices from the clinics' own price lists, checked up to 29 October 2026. Prices differ in product, amount and VAT basis.
What is pico toning
A picosecond laser delivers energy in very short pulses, measured in trillionths of a second. In pico toning, the clinic uses a low energy setting and passes the laser over the whole face. Clinics offer it for melasma and other pigment. Your doctor decides after an examination whether it suits your skin.
Conventional laser toning uses a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm with pulses in nanoseconds. Pico toning uses a picosecond laser instead. What the studies found:
- In a Korean split-face trial, 1064 nm picosecond toning had similar effectiveness and safety to conventional Q-switched 1064 nm toning for melasma. It was not better.
- A 2023 meta-analysis of six randomized trials supported the 1064 nm picosecond laser for melasma.
- The same meta-analysis found the 755 nm picosecond laser no better than topical lightening creams for melasma.
Lasers that Korean clinics name
"Pico toning" is a technique, not one device. These are the pico lasers named in our sources.
| Laser | Maker | FDA clearance listed use (510(k)) |
|---|---|---|
| PicoSure | Cynosure (USA), 755 nm alexandrite | K121346 (2012): tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesions |
| PicoWay | Candela (USA) | K220853 (2022): tattoo and pigmented-lesion removal, acne scars and wrinkles; melasma for skin types I to IV |
| PicoPlus | Lutronic (Korea), 1064 and 532 nm | K173700 (2018): tattoo removal and benign pigmented lesions |
| PICOCARE | Wontech (Korea) | K162755 (2017): tattoo removal |
| Discovery Pico | Quanta System (Italy) | K163222 (2016): vascular and pigmented lesions, hair and tattoo removal |
An FDA clearance is not an approval, and each one covers only the uses listed for that device.
Regulatory status in Korea
- MFDS status for PicoPlus is not confirmed in our sources.
- PICOCARE received MFDS approval in May 2016, according to Korean trade press.
- MFDS status for PicoSure, PicoWay and Discovery Pico is not confirmed in our sources.
How clinics in Korea price pico toning
Pico toning is priced per treatment, not by a device count. These patterns are common in the prices that clinics in this directory publish:
- Per session. The basic item is one session of pico toning.
- Packages. Many clinics also sell packages of several sessions, often five or ten, usually at a lower price per session.
- Named lasers. Some clinics name the laser in the item, such as PicoSure, PicoCare, PicoPlus, PicoWay or Discovery Pico. Others list only "pico toning". Ask which laser is used, because the sources above show the lasers differ in wavelength and cleared uses.
- Add-ons. A price may include a peel, a modeling mask, vitamin care or other skin care. A price with add-ons is not comparable to a pico-only price.
- Dual toning. "Dual toning" combines pico toning with another toning laser in one visit.
- Head doctor. Some clinics charge more when the head doctor performs it.
- VAT. Most clinics list "부가세 별도" (bugase byeoldo), which means VAT is charged on top. A few include VAT or do not state it.
- Event prices. Time-limited event prices are common. Check the end date.
Published prices
The table shows each clinic's published prices for pico toning. Items, session counts, add-ons and VAT basis differ, so compare like with like.
Art of Shine Skin ClinicSeomyeon, Busanfrom ₩99,000≈ US$75Pico Toning 2,000 Shots + Genesis: 1 Session · VAT excludedBeauty Park Skin Clinic BeomeoSuseong, Daegufrom ₩75,000≈ US$57PicoSure toning · VAT excludedBellis Skin ClinicSeongsu, Seoulfrom ₩165,000≈ US$125Pico toning · VAT includedDAMI Skin ClinicYeouido, Seoulfrom ₩150,000≈ US$113Pico toning, 1 session · VAT excludedDayBeau Skin Clinic Myeongdong PremiumMyeongdong, Seoulfrom ₩150,000≈ US$113Fotona pico toning, 1 session · VAT excludedJRYN Skin Clinic SeomyeonSeomyeon, Busanfrom ₩20,000≈ US$15PicoCare toning, 1 session · VAT excludedKleam Skin Clinic MyeongdongMyeongdong, Seoulfrom ₩120,000≈ US$91Pico Toning + Vitamin Care 1 session · VAT excludedRe:Berry Skin Clinic YeongjongYeongjong, Incheonfrom ₩300,000≈ US$227Pico toning · VAT excludedThe Walts ClinicGangnam Station, Seoulfrom ₩69,000≈ US$52Pico toning, basic (LaLa Peel + pico toning + modelling mask), 1 session · VAT excludedVal:U Skin Clinic MyeongdongMyeongdong, Seoulfrom ₩120,000≈ US$91PicoSure toning + modeling pack · 1 session · VAT excludedYAAN Skin ClinicSamseong, Seoulfrom ₩150,000≈ US$113Pico toning · 1 session · VAT not statedYoungjong Central Skin ClinicYeongjong, Incheonfrom ₩440,000≈ US$332Whitening · PICO PLUS · full face · VAT excluded
| Clinic | Item | Unit | Price (KRW) | VAT | Type | Valid until | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art of Shine Skin Clinic | Pico toning, 1 session | per session | ₩110,000 (≈ US$83) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Art of Shine Skin Clinic | Pico Toning 2,000 Shots + Genesis: 1 Session | per package | ₩99,000 (≈ US$75) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Beauty Park Skin Clinic Beomeo | PicoSure toning | per session | ₩75,000 (≈ US$57) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Beauty Park Skin Clinic Beomeo | PicoSure toning + choice of skin care | per session | ₩93,000 (≈ US$70) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Beauty Park Skin Clinic Beomeo | PicoSure toning + modelling mask · 5 sessions + 1 zoom pass | per package | ₩450,000 (≈ US$340) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Beauty Park Skin Clinic Beomeo | PicoSure toning + modelling mask · 10 sessions + 2 zoom passes | per package | ₩800,000 (≈ US$604) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Beauty Park Skin Clinic Beomeo | PicoSure toning + Excel V Genesis + skin care · 3 sessions (October event) | per package | ₩330,000 (≈ US$249) | VAT excluded | Event | 31 October 2026 | 29 October 2026 |
| Beauty Park Skin Clinic Beomeo | PicoSure toning + IBPS booster peel · 3 sessions (October event) | per package | ₩360,000 (≈ US$272) | VAT excluded | Event | 31 October 2026 | 29 October 2026 |
| Beauty Park Skin Clinic Beomeo | PicoSure toning + modelling mask · 5 sessions + zoom pass (October event) | per package | ₩380,000 (≈ US$287) | VAT excluded | Event | 31 October 2026 | 29 October 2026 |
| Bellis Skin Clinic | Pico toning | per session | ₩165,000 (≈ US$125) | VAT included | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Bellis Skin Clinic | Pico dual toning | per session | ₩220,000 (≈ US$166) | VAT included | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| DAMI Skin Clinic | Pico toning, 1 session | per session | ₩150,000 (≈ US$113) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| DAMI Skin Clinic | Dual toning + moisturizing (pico toning + Excel V toning), 1 session | per session | ₩200,000 (≈ US$151) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| DayBeau Skin Clinic Myeongdong Premium | Fotona pico toning, 1 session | per session | ₩150,000 (≈ US$113) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| DayBeau Skin Clinic Myeongdong Premium | Fotona pico toning, 10 sessions | per package | ₩1,100,000 (≈ US$831) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| JRYN Skin Clinic Seomyeon | PicoCare toning, 1 session | per session | ₩20,000 (≈ US$15) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| JRYN Skin Clinic Seomyeon | It's Pico toning, 1 session | per session | ₩40,000 (≈ US$30) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| JRYN Skin Clinic Seomyeon | PicoPlus, 1 session | per session | ₩200,000 (≈ US$151) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| JRYN Skin Clinic Seomyeon | Discovery Pico toning, 1 session | per session | ₩200,000 (≈ US$151) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| JRYN Skin Clinic Seomyeon | PicoWay, 1 session | per session | ₩200,000 (≈ US$151) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Kleam Skin Clinic Myeongdong | Pico Toning + Vitamin Care 1 session | per session | ₩120,000 (≈ US$91) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 28 October 2026 |
| Kleam Skin Clinic Myeongdong | Pico Toning + Blemish Removal Laser + Vitamin Care 1 session | per session | ₩300,000 (≈ US$227) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 28 October 2026 |
| Kleam Skin Clinic Myeongdong | Dual Toning Package (Pico Toning + Genesis + Vitamin Care) 1 session | per package | ₩300,000 (≈ US$227) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 28 October 2026 |
| Kleam Skin Clinic Myeongdong | Triple Toning Package (Pico + Genesis + Blemish Removal + Vitamin Care) 1 session | per package | ₩290,000 (≈ US$219) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 28 October 2026 |
| Re:Berry Skin Clinic Yeongjong | Pico toning | per session | ₩300,000 (≈ US$227) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Re:Berry Skin Clinic Yeongjong | Pico toning · 1 session | per session | ₩99,000 (≈ US$75) | VAT excluded | Event | 31 October 2026 | 28 October 2026 |
| Re:Berry Skin Clinic Yeongjong | PicoSure toning · 10 sessions | per package | ₩669,000 (≈ US$505) | VAT excluded | Event | 31 October 2026 | 28 October 2026 |
| The Walts Clinic | Pico toning, basic (LaLa Peel + pico toning + modelling mask), 1 session | per session | ₩69,000 (≈ US$52) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| The Walts Clinic | Pico toning, basic (LaLa Peel + pico toning + modelling mask), 1 session (representative director) | per session | ₩99,000 (≈ US$75) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| The Walts Clinic | Pico toning, basic, 10 sessions | per package | ₩590,000 (≈ US$445) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| The Walts Clinic | Pico toning, basic, 10 sessions (representative director) | per package | ₩890,000 (≈ US$672) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Val:U Skin Clinic Myeongdong | PicoSure toning + modeling pack · 1 session | per session | ₩120,000 (≈ US$91) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Val:U Skin Clinic Myeongdong | PicoSure toning + modeling pack · 10 sessions | per package | ₩990,000 (≈ US$747) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| YAAN Skin Clinic | Pico toning · 1 session | per session | ₩150,000 (≈ US$113) | VAT not stated | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| YAAN Skin Clinic | Pico V package (pico toning) · 10 sessions | per package | ₩990,000 (≈ US$747) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Youngjong Central Skin Clinic | Whitening · PICO PLUS · full face | per session | ₩440,000 (≈ US$332) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
| Youngjong Central Skin Clinic | Pico fraxel · full face | per session | ₩750,000 (≈ US$566) | VAT excluded | Regular | — | 29 October 2026 |
Downtime and aftercare
- A Korean case series of a 755 nm picosecond laser for melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation reported that it was well tolerated, with minimal downtime and no visible redness after treatment.
- In the 2023 meta-analysis, 755 nm picosecond treatment of melasma caused post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening after irritation) in some patients.
- Melasma can come back. In an early Thai study of conventional laser toning, melasma recurred in every patient during follow-up. A review of laser toning advises broad-spectrum sunscreen after the procedure.
- The main risk reported for repeated low-fluence laser toning is mottled, confetti-like loss of pigment (hypopigmentation) that can persist. In a Singapore report, toning three times a week for two months caused it in all 23 patients, and the author advises against frequent regular toning. That evidence is about Q-switched toning, not pico lasers.
- In 147 Japanese patients, leukoderma did not differ significantly between weekly, fortnightly and monthly toning. The studies used different intensities, so read both results with care.
Your doctor gives aftercare instructions and decides the number of sessions and the interval.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Which laser will be used, and at which wavelength?
- How many sessions does the doctor suggest, and how far apart? Does the price cover one session or a package?
- What does the price include besides the laser: a peel, a mask or skin care?
- What is my diagnosis, for example melasma or another pigment? Is toning suitable for it?
- How does the clinic limit the risk of pigment loss or darkening, and what sun care is needed?
- Who performs the treatment, and does the price change if the head doctor does it?
- Is VAT included, and is this a regular or an event price?
Compare and read more
For other skin-quality treatments in this directory, see skin boosters and Potenza RF microneedling.
Clinics that list pico toning
DayBeau Skin Clinic Myeongdong Premium
데이뷰의원명동점
5 HIRA doctorsEnglish, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian
29 October 2026View listing
JRYN Skin Clinic Seomyeon
제이린의원 부산서면
20 HIRA doctorsEnglish, Japanese, Chinese
29 October 2026View listing
Kleam Skin Clinic Myeongdong
클림의원명동점
7 HIRA doctorsEnglish, Chinese, Japanese
29 October 2026View listing
Re:Berry Skin Clinic Yeongjong
리베리의원 영종도점
4 HIRA doctorsEnglish, Chinese, Japanese
29 October 2026View listing
Val:U Skin Clinic Myeongdong
당신만의가치벨유의원
2 HIRA doctorsEnglish, Chinese, Japanese
29 October 2026View listing
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
FAQ
What is pico toning?
Pico toning passes a low-energy picosecond laser over the face to lighten pigment such as melasma. A picosecond laser delivers energy in very short pulses. "Pico toning" names a technique, not one machine: clinics use lasers such as PicoSure, PicoWay, PicoPlus, PICOCARE or Discovery Pico. Your doctor decides after an examination whether it suits you.
Is pico toning better than laser toning?
Not in the trial we found. In a Korean split-face trial, 1064 nm picosecond toning was similar in effectiveness and safety to conventional Q-switched 1064 nm toning for melasma, but not better. A 2023 meta-analysis supported the 1064 nm picosecond laser for melasma and found the 755 nm laser no better than lightening creams.
How many pico toning sessions do I need?
Studies used different schedules. A Korean split-face trial gave five sessions at 2-week intervals. A Vietnamese study judged the response after eight sessions at 4-week intervals. Your doctor decides the number and the interval for your skin. Ask whether a price covers one session or a package.
Do pico lasers have FDA clearance for melasma?
Each pico laser has its own clearance and listed uses. In our sources, PicoWay's 2022 clearance lists melasma for skin types I to IV. The PicoSure, PicoPlus and PICOCARE clearances list tattoo removal, and PicoSure and PicoPlus also list benign pigmented lesions. Ask the clinic which laser it uses.
How much does pico toning cost in Korea?
Korean clinics usually price pico toning per session and sell packages of several sessions, usually at a lower price per session. Some name the laser, and many add a peel, a mask or skin care to the price. VAT is often listed separately. The table on this page shows each clinic's published price with the VAT basis and the check date.
Sources
- Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022: A prospective, split-face study comparing 1,064-nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser toning with 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser toning in the treatment of melasma (Hong JK et al.)
- Lasers in Medical Science, 2023: Efficacy and safety of picosecond laser for the treatment of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Feng J et al.)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) K121346 – PicoSure Workstation (letter and 510(k) summary)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) K220853 – PicoWay Laser System (letter and 510(k) summary)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) K173700 – PICOPLUS Laser System (letter and 510(k) summary)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) K162755 – Picocare (letter and 510(k) summary)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) K163222 – Discovery Pico Family (letter and 510(k) summary)
- 메디칼타임즈, 2016-06-13: 원텍, 의학레이저학회서 프리미엄 신제품 총출동 (피코케어·울트라리포·산드로)
- Annals of Dermatology, 2017: Treatment of Melasma and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation by a Picosecond 755-nm Alexandrite Laser in Asian Patients (Lee YJ et al.)
- Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2021: Dual Toning Method with the Combination of Picosecond and Microsecond Nd:YAG in Refractory Melasma Unresponsive to Picosecond Alone (Hai L et al.)
- Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019: Laser Toning in Melasma (Shah SD, Aurangabadkar SJ)
- Dermatologic Surgery, 2010: Low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (1,064 nm) laser for the treatment of facial melasma in Asians (Wattanakrai P et al.)
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2017: The Asian Problem of Frequent Laser Toning for Melasma (Tian B)
- Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2015: Influence of the frequency of laser toning for melasma on occurrence of leukoderma and its early detection by ultraviolet imaging (Sugawara J et al.)
Prices in the tables are the regular prices that clinics in this directory publish on their own price lists, checked at each update.