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GraysGrays Dermatology

Target layerL1 · EpidermisEpidermis

Duration
10-30 minutes
Recommended sessions
Sessions at 2-4 week intervals
Downtime
Toning: immediate return; spot and tattoo removal: small scabs for a few days

Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Reviewed by our medical director

Board-certified dermatologist · review date to be posted

Melasma is not a lesion that is erased in one go; it is managed and kept down. Sessions and response vary widely between individuals, and for tattoo removal the response can be limited depending on ink colour and depth.

PicoWay / PicoWay Resolve
People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

01Overview

PicoWay / PicoWay Resolve A picosecond laser that shatters pigment into fine particles

PicoWay is a pigment laser that uses ultra-short picosecond pulses — trillionths of a second — to shatter pigment into fine particles.

Duration
10-30 minutes
Recommended sessions
Sessions at 2-4 week intervals
Downtime
Toning: immediate return; spot and tattoo removal: small scabs for a few days
How long it lasts
Builds over a course of sessions — maintenance needed

How we approach it

The same device can be run very differently. This is how Grays approaches this treatment.

This is not simple pico toning on a single parameter. We work in multi-layer focusing, with parameters adjusted individually to the type and depth of the pigment and the baseline condition of the skin.

Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Reviewed by our medical director

02What to expect

Changes over time

Because it relies on a photoacoustic effect (a shockwave of light) rather than heat damage, it targets melasma, sun spots, and tattoo ink with less stress on the surrounding skin.

Right after treatment01

Right after treatment

Mild redness is possible but usually settles the same day.

A few days02

A few days

The treated lesions may look temporarily darker. This is part of normal recovery.

Over the sessions03

Over the sessions

With sessions every 2–4 weeks, tone and lesions lighten gradually. The pace varies a great deal between individuals.

Maintenance04

Maintenance

Pigment can return with sun exposure and lifestyle factors, so once it improves we lengthen the intervals and maintain.

These images were generated with AI. They are not photographs of patients and do not show treatment results; they illustrate the recovery process. The actual course varies from person to person.

03Device & Technology

PicoWay Device

Candela (USA) · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved

PicoWay
PicoWay

Picosecond pulses

Pulses measured in trillionths of a second break pigment into fine particles through a photoacoustic effect rather than heat — a way of reducing the load on surrounding skin.

Resolve handpiece

It creates micro-regenerative spaces within the skin (LIOB), which is also used for pores, scars and texture.

Certified genuine

Genuine Candela equipment, cleared by the US FDA and approved by Korea's MFDS.

04Procedure

How your visit goes

Specialist diagnosis01

Specialist diagnosis

The lesion type (melasma, sun spots, lentigines) and depth are identified.

Wavelength and mode selection02

Wavelength and mode selection

Wavelength, energy, and toning or spot mode are set per lesion.

Treatment03

Treatment

Performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

Aftercare04

Aftercare

Guidance on sun protection and skin recovery.

Every procedure is performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

05Before / After

Before & After

PicoWay sun spot removal progress

Melasma toning progress over sessions

Clinical photos. Results vary with skin condition, age and treatment plan. Before-and-after photos are published with the patient's written consent, taken under identical conditions (lighting, angle) and never retouched. Results vary by individual.

06Aftercare

Recovery & care

  1. 01

    Day of treatment

    Mild redness and stinging are possible. Do not rub — cleanse gently and moisturise well.

  2. 02

    Crusting and flaking

    If fine crusts form, do not pick them off. Letting them fall away naturally is what prevents pigmentation.

  3. 03

    1–4 weeks

    Sun protection decides the result. Apply SPF 30 or higher daily, and reapply every two hours outdoors.

  4. 04

    Follow-up

    Intervals and whether to continue are adjusted as we watch your response.

Recovery & care

07FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does PicoWay reduce pigment?

PicoWay is a laser that breaks pigment particles into fine fragments using ultra-short pulses measured in picoseconds (1 trillionth of a second). Its key feature is that it uses a shockwave of light (photoacoustic effect) rather than burning with heat, reducing stress on the surrounding skin. The shattered pigment fades gradually over a course of sessions, so it does not disappear all at once.

Which skin concerns is PicoWay used for?

It is mainly used for pigmented lesions such as melasma, sun spots, and freckles, and for removing tattoos and eyebrow tattoos. With the Resolve handpiece, it is also used for pores, fine scars, and skin texture. A single face often has several types of pigment mixed together, so a board-certified dermatologist first identifies the type and depth of each lesion before treatment.

How many melasma toning sessions do I need?

Treatment typically involves 5-10 or more sessions at 2-4 week intervals, gradually lightening the tone. Melasma is not a lesion to erase in one go but one to lighten and manage over time, so we adjust the interval and energy based on your response at each session. The number of sessions needed varies by individual depending on the lesion and skin condition.

Can it remove tattoos or eyebrow tattoos?

Yes, picosecond lasers are used to remove tattoos and eyebrow tattoos. However, several sessions are needed depending on the color and depth of the ink, and some colors may show a limited response. We advise you on the number of sessions needed after examining the tattoo at consultation.

What is Resolve?

Resolve is a fractional handpiece attached to PicoWay. It creates micro-regenerative zones (LIOB) within the skin and is used to improve pores, fine scars, and skin texture. Whether to plan it alongside pigment treatment is decided after consultation based on your skin condition.

How long does it take, and does it hurt much?

The treatment itself takes about 10-30 minutes depending on the area and extent. Pain is low to moderate, closer to the snap of a rubber band. If you are sensitive to pain, topical numbing cream can be applied as needed before treatment.

Can I return to daily life right away? Will scabs form?

With toning, most people can return to daily life right after treatment. Spot lesions such as moles, or tattooed areas, may form scabs that remain for several days. Letting scabs fall off naturally rather than picking them is important for preventing pigmentation.

When do results appear?

PicoWay is a treatment where change appears as sessions accumulate. For a few days after treatment, lesions may temporarily look darker, which is part of the recovery process. After that, tone and lesions gradually fade over sessions at 2-4 week intervals, though the pace varies widely between individuals.

When is StarWalker used instead?

The choice depends on the depth and thickness of the lesion. PicoWay is mainly used to lighten widespread pigment over a course of sessions or to break up tattoo ink, while StarWalker is often used for deep, dense pigment such as nevus of Ota. When several types of pigment coexist, the two devices are sometimes combined, and the choice follows the consultation findings.

Are there side effects? Are there cases where treatment should be postponed?

Temporary redness may occur after treatment, and pigmentation may rarely appear. In particular, excessive energy on melasma can actually make it worse, so we adjust the intensity to your skin condition. Be sure to tell us at your visit if you have recently had strong sun exposure or tanning, are taking photosensitizing medication, are pregnant, or have a wound or infection in the treatment area.

How should I protect my skin from the sun after treatment?

Sun protection has a major effect on treatment results, so it must be done carefully every day. Apply sunscreen of SPF30 or higher daily, and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. On the day of treatment, do not rub your skin; wash gently and moisturize well.

How much does PicoWay cost? How do I book?

The cost depends on the lesion type, extent, and number of sessions, so it is confirmed after consultation. General reference prices can be found on the price list on our website. Booking and consultations are available via Naver Booking, our KakaoTalk channel, or phone (+82-51-710-1891), and consultations are also available via LINE.

Fees

Pricing depends on lesion type, extent, and number of sessions, and is confirmed after consultation.

See the fee schedule →
References 5
  1. Approval: PicoWay · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved
  2. Manufacturer: Candela (USA)
  3. Korea MFDS medical device registry — searchable by approval number
  4. Korean Dermatological Association — specialist credential lookup
  5. Reviewed by: Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director

⚠ Cautions & contraindications

  • —Active infection or an open wound in the treatment area
  • —Recent strong sun exposure or tanning (raises the risk of pigmentation)
  • —A photosensitivity disorder, or taking photosensitising medication
  • —Pregnancy (not recommended — safety data are insufficient)
Summary & comparison
TreatmentTarget layerMain changeDurationHow long it lastsDowntime
PicoWay / PicoWay Resolve ←L1 EpidermisA picosecond laser that shatters pigment into fine particles10-30 minutesBuilds over a course of sessions — maintenance neededToning: immediate return; spot and tattoo removal: small scabs for a few days
StarWalker MaQXL1 EpidermisA high-power laser platform for hard-to-treat pigment10-30 minutesBuilds over sessions — varies by lesionScabbing and redness for a few days when treating lesions
GentleMax ProL1 EpidermisDual wavelengths, wide range: hair removal, toning, and redness10-40 minutes depending on areaHair removal: long-lasting after completing the course (individual results vary)Immediate return to daily life
Spot Clear—Combination treatment that diagnoses pigmented lesions and assigns a laser to eachAdvised after consultation, depending on the number of lesions and coverageVaries by lesion — recurrence or new lesions possibleScabs and erythema at lesion sites for a few days to 1 week (varies by device and lesion)

Treatments used for the same concern, placed side by side. Which one fits is decided in consultation after the layer is identified.

Reviewed byDr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · review date to be posted

Aftercare

Draft — pending medical director's review

Pigment · redness lasers

Pigment often darkens before it fades and flakes off. Getting through this phase and protecting the skin from the sun decide the result.

Recovery course

  1. Day of treatmentStinging and redness are expected. Focus on soothing and moisturising.
  2. Days 2–7Spots or melasma may darken and fine crusts may form. Do not pick them — let them fall off naturally.
  3. Weeks 1–2Crusts fall off and the colour lightens. Sun exposure on these areas can bring the pigment back.
  4. Between sessionsToning is usually repeated every 2–4 weeks; spot removal is decided according to progress.

Avoid during this period

  • Sun exposure — throughout recovery; apply sunscreen daily
  • Picking crusts
  • Exfoliating or whitening products on your own — for 1 week

Contact the clinic if

  • The area where a crust fell off stays white or dark and spreads
  • Weeping or swelling appears

Next session · next visitPigment rarely clears in one session. The number of sessions and interval are decided at consultation.

Individual recovery varies. If it differs from what you expected, do not judge on your own — please contact the clinic. Tel +82-51-710-1891

View all aftercare →

People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

Next step

Wondering if this treatment fits you?

Leave your main concern and request a consultation. Suitability, schedule and fees are confirmed at your consultation.

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