Pigmentation Toning, Features of Kkeut Clinic

1. Treatment System for Dense Procedures

We operate a 1:1 customized consultation and a relaxed booking system to ensure that patients receive meticulous and focused treatments with ample time.

2. Customized 3-Step Toning System by Area

Considering the characteristics of each skin area, we selectively apply dual, fractional, and basic toning. This method helps reduce unnecessary irritation and allows patients to expect desired improvements.

3. Minimum 1500 Shots, Standards Based on Clinical Evidence

Based on clinical research indicating that cumulative irradiation of 1000-1500 shots or more can significantly influence pigment response, we adhere to the principle of at least 1500 shots per area.

4. Treatment Progress is Managed with Records

Treatments for different body areas are managed by recording changes as data through before-and-after photos. This data is then used to meticulously adjust individual treatment plans and skin responses.

5. We Value Your Time

If a patient's waiting time exceeds 10 minutes, we implement a 5% discount for every 10 minutes. This is more than just a service; it is an important principle of ours to respect the valuable time of our visiting patients.

Pigmentation Toning, Kkeut Clinic's Approach

1. Structural Approach for Dense Procedures

Kkeut Clinic limits the number of daily patients to an appropriate level, and the director personally provides 1:1 customized treatment plans through consultations.

We operate a booking system to ensure ample time, creating an environment where you can fully focus on the treatment without being constrained by time.

During the procedure, we monitor real-time skin reactions and flexibly adjust the laser irradiation mode, intensity, and pattern. This process allows for more precise and effective treatments.

2. Three Toning Systems Tailored to Area Characteristics – Adding Precision

Pigmentation on different body areas has varying conditions. Some areas may have thin and sensitive skin, while others may have thick skin or deeply and widely spread pigmentation.

Considering these differences, Kkeut Clinic provides customized treatments consisting of a ‘3-type toning system by area’ rather than a single mode.

1) Dual Toning (RTP Method)

Dual toning is primarily applied to areas with thin and sensitive skin, such as the armpits or groin.

The RTP method irradiates a single spot twice, precisely targeting only melanin pigment while reducing unnecessary thermal stimulation. By not overstimulating melanocytes, it can also help manage post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

2) Fractional Toning

Fractional 1064 toning is used for areas with relatively thick skin and deep pigmentation, such as the knees, elbows, and buttocks.

This procedure intensely irradiates a single area with high energy, reaching the dermal layer. Through this, you can expect not only pigment improvement but also a collagen remodeling effect.

3) Basic Toning (1064nm Uniform Irradiation Method)

For areas where pigmentation is relatively shallow or widely dispersed, or when the overall skin tone feels dull, basic laser toning is used to gently refine the skin tone.

When combined with other toning procedures, it can help reduce the possibility of pigment recurrence and contribute to stabilizing the overall skin condition.

Why are three toning methods necessary?

Pigmentation on body areas varies greatly in its causes and skin conditions.

At Kkeut Clinic, we subdivide each area and implement the most suitable method for its characteristics, planning and performing treatments that minimize unnecessary irritation while precisely delivering the required energy.

Even with the same laser equipment, treatment results may vary depending on the irradiation method.

3. Minimum 1500 Shots – Based on Meaningful Treatment Volume

Kkeut Clinic adheres to the principle of at least 1500 laser shots per area for body pigmentation improvement.

This standard is not merely a numerical concept but is based on clinical evidence from research by Kauvar et al., Dermatol Clin (2012), which indicates that cumulative irradiation of 1000-1500 shots or more can show a significant pigment response.

We meticulously consider each patient's pigment distribution, depth, and skin reaction speed to accurately plan and apply the appropriate treatment dosage expected to be effective.

4. Treatment Progress is Tracked and Managed with Records

For body areas, precise verification through diagnostic equipment can be challenging, so Kkeut Clinic conducts individual photography before and after the procedure to check and record treatment progress.

These records serve as crucial data, going beyond simple visual comparison, to objectively evaluate the skin's treatment response and meticulously adjust subsequent treatment plans.

Pigmentation Toning, Kkeut Clinic's Treatment Principles

Beyond simply removing pigmentation, it is designed to delicately control the multi-stage process of pigment creation, delivery, and retention in the skin.

1. Targets and destroys melanin pigment only.

Low-output laser toning, utilizing a 1064nm wavelength, precisely locates melanin and repeatedly delivers energy.

It helps pigments slowly break down without damaging surrounding skin tissue. Through this, you can expect a gradual evening out of skin tone.

This selective action on melanin helps reduce skin irritation and enables stable treatment.

2. Breaks down pigment only, without stimulating skin cells.

Because energy is delivered in very short nanosecond pulses, there is less risk of directly stimulating melanocyte cells, which produce pigment.

Instead, it selectively destroys only the melanin pigment accumulated within melanocytes.

This approach can help reduce the risk of pigment regeneration and provide stable treatment with fewer side effects.

3. Partially blocks the pathway of pigment migration.

Melanin migrates to the skin's surface through channels called dendrites (dendritic processes).

Laser toning treatment can be expected to partially suppress these transmission pathways, reducing the ascent of new pigment to the skin surface.

The goal is to not only remove existing pigmentation but also to comprehensively manage the process of new pigment formation and delivery to the skin surface.

Pigmentation Toning, Customized Toning Modes

Dual Toning (RTP Mode)

This method involves delivering energy in two divided pulses to the same area. The goal is to achieve the treatment objective while maintaining low energy levels.

It can be applied with reduced irritation to sensitive areas and may have an improving effect on conditions such as PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation).

This helps ensure stable and precise treatment when applied to thin or sensitive areas.

Fractional Toning (Fractional 1064 Handpiece)

Laser energy is finely divided to penetrate deeply into the skin's dermal layer.

Through this, not only can pigmentation issues be improved, but collagen regeneration can also be induced, leading to positive effects on skin texture improvement.

Therefore, it is a suitable treatment method for thick or deeply rooted pigmented lesions, and areas requiring skin tissue regeneration.

Pigmentation Toning, Recommended Treatment Cycle

Generally, it is recommended to consider treatments at 1-2 week intervals, for a total of 10 sessions or more.

Because laser toning uses a method of delivering low energy multiple times, a single session may only result in a fine breakdown of pigment particles.

Therefore, more satisfactory changes are often noticed after consistently repeating the treatment at least 5 to 10 times.

Setting treatment intervals at 1-2 weeks comprehensively considers the time required for the body's macrophages to process the decomposed melanin and the skin regeneration cycle (approximately 7-14 days).

For the purpose of overall skin tone refinement and effect maintenance, we recommend maintenance treatments (maintenance toning) at 3-6 week intervals.

This can help prevent pigment from recurring after treatment and continuously improve skin texture.

Pigmentation Toning Treatment Process

1. Topical Anesthesia Option, if needed

If the area is sensitive or you are concerned about pain, topical anesthesia can be considered before treatment.

After a short wait, the reduced pain burden allows for a more comfortable treatment experience.

2. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan Establishment

Considering the depth of pigmentation, skin thickness, and sensitivity, the most suitable method among the three toning modes (General, RTP, Fractional) is determined.

The laser's intensity, number of shots, and handpiece type are meticulously adjusted for each area to create the treatment plan.

3. Identify Target Treatment Areas with Mirror Consultation

Together with the patient, we confirm and discuss which pigmented areas are of most concern, using a mirror.

The overall plan is adjusted to ensure more intensive treatment is delivered to these identified areas.

4. (If needed) Proceed with topical anesthesia

If you have sensitive areas or concerns about pain, you may consider ointment anesthesia before the procedure.

We keep waiting times short and perform procedures with minimal pain.

5. Laser Toning Treatment (Over 1,500 shots per area)

While basic toning is performed, RTP or fractional modes may be used in combination, considering the characteristics of the treatment area.

To achieve sufficient results without putting a strain on the skin, we perform the procedure by irradiating at least 1,500 shots.

6. Confirmation of Treatment Area and Explanation of Procedure Details

We provide detailed information immediately after the procedure, including the mode used, handpiece type, energy intensity, and total number of shots.

Based on your skin's reaction, we explain necessary post-treatment methods along with immediate cooling treatment.

7. Progress Tracking and Comparison of Changes (Upon patient request)

Unlike the face, it can be difficult to perform precise diagnostic imaging on body parts.

If you wish, you can check the progress together through before-and-after photos at the 5th and 10th sessions.

Cases where pigmentation improvement toning treatment can be helpful

1. Those bothered by pigmentation appearing on their underarms or bikini line after hair removal

The treatment can be considered if post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has occurred due to repeated shaving or waxing irritation.

2. Those who have developed pigmentation on their buttocks or inner thighs due to their usual sitting posture or wearing tight underwear

Areas where pigmentation has accumulated deep into the dermal layer due to repeated pressure and friction can expect improvement through precise laser toning.

3. Those whose décolletage or side areas have darkened due to friction with activewear or bra straps

Shallow and widely distributed pigmentation can be improved to a more even skin tone through laser toning.

4. Areas like knees, elbows, and ankles, where skin thickness is relatively thick and pigmentation has persisted for a long time

For deep pigmentation in the dermal layer of these areas, consistent treatment with fractional toning can yield good results.

5. Those concerned about acne scars or residual pigmentation on their back or buttocks due to acne

The treatment can help improve both residual pigmentation marks from repeated inflammation and uneven skin texture.

6. Those who find it difficult to improve body pigmentation even with whitening products or home care

In such cases, laser treatment that directly targets melanin pigments within the skin can be considered.

7. Rather than simply aiming to make the entire body ‘white’,

Those who want to improve ‘specific areas that have noticeably darkened’

Rather than overall body brightness,

When specific areas appear unusually dark or patchy, causing concern,

body toning can be an effective solution for improvement.

Precautions After Treatment

• ㆍYou can wash your face and apply makeup on the day of the procedure. However, we recommend paying special attention to sun protection.
• ㆍIt is advisable to pay extra attention to soothing and moisturizing care for temporarily sensitized skin.
• ㆍOccasionally, swelling or redness may appear after the procedure, but it usually subsides naturally over time. If it persists for more than a few days, please contact the clinic, and we will provide the necessary guidance.