[ Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon ] NEW Melasma, Pigment Laser 'PicoPlus' Introduced

Melasma and blemishes may seem to appear suddenly, but in reality, they are the result of accumulated changes in UV radiation, hormones, and melanin cells within the skin over a long period, eventually surfacing. The first question people ask when facing darkened pigment in the mirror is similar: "Can this pigment be erased with a laser?" While the approach varies depending on the depth and type of pigment, the key is to selectively target only melanin while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.

Hello, this is Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon. In this article, we will summarize the principles and features of PicoPlus (PicoPlus), a picosecond laser newly introduced for pigment treatment.

Many existing pigment lasers delivered energy in nanosecond (one-billionth of a second) units. Picosecond lasers deliver energy in an even shorter time, one-trillionth of a second. Concentrating energy in a short time enhances the photoacoustic effect, which breaks down melanin pigment into finer particles, and is reported to relatively reduce damage to surrounding tissue caused by heat.

Simply put, the finer the pigment particles are broken down, the easier it is for our body to naturally expel them. In clinical practice, for deeper or older pigment, it is often less burdensome to approach it gradually over several sessions rather than trying to resolve it all at once.

The characteristic of PicoPlus lies in its wavelength and handpiece configuration.

It is equipped with a total of 4 wavelengths (1064nm, 532nm, 595nm, 660nm) and 6 customized handpieces. Since the skin depth reached and the pigments reacted to differ by wavelength, this configuration allows for broad対応 to various pigmented lesions, not just a single type of pigment.

How to combine wavelengths and handpieces depends on the type, depth, and skin condition of the pigment, so consultation with medical staff is necessary first.

As picosecond lasers target melanin pigment, they can address various pigment concerns located in the epidermis and dermis.

• Pigment widely spread like melasma and blemishes
• Epidermal Pigment Removal such as seborrheic keratosis and freckles
• Laser Lesion Removal for localized lesions like moles, warts, and syringomas
• Overall skin pigmentation that makes the tone appear dull

Even if it looks like the same melasma, the treatment plan changes depending on whether the pigment is in the epidermis or has descended to the dermis. Therefore, diagnosis takes precedence over self-assessment for pigment concerns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them via Inquire about pigment laser consultation.

PicoPlus is a KFDA-approved laser for melasma improvement. Melasma is a pigmentary disorder that often recurs and is difficult to manage, so it is significant that this device has reported melasma improvement effects through clinical trials.

If melasma is present, an approach tailored to the skin condition, such as Customized Whitening Solution or V-beam Facial Redness Treatment, may be considered in conjunction with laser treatment alone.

After pigment laser treatment, the skin may temporarily become sensitive, so recovery care is as important as the results.

• Avoid irritating the treated area (rubbing, strong cleansing)
• Apply sunscreen diligently when going out
• Do not forcibly remove scabs or dead skin cells if they form
• Aid skin barrier recovery with sufficient moisturizing
• If redness or swelling persists, visit the clinic to check the condition

Temporary swelling, redness, scabs, or flaking may occur depending on individual characteristics, so we recommend proceeding with treatment after thorough consultation with medical staff.

PicoPlus is a pigment laser that selectively targets melanin pigment based on its short picosecond action time, 4 wavelengths, and 6 handpieces. However, even for the same pigment, the treatment direction may vary depending on its depth and type, and there may be individual differences in effects and recovery patterns.

If you have been hesitant about long-standing pigment concerns, first check your skin condition.

Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2021-12-22 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

This content provides general information to aid understanding of pigmentary disorders. Appropriate treatment may vary depending on the type of pigment and skin condition, so please consult with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis.