Melasma is a skin problem that many people worry about, appearing as irregular brown patches symmetrically on the cheeks or under the eyes. It is primarily known to be caused by sun exposure or excessive melanin production by melanocytes, making it very difficult to treat. In dermatology, laser toning is widely used as a representative method for melasma treatment. Today, we will learn more about Pico Toning, which is receiving a lot of attention.
Why does melasma occur, and why is it difficult to treat?
Melasma is characterized by brown patches resulting from excessive melanin pigment production. It tends to worsen with UV exposure, and treatment is complex, requiring consistent management because it involves effectively removing deeply embedded melanin while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin.
What is laser toning?
'Toning' is derived from the meaning of evening out and refining skin tone. Basic laser toning involves repeatedly irradiating a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser at low energy. This method can be expected to improve melasma by regulating excessive melanin production.
What is special about Pico Toning?
Pico Toning uses a picosecond laser that irradiates laser light in units of one trillionth of a second. This short pulse helps to precisely remove various pigments such as melasma, blemishes, and lentigines by breaking down pigment particles very finely while minimizing skin damage. It has the advantage of improving melasma much more effectively than conventional laser toning.
What is the difference between general toning and Pico Toning?
The biggest difference between general laser toning and Pico Toning lies in the laser irradiation time on the skin, which is the pulse duration.
- General Laser Toning: Primarily uses a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, with energy irradiated in nanoseconds (one billionth of a second).
- Pico Toning: Uses a picosecond laser, irradiating energy in a much shorter time (one trillionth of a second).
Thanks to its short irradiation time, Pico Toning can concentrate energy very precisely on the desired pigmented lesions while minimizing heat transfer to surrounding tissues. This makes it possible to treat deeply embedded pigments in the skin more quickly and effectively.
When performing Pico Toning, this is more important
There are various toning procedures on the market, but there is something more important than using a specific machine or device.
Accurate diagnosis of pigmented lesions and the appropriate use of energy for the type of pigment are key factors determining treatment efficacy.
Melasma is not just simple pigmentation; it is often complexly mixed with blemish lesions. Therefore, even when using the same laser, there can be significant differences in energy control and treatment methods depending on the practitioner's skill and accurate diagnostic ability.
Possible side effects and management after Pico Toning
Pico Toning is known as a relatively safe procedure, but temporary side effects may occur after treatment.
- Trouble due to sebaceous gland stimulation: Temporary breakouts like acne may appear on the treated area, but they usually improve over time, so there is no need to worry too much.
- Skin dryness: Since lasers use light, the skin may temporarily become dry after the procedure. Therefore, it is advisable to pay special attention to moisturizing care after laser treatment.
Occasionally, some people report that the treatment was ineffective or even worsened pigmentation after several sessions. This is highly likely to occur when accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are not provided.
Advice for successful melasma treatment
Since melasma treatment requires a comprehensive approach, it is important to consult an experienced dermatologist. A specialist will accurately diagnose the pigmented lesions and establish the optimal energy and treatment plan tailored to the patient's skin condition, helping to reduce the possibility of side effects and achieve satisfactory results.
This has been Dr. Lee Sang-ju, a dermatologist. Thank you.