Laser & Lifting · Apgujeong, Seoul
Pico Laser
Helios Pico 785 picosecond laser for pigmentation, melasma, pores and acne scars, planned by a dermatologist who advises on the device.
Laser & Lifting · Apgujeong, Seoul
Pico Laser
Helios Pico 785 picosecond laser for pigmentation, melasma, pores and acne scars, planned by a dermatologist who advises on the device.
Quick answer
Every plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 skin diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist, so the dose, device settings and session count are set for your skin rather than a template. Meet our doctors or ask about your own skin .
At a glance
| Procedure time | 15–30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | None for toning; numbing cream for fractional or spot mode |
| Downtime | None for toning; 2–5 days of fine crusting after spot or fractional |
| Sessions | 1–3 for spots; 5–10 for melasma or scars |
| Results last | Long term with sun protection |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Overview
What is pico laser?
A pico laser emits pulses measured in picoseconds, roughly a thousand times shorter than a traditional Q-switched laser. Because the pulse is so brief, energy is delivered before heat can spread into neighbouring tissue. The pigment target is shattered by the resulting photoacoustic shock into particles small enough for immune cells to carry away. This makes pico lasers effective for freckles, sun spots, café-au-lait patches, tattoo removal and the stubborn dermal component of melasma, while lowering the chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that nanosecond lasers can provoke in Asian skin.
Used with a fractional handpiece, the same pulse creates microscopic zones of optical breakdown in the dermis without damaging the surface. The skin responds by producing collagen and elastin, which gradually smooths enlarged pores, fine lines and shallow acne scars.
How pico laser works at Oaro
Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul, uses the Helios Pico 785 laser. Its 785 nm wavelength is well absorbed by melanin and less absorbed by haemoglobin, so pigment can be targeted at a lower fluence than a 1064 nm setting would require, and with less risk to small vessels than 532 nm. Dr. Chang-hyun Kim is a key opinion leader and advisor for the Helios 785 and belongs to the Korean Society of Vitiligo & Pigmentation, which informs how conservatively settings are chosen for melasma-prone skin.
Pico laser is a core element of the Oaro Custom Brightening programme. After a 1:1 skin diagnosis, your plan may pair toning with skin brightening infusions, combine fractional mode with Rejuran Healer for acne scars, or alternate with Lumenis M22 IPL when redness and pigment coexist. For the CO2 and Erbium options used on deeper scars, see the laser and lifting hub.
Why patients choose Oaro
- Diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist, not a technician
- Genuine devices and products: Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Helios Pico, Rejuran, Juvelook
- One treatment plan, written down, with aftercare and follow-up
- Private 1:1 rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination and clear, itemised pricing
Treatment goals
Common goals for pico laser
Remove freckles and sun spots
Spot treatment typically clears most lentigines in one to three sessions with brief crusting.
Lighten melasma safely
Low-energy toning over several visits may reduce melasma without the rebound that aggressive settings cause.
Smooth pores and acne scars
Fractional pico passes build collagen beneath the surface with only a few days of fine crusting.
Even out tone before an event
Visitors to Seoul often schedule two toning sessions within one stay. Book a consultation to fit it to your dates.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
Your dermatologist uses skin analysis imaging and a Wood's lamp or dermatoscope to map epidermal versus dermal pigment, rules out lesions that need a biopsy, and chooses toning, spot or fractional mode.
2. Treatment
After cleansing and eye protection, the handpiece is passed across the face in a set pattern. Toning feels like light rubber-band snaps; spot and fractional modes use numbing cream and produce a warm prickle. The session takes 15–30 minutes.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
Cooling, a barrier cream and sunscreen are applied. Your settings and photographs go into your care notebook, and the next session is booked three to four weeks later.
Cost guide
Pico laser cost in Seoul
Pico laser is priced per session, with lower per-session rates on a course of five or ten.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Pico toning, full face, per session | 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Spot removal (freckles or sun spots), per session | 100,000 – 400,000 |
| Pico fractional for pores and scars, per session | 300,000 – 600,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- Redness after toning fades within hours; crusts after spot or fractional mode shed naturally in two to five days.
- Do not scrub or pick; cleanse gently and keep the skin moisturised.
- Use SPF 50 sunscreen daily and wear a hat outdoors for at least two weeks.
- Pause retinoids, vitamin C acids and exfoliating products for three to five days.
- Report any unusual darkening promptly so your dermatologist can adjust the plan.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Ulthera Certified Treatment Provider, Thermage FLX Master Certified, and full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Filler Society.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many pico laser sessions do I need?
Freckles often clear in one to three sessions, while melasma, pores and acne scars typically need five to ten sessions spaced three to four weeks apart.
Does pico laser hurt?
Toning is mildly uncomfortable without anaesthesia; fractional and spot modes use numbing cream and are well tolerated.
Is Helios Pico 785 different from PicoSure or PicoWay?
All are picosecond lasers; Helios uses a 785 nm wavelength that balances melanin absorption and safety for Asian skin.
Will melasma come back?
It can. Melasma is a chronic condition, so maintenance toning and strict sun protection are usually recommended.
Can I have pico laser the day I arrive in Seoul?
Yes, if your skin is not sunburned; toning has no downtime, so timing is flexible.
Explore related care
Often considered together
- Pigmentation Treatment — how pico fits the wider brightening programme
- Melasma Treatment — laser plus topical and oral care
- Enlarged Pores — a concern fractional pico improves
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing — for deeper acne scars
- Laser Skin Clinic — every laser installed at Oaro
- Contact & Booking — arrange a pico laser consultation
Private 1:1 consultation
Plan your treatment with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Tell us what you would like to change, and we will examine your skin, explain the options and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients.