Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Unique Approach to Pigmentation Toning

1. Clinical Environment for Meticulous Procedures

By focusing on one patient at a time with dedicated care and flexible scheduling, we can perform more precise procedures without rushing.

2. Customized 3-Step Toning System by Area

Considering the characteristics of each skin area, we appropriately combine dual, fractional, and basic toning methods, along with varying toning intensities. This helps reduce skin irritation and improve pigmentation.

3. Evidence-Based Minimum 1500 Shots Applied

Clinical studies have reported significant results in pigment response when 1000-1500 shots or more are delivered. Based on this evidence, we set a minimum of 1500 shots per area as our treatment standard.

4. Record and Track Treatment Progress

We manage the changes in body areas as data through before-and-after photos of the procedure. Based on this, we observe individual patient responses and adjust treatment plans.

5. Our Promise to Respect Patients' Time

We believe that respecting appointment times is a fundamental courtesy to patients. We meticulously manage waiting times to ensure no inconvenience.

Pigmentation Toning: What makes Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic different?

1. Creating a Unique Environment for High-Density Procedures

Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic limits the number of patients seen per day, allowing the director to provide 1:1 customized care from consultation to procedure.

Thanks to our flexible reservation system, we have a structure that allows us to focus on each procedure with ample time.

During the procedure, we monitor skin reactions in real-time and flexibly adjust the laser delivery mode, intensity, and pattern. This delicate approach enables precise and high-density treatments.

2. Three Toning Systems Considering the Characteristics of Each Area

Body pigmentation varies in conditions such as skin thickness, pigment depth, and sensitivity depending on the area.

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, we reflect these individual characteristics and provide customized treatment with a '3-Toning System per area' rather than a single method.

1) Dual Toning (RTP)

Dual toning is used for areas where the skin may be thin and sensitive, such as the armpits or groin.

The RTP method divides the laser into two shots at one location, precisely targeting melanin pigment while minimizing thermal stimulation. By reducing melanocyte stimulation, it can also help improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

2) Fractional Toning

For areas where the skin is thick and pigmentation is deeply embedded, such as the knees, elbows, and buttocks, Fractional 1064 Toning is applied.

By delivering high-density energy to reach the dermal layer, we can expect both pigment improvement and collagen regeneration effects.

3) Basic Toning (1064nm Uniform Delivery)

For areas where pigmentation is shallow or the overall tone is uneven, we gently refine the skin tone with basic laser toning.

When combined with other toning methods, it can reduce the possibility of pigment recurrence and contribute to skin stabilization.

Why are '3' methods necessary?

The causes of body pigmentation and skin conditions can vary among patients.

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, we analyze the characteristics of each area and apply the appropriate method, thereby reducing unnecessary irritation and planning procedures that deliver the precise amount of energy needed.

Even with the same type of laser, results may vary individually depending on the treatment method.

3. Minimum 1500 Shots or More – Based on Effective Treatment Volume

At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, our basic principle for body pigmentation treatment is a minimum of 1500 shots per area.

This is not simply about increasing the number of shots, but an approach based on clinical evidence from the study by Kauvar et al., Dermatol Clin (2012), which showed a significant pigment response with cumulative irradiation of 1000-1500 shots or more.

We carefully design and apply a meaningful treatment volume, considering the depth of pigmentation, distribution, and individual patient skin response rate.

4. Recording and Tracking Treatment Progress

Since body areas can be difficult to assess with general diagnostic equipment, we meticulously track progress through individual before-and-after photos of the procedure.

These records are not just for simple comparison; they serve as important data for evaluating treatment responses and adjusting future treatment plans.

5. Appointment Time is Treatment Time, That's Our Promise

We deeply value your time not merely as an appointment slot, but as an important part of your treatment process and a reflection of mutual respect.

We adhere to the principle of maintaining the density and quality of our treatments by not overbooking appointments.

This also reflects our medical team's philosophy of dedicating ample time to each individual to provide meticulous care.

Pigmentation Toning Treatment Principle

Beyond simply removing pigments, we design precise procedures that multi-step inhibit pigment formation, delivery, and persistence within the skin.

1. Selectively destroys melanin only

Low-fluence laser toning using a 1064nm wavelength precisely targets melanin pigments and repeatedly irradiates them.

Without damaging surrounding tissues, pigments are gradually broken down, leading to a progressively more even skin tone.

This procedure targets only melanin, minimizing unnecessary skin irritation and allowing for stable results.

2. Destroys only pigments, without stimulating cells

By delivering energy in ultra-short nanosecond pulses, we avoid stimulating melanocytes, which produce melanin,

and selectively destroy only the melanin pigments within the cells.

This helps reduce the risk of pigment re-formation and minimizes side effects, enabling a stable procedure.

3. Blocks the pigment ‘pathway’

Melanin pigments travel to the skin surface through pathways called dendrites.

Laser toning helps partially inhibit these pigment delivery pathways, preventing new pigments from surfacing.

Consequently, comprehensive management is achieved, combining the removal of existing pigments with the inhibition of new pigment formation and blockage of delivery.

Pigmentation Toning Special Toning Modes

Dual Toning (RTP Mode)

This method involves delivering energy in two divided pulses to the same area. This allows for treatment effects while keeping the energy low.

It can be applied with reduced irritation to sensitive skin areas and may also be beneficial for managing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

It allows for precise treatment with less burden on thin and sensitive skin areas.

Fractional Toning (Fractional 1064 Handpiece)

This method finely divides laser energy and delivers it deep into the dermal layer of the skin.

Along with improving pigmentation, it induces collagen regeneration, offering synergistic benefits for skin texture improvement.

It can be suitably applied not only to thick or deep pigmentation but also to areas requiring skin tissue regeneration.

Recommended Pigmentation Toning Treatment Cycle

Generally, a total of 10 or more treatments are recommended, at intervals of 1-2 weeks.

Since laser toning is performed by irradiating with low energy multiple times, a single treatment may only have a negligible effect on pigment particle breakdown.

Therefore, visible changes can be expected when treatments are consistently repeated at least 5 to 10 or more times.

The 1-2 week treatment interval is determined by comprehensively considering the time required for macrophages to process pigments after melanin breakdown, and the skin's natural regeneration cycle (approximately 7-14 days).

To achieve an even overall skin tone and maintain the effects, maintenance treatments (maintenance toning) can be considered at 3-6 week intervals.

This can help prevent repigmentation after completing pigmentation toning treatment and continuously improve skin texture.

Pigmentation Toning Treatment Process

1. Area Diagnosis and Treatment Design

We meticulously diagnose an individual's pigment depth, skin thickness, and sensitivity to design a treatment by determining the most suitable method among the three toning modes (General, RTP, Fractional).

The laser intensity, number of shots, and handpiece are individually designed to suit the characteristics of the treatment area.

2. Setting the Focused Treatment Area Using a Mirror

While looking in the mirror together with the patient, you can directly identify and tell us which pigmented areas concern you the most.

We adjust the plan to ensure the treatment focuses more intensively on these specific areas.

3. Laser Toning Treatment (1500+ shots per area)

Based on general toning methods, RTP mode or Fractional mode is applied in combination, considering the characteristics of the treatment area.

To deliver sufficient energy without excessive skin irritation, at least 1500 shots or more are irradiated per area during the treatment.

4. Treatment Details Confirmation and Guidance

Immediately after the treatment, we will explain in detail which mode and handpiece were used, the laser intensity, total shot count, and more.

Depending on the reaction of the treated area, immediate cooling treatment is provided, along with guidance on necessary post-treatment care.

5. Progress Photo Tracking and Comparison (Upon Request)

Unlike the face, body areas can be difficult to photograph with specialized diagnostic equipment.

If desired, we can take and compare before-and-after progress photos at the start of treatment and at the 10th session.

Pigmentation Toning may be considered for those who:

1. Are concerned about pigmentation on the underarms or bikini line after hair removal.

Treatment can be considered for areas where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has occurred due to repeated irritation from shaving or waxing.

2. Have developed pigmentation on the buttocks or inner thighs due to prolonged sitting or wearing tight underwear.

If pigmentation has penetrated to the dermal layer due to continuous pressure and friction, precise laser toning treatment can help improve it.

3. Have dull skin tone on the décolletage or flanks due to friction from activewear or bra straps.

Such shallow and widely spread pigmentation can be helped by laser toning to uniformly even out the overall skin tone.

4. Have thick skin and long-standing pigmentation on areas like the knees, elbows, and ankles.

If pigmentation has settled deep into the dermal layer, fractional toning can be applied alongside, and consistent treatment helps with improvement.

5. Are concerned about acne scars or pigmentation caused by acne on the back or buttocks.

This treatment is suitable for improving pigmentation marks left by repeated inflammation and uneven skin texture simultaneously.

6. Are unable to resolve body pigmentation concerns with only whitening functional products or general home care.

In this case, a laser treatment that directly targets melanin pigments in the skin can be considered.

7. Not simply wishing to make body skin ‘whiter’,

but rather wanting to improve the problem of a specific area that has noticeably become ‘darker’.

Rather than the ‘overall brightness’ of the skin,

if a specific area appears dark or patchy and causes concern,

body toning may help resolve it.

Post-Treatment Care and Precautions

• ㆍWashing your face or light makeup is possible on the day of the treatment. It is especially important to pay attention to sun protection.
• ㆍAs skin may be temporarily irritated after treatment, it is recommended to pay extra attention to soothing and moisturizing care.
• ㆍOccasionally, swelling or redness may appear after treatment, but it usually subsides naturally over time. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, please contact the clinic for guidance.