Hyperpigmentation Toning: The Special Approach of Ggeut Korean Medicine Clinic

1. Highly Focused Treatment Environment

We focus one-on-one with each patient, and our flexible booking system helps ensure precise and immersive treatments.

2. Customized Toning System by Body Area

We plan double, fractional, and basic toning customized to the characteristics of each body area. Our goal is to minimize skin irritation and achieve effective improvement.

Areas such as armpits, bikini line, buttocks, inner thighs, knees, and elbows each have different skin thickness, degree of friction, and depth of pigmentation.

At Ggeut Korean Medicine Clinic, we use both 1064nm laser toning and 755nm Alex toning to selectively apply wavelengths suitable for the location and nature of the pigment.

1064nm Hyperpigmentation Toning

We apply 1064nm hyperpigmentation toning to continuously improve widely spread pigmentation, while monitoring the skin's reaction to irritation, including skin tone and sensitivity.

755nm Alex Toning

This uses a wavelength with high melanin reactivity to intensively improve clear pigmentation remaining on the skin surface.

3. Evidence-Based Minimum 1500 Shots

1064nm laser toning follows clinical research findings that pigment response appears when treated with 1000-1500 shots or more. Therefore, we adhere to the principle of applying a minimum of 1500 shots per area.

4. We Manage Treatment Progress with Records

Changes in body areas are recorded with before-and-after photos and managed as data. This is utilized to systematically adjust treatment plans and skin reactions.

5. Respect for Appointment Times

If you wait for more than 10 minutes, we offer a 5% discount for every 10 minutes. This is not just a benefit we provide, but an important standard for us, reflecting our desire to respect your valuable time.

Hyperpigmentation Toning: Ggeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Approach

1. Environment for Highly Focused Treatment

Ggeut Korean Medicine Clinic operates with a limited number of patients per day. The director personally conducts consultations and aims for a customized treatment system for each individual patient.

We operate a flexible booking system to allocate sufficient time to each individual patient. We provide an environment where you can fully concentrate on your treatment.

During treatment, we flexibly adjust the irradiation mode, intensity, and pattern while observing the patient's real-time skin reactions. This environment allows for more accurate and dense treatments.

2. Clinical Evidence-Based, Minimum 1500 Shots

At Ggeut Korean Medicine Clinic, when treating body hyperpigmentation, we adhere to the basic principle of applying a minimum of 1500 shots per area.

This standard is based on clinical evidence from the Kauvar et al., Dermatol Clin (2012) study, which showed a significant pigment response with cumulative irradiation of 1000-1500 shots or more. It is not just a number, but a meaningful treatment volume for effective improvement.

We meticulously consider the distribution, depth of pigmentation, and skin reaction speed to precisely plan and apply a meaningful treatment dosage.

3. Managing Surface Pigmentation with 755nm Wavelength

The 755nm Alexandrite wavelength has high reactivity to melanin. Therefore, it is used to intensively manage clear brown pigmentation located on the skin surface.

If you have received 1064nm toning multiple times but some pigmentation remains, or if the pigment boundaries in specific areas are distinct, we may consider applying Alex toning tailored to your skin condition.

However, considering its high reactivity to melanin, it is not uniformly applied to all skin types.

We first check your skin tone, sensitivity, and the cause of hyperpigmentation. Then, we carefully determine the appropriate output and irradiation range accordingly.

４. We Track Treatment Progress with Records

It is often difficult to accurately confirm changes in body areas with diagnostic equipment alone. Therefore, Ggeut Korean Medicine Clinic consistently tracks progress by conducting individual before-and-after treatment photographs.

These records are used not only to compare changes but also as important data for analyzing treatment responses and adjusting treatment plans.

Hyperpigmentation Toning: Ggeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Treatment Principles

Beyond simple pigment removal, we aim for precise treatments that holistically manage pigment creation, transfer, and persistence.

1. Selectively Breaks Down Melanin Pigment.

Low-power laser toning using the 1064nm wavelength precisely targets and repeatedly irradiates only melanin pigment.

This method minimizes damage to surrounding tissues while gradually breaking down only the pigment. It helps to progressively improve skin tone evenly.

The 755nm Alexandrite wavelength has a high absorption rate for melanin, which can be effectively used to target clear brown pigmentation appearing on the skin surface.

If you have received 1064nm toning multiple times but pigmentation remains faint, or if pigmentation boundaries are relatively clear in specific areas, Alex Toning can be chosen considering your skin condition.

This treatment targets only melanin, reducing skin irritation, allowing for a stable procedure.

2. It selectively removes only pigments without stimulating surrounding cells.

Due to the instantaneous energy delivery in very short nanosecond units, it does not affect melanocytes,

It selectively destroys only melanin pigments within cells.

This reduces the risk of pigment re-formation, minimizes discomfort or potential side effects during the procedure, and allows for stable management.

3. It blocks the migration pathway of melanin pigment.

Melanin moves to the skin surface through pathways called dendrites.

Laser toning can partially suppress these delivery pathways, reducing the ascent of new pigments to the skin surface.

In addition to eliminating already formed pigments, it utilizes the principle of inhibiting new pigment formation and blocking its delivery.

Recommended Treatment Plan for Pigmentation Toning

Generally, it is recommended to receive treatment a total of 10 or more times, with intervals of 1 to 2 weeks.

Laser toning uses a method of repeatedly irradiating with low energy, so pigment particles may only be finely broken down with a single treatment.

Therefore, gradual changes can usually be expected when receiving consistent treatment 5 to 10 or more times.

The 1-2 week interval is set considering the time required for macrophages to process pigments after melanin breakdown, and the skin regeneration cycle (approximately 7-14 days).

To refine overall skin tone and maintain an improved state, maintenance toning with consistent treatments at 3-6 week intervals can be considered.

This can help prevent pigmentation from recurring after treatment completion and contribute to improving skin texture.

Pigmentation Toning Treatment Procedure Steps

1. Diagnosis of Treatment Area and Treatment Plan Establishment

By comprehensively assessing factors such as pigment depth, skin thickness, and sensitivity,

a treatment plan is established by precisely adjusting the laser intensity, wavelength, number of shots, and handpiece to suit the characteristics of each area.

2. Identifying and Setting Focus Areas through a Mirror

Together with the patient, we identify and mark the most concerning pigmented areas while looking in a mirror.

We carefully adjust the plan to ensure more focused treatment on the identified areas.

3. Start of Toning Treatment

Standard toning is fundamental, and depending on the characteristics of specific areas, RTP or fractional methods can be applied concurrently.

To achieve sufficient results without causing excessive skin irritation, at least 1500 shots are irradiated during the treatment.

Depending on clear pigments remaining close to the skin surface or the overall skin condition, 755nm Alex Toning is performed by setting separate energy and irradiation ranges according to the pigment's reaction.

4. Post-Treatment Area Confirmation and Guidance

Immediately after the procedure, we will provide a detailed explanation of the total number of shots, etc.

We check the skin's reaction status and provide guidance on appropriate aftercare methods.

7. Progress Tracking and Comparison (Optional)

It is often difficult to photograph body areas with diagnostic equipment.

If desired, we can take progress photos at the 5th and 10th treatment sessions and provide a comparison.

Individuals Considering Pigmentation Toning Treatment

1. Individuals concerned about pigmentation in the armpits or bikini line after hair removal.

It can be helpful in cases where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has occurred due to repeated irritation after shaving or waxing.

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

Areas where pigmentation has settled into the dermal layer due to continuous pressure and friction may require careful laser toning management.

3. Individuals whose cleavage or flank areas have darkened due to friction from sportswear or bra straps.

For shallow, widespread pigmentation, toning treatments can help improve overall skin tone.

4. Areas like knees, elbows, and ankles with thick skin and old pigmentation.

For pigmentation located deep in the dermis, combining with fractional toning can lead to improvement with consistent, cumulative treatments.

5. Those concerned about post-acne pigmentation or scars on the back or buttocks.

It can help manage post-inflammatory pigmentation and uneven skin texture resulting from repeated inflammatory changes.

6. Those with body pigmentation concerns that are difficult to improve with only whitening functional products or general home care.

In such cases, laser treatments that directly target melanin pigment within the skin can be considered.

7. Rather than simply wanting to brighten the overall skin tone of the body,

There are those who particularly want to improve noticeably ‘darkened areas’.

Rather than overall skin brightness,

If a specific area appears unusually dark or mottled,

body toning treatments could be a good solution for improvement.

Post-Treatment Precautions

• ㆍYou can wash your face or apply makeup on the day of the procedure. However, it is highly recommended to pay special attention to sun protection.
• ㆍFor temporarily sensitive skin, we recommend paying extra attention to soothing and moisturizing care.
• ㆍOccasionally, swelling or redness may appear after the treatment, but these usually subside naturally over time. If they persist for several days or cause discomfort, it is advisable to visit the clinic for a consultation.