Hello.
I am Dr. Hyuk-chan Cho, Director of Cleor Clinic Uijeongbu Branch.
While organizing your wardrobe as the seasons change,
you may have found yourself pausing in front of the mirror.
Perhaps your underarms look dark when trying on a sleeveless top,
or you notice your knees have become darkened after taking out a pair of shorts,
moments when these things suddenly catch your eye.
Even after applying creams, the marks do not easily fade.
Once pigmentation sets in, it cannot be wiped away from the surface.
You will only see a change when the treatment reaches the depth where the pigment resides.
Today, for those looking into Uijeongbu Pico Toning,
from facial pigment care to body hyperpigmentation correction,
I will speak to you honestly.
Reasons for considering Uijeongbu Pico Toning
Facial Pigmentation Concerns
When melasma on both cheekbones is bothersome,
when blemishes increase due to an occupation with high UV exposure,
or for those left with brown marks where acne has subsided.
Body Hyperpigmentation Concerns
When underarms have darkened due to repeated shaving and hair removal,
when elbows have darkened from frequently leaning on them at the office,
or for those concerned about knees turning black after exercise.
Some have also experienced the bikini line becoming darker after waxing.
The face and body differ only in location;
they share the same texture where melanin pigment resides.
Since the cause is the same, the approach can be addressed within a similar category.
❗ What is Uijeongbu Pico Toning?
If we summarize the core of Pico Toning in one word,
it is "Speed."
While conventional laser toning irradiates in nanoseconds (one-billionth of a second),
Pico Toning irradiates in picoseconds (one-trillionth of a second).
It is approximately 1,000 times faster.
When energy is delivered over a long duration, not only the pigment
but also the surrounding skin receives heat.
Accumulated heat can actually cause the pigment to darken (PIH)
or increase skin irritation.Pico Toning concentrates high energy in a very short moment,
precisely shattering only the pigment while reducing the burden on surrounding tissues.
The smaller the shattered pigment particles, the easier it is
for them to be naturally eliminated through the body's metabolism.
To use an analogy, it is like a precision hammer
that shatters a hard walnut shell by striking exactly one point.
It is a method that breaks only the shell without injuring the surrounding hand.
Indications for Use
Melasma, blemishes, freckles, age spots
Deep pigmentation such as Nevus of Ota
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) after acne
Correction of dull skin tone
Pore and texture refinement (Focus Mode)
Body hyperpigmentation (underarms, knees, elbows, bikini line, etc.)
Tattoo removal
The same device is utilized by adjusting the mode and intensity according to the area and type of pigment.
Why Body Hyperpigmentation is More Challenging Than Facial Pigmentation
Many people only care for facial pigment,
but body hyperpigmentation is an area that unexpectedly requires more attention.
There are reasons for this.
1) The skin is thicker
Areas like the underarms, elbows, and knees
have thicker skin and more keratinization than the face.
It is difficult for whitening cosmetic ingredients to reach the inner pigment layer.
2) Irritation is repeated daily
While the face is protected to some extent by sunscreen and care,
the body is where irritation from clothing friction, hair removal, and exercise postures
accumulates every day.
It is similar to how the handle of a long-used white bag
wears out and discolors faster in that specific spot.
Pigment sets in faster in areas where irritation is repeated.
3) Marks go deeper
In body hyperpigmentation, the pigment often extends deep into the dermal layer.
Therefore, compared to facial pigment,
it is a category that requires more cumulative sessions.
4) Self-treatment can actually cause irritation
Because they are concerned about body hyperpigmentation,
some people use exfoliants frequently or rub the area harshly.
It is not uncommon for this irritation to actually drive the pigment deeper.
Pico Toning is a procedure that precisely approaches such deep body hyperpigmentation
by adjusting the intensity for each specific area.
Guide to Usage by Area
Underarms
This is the most commonly treated area for body hyperpigmentation.
This pigment is created by the accumulation of shaving, hair removal, deodorant irritation, and clothing friction.
Many people start treatment in advance of the sleeveless and swimwear season.
Elbows and Knees
Postures such as frequently leaning elbows on a desk or placing knees on the floor
create pigment through the accumulation of weight-bearing pressure.
Since the skin is thick and keratinized, a higher number of sessions is recommended.
Bikini Line and Groin
Waxing and friction from underwear are the primary causes.
As the color is often dark and deep, cumulative sessions are recommended.
Ankle Bone (Malleolus)
This is where pigment sets in due to cross-legged sitting or friction from shoes.
Back and Chest Acne Marks
Used for hyperpigmentation remaining where acne has subsided.
Face vs. Body: What are the Differences?
Even when using the same Uijeongbu Pico Toning device,
the procedure method varies depending on the area.
Although it is the same treatment, the intensity, mode, and number of sessions
all differ based on the characteristics of the area and the depth of the pigment.
We will confirm this directly during the pre-treatment consultation.
These are the steps taken in the consultation room.
First, we diagnose the type and depth of pigment, skin type,
and the distribution across the area.
Most people can undergo facial toning without numbing cream.
For areas with dark body hyperpigmentation,
numbing cream is applied beforehand to reduce discomfort.
⚠️ Post-Treatment Precautions
The recovery burden is low, but please handle the area gently for a few days.
UV Protection is Most Important
For a few days after the procedure, melanocytes are more sensitive than usual.
Exposure to UV rays can cause an adverse reaction where the pigment actually darkens.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen when going out,
and use physical blocking such as clothing or a parasol for treated body areas.
For a few days after the procedure, apply plenty of soothing
and regenerative creams.For body areas, it is also good to frequently reapply regular moisturizing lotion.
Reducing Heat Irritation
Please avoid saunas, jjimjilbangs (Korean spas), strenuous exercise, and alcohol on the day of the procedure.
If body temperature rises, redness and irritation tend to last longer.
Pause Irritating Care for One Week
It is safe to stop using products such as scrubs, peels,
and acidic toners for about one week.
Reducing Friction on Treated Body Areas
For areas with frequent friction like the underarms and groin,
avoid tight-fitting clothes for a few days,
and refrain from hair removal for a certain period after the procedure.
Do Not Remove Scabs
In areas with dark pigment, thin scabs may form and then fall off naturally.
Removing them by hand can cause pigmentation to return or leave scars,
so it is safe to leave them until they fall off naturally.
If you experience persistent pain, blisters, oozing,
or intense redness for more than a few days, please visit the clinic immediately for an evaluation.
Who We Recommend This To
For Facial Care Purposes
Those whose melasma, blemishes, and freckles are becoming more distinct
Those who work in environments with high UV exposure
Those whose acne marks do not easily fade
Those who feel that changes from whitening cosmetics are slow
For Body Hyperpigmentation Care Purposes
Those concerned about darkened underarms
Those whose elbow or knee pigment has darkened
Those worried about pigmentation in the bikini line or groin
Those who have experienced pigment darkening after hair removal
Those with upcoming summer plans, weddings, or vacations
Those who want to care for both facial and body pigment at once
Cases That Require Prior Consultation
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have a history of inflammation or herpes in the treatment area
If you are taking photosensitizing medications
If you have a keloid-prone skin type
If you have recently had intense UV exposure or a peeling procedure
If there are moles with suspicious changes in color or shape
Depending on skin condition and medication history,
the procedure may not be suitable, which we will confirm directly during the pre-treatment consultation.
Advantages of Uijeongbu Pico Toning
Low burden on surrounding tissues due to picosecond-unit irradiation
Versatile use from the face to the body
Low recovery burden due to the non-invasive method
Immediate return to daily life after the procedure
Tendency for tone and texture to be refined together with cumulative sessions
As it is difficult for all pigment to fade with a single session,
this is a type of care where cumulative sessions are recommended.
If UV protection is neglected,
the effects tend to diminish quickly, making post-treatment UV management very important.
Since body hyperpigmentation occurs in areas of repeated irritation,
lifestyle habits (reducing friction, checking hair removal methods) must be addressed together to maintain changes.
Since melasma is a pigment sensitive to heat,
intensity adjustment is the factor that determines the results.
We will confirm this directly during the pre-treatment consultation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much change can be seen after one session?
For light blemishes, some people experience a noticeably clearer skin tone after 1–2 sessions.
For long-established melasma or body hyperpigmentation,
the extent of change often becomes more evident after 5–10 cumulative sessions.
Q. Is the body procedure more painful than the face?
It depends on the area and the darkness of the pigment.
While there is slightly more irritation due to thicker skin on the body,
we apply numbing cream first and adjust the treatment to a tolerable level.
Q. Can I receive underarm toning and hair removal together?
Since performing them on the same day can accumulate irritation,
it is generally recommended to leave an interval of a few days.
The sequence and schedule design will be guided directly during the pre-treatment consultation.
Q. Is it too late to start right before the summer season?
Since body hyperpigmentation requires cumulative sessions,
it is best to start 2–3 months before the season if possible.
Rather than looking for immediate changes, it is recommended to start early by calculating backward from your schedule.
Q. Can pigment reappear after the procedure?
Once decomposed, pigment particles do not return,
but if irritation from UV rays, hormones, or friction continues, new pigment can set in the same spot.
UV protection and friction management are the keys to maintenance.
Q. What are the potential side effects?
Temporary redness, slight swelling,
thin scabs, and hyperpigmentation (PIH) may occur in the treated area.
Rarely, changes such as blisters, scars, or hypopigmentation have been reported,
making pre-treatment consultation and post-treatment follow-up observation important.
Pigment is a mark that darkens over time once it sets in.
Whether on the face or the body,
it is difficult to reach the depth where the pigment resides through surface care alone.
In particular, body hyperpigmentation
is a more challenging area to create change with regular cosmetics
due to skin thickness and the accumulation of irritation.
Uijeongbu Pico Toning is a pigment procedure that can be utilized
from facial pigment care to body hyperpigmentation in areas like the underarms, knees, elbows, and bikini line,
by adjusting the intensity and mode for each specific area.
We will confirm this directly during your consultation.
If you are concerned about facial or body pigment,
please feel free to contact Cleor Clinic Uijeongbu Branch.
※ This content is for general informational purposes, and results may vary by individual.
Please decide on an accurate diagnosis and whether to proceed with the procedure through a consultation with a specialist.
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