Treatment guide · Laser Treatments

PicoWay in Seoul

A picosecond laser that breaks up pigment and tattoo ink with little heat and short downtime.

Ask the clinic for: 피코웨이

PicoWay explained

PicoWay is a picosecond laser made by Candela. It treats pigmentation, tattoos and, with a fractional handpiece, texture and fine lines. Korean clinics often use it for pico toning.

How PicoWay works

PicoWay fires pulses that last trillionths of a second at wavelengths such as 1064 nm, 532 nm and 785 nm. The very short pulses break pigment mainly through a pressure (photoacoustic) effect rather than heat. The body's immune cells then clear the fragments over weeks, and a fractional mode creates tiny zones under the skin to stimulate collagen.

Who PicoWay is for

• Freckles, sun spots and uneven skin tone
• Melasma as part of a gentle toning plan
• Tattoo removal, including some coloured inks
• Acne marks and dull skin
• Fine lines and pores with the fractional mode

Who should avoid PicoWay

• Pregnant women (most clinics delay non-essential laser)
• Recent strong tan or sunburn
• Active skin infection, cold sores or open wounds
• Recent isotretinoin use (discuss timing with the doctor)
• People who cannot avoid strong sun after treatment

What happens at the appointment

1. Consultation and skin check to plan wavelength and mode
2. Cleansing, and numbing cream for spot or fractional treatments
3. Eye protection and laser passes over the area
4. Soothing mask or cooling
5. Sunscreen application and next session booking

Aftercare and flying home

• Apply SPF 50 sunscreen daily and reapply outdoors
• Leave any small crusts after spot treatment to fall off on their own
• Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare for a few days
• Avoid saunas, scrubs and strong acids for 3–5 days
• Keep treated tattoos clean and covered as advised

Side effects and risks

• Mild redness for a few hours after toning
• Small dark crusts for 5–7 days after spot treatment
• Swelling or blistering after tattoo removal
• Rare: temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, or melasma flare

How much does PicoWay cost in Seoul?

₩100,000–₩300,000 per session (about US$75–220 per session) — Price depends on whether it is toning, spot removal, fractional or tattoo removal, plus the area and number of sessions. Packages of 5 or 10 sessions are common. Prices are estimates and change with promotions.

Why get PicoWay in Korea?

Pico toning is one of the most common treatments in Seoul, so clinics have high volumes and lower prices than many Western cities. Visitors staying a few weeks can complete more sessions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does PicoWay cost in Seoul?

PicoWay toning usually costs about ₩100,000–₩300,000 per session in Seoul, around US$75–220. Tattoo removal is priced by size.

Does PicoWay hurt?

Toning feels like light snapping and is usually tolerable without numbing. Spot and tattoo treatments sting more and may use numbing cream.

How many PicoWay sessions do I need?

Toning usually needs 5–10 sessions 2–4 weeks apart. Tattoos often need many more sessions, spaced 6–8 weeks apart.

Can I fly after PicoWay?

Yes, toning has no real downtime, so you can fly the same day. After spot treatment, protect small crusts from sun and do not pick them.

Is PicoWay safe for melasma?

Gentle pico toning is often used for melasma, but too much energy can make it worse. Choose a doctor who uses low settings and combine with sun care.

What is the difference between PicoWay and PicoSure?

Both are picosecond lasers. PicoWay offers several wavelengths including 1064 nm, while PicoSure is known for its 755 nm wavelength and focus lens array.

Where to get it in Seoul

Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.