PicoFraxel for Pigment
PicoFraxel laser delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses that break pigment particles deep in the dermis while sparing the surface. By targeting melanin clusters rather than the epidermis, it minimizes downtime and reduces the risk of uneven texture. Korean dermatology centers operate sophisticated PicoFraxel systems, backed by extensive clinical data and skilled practitioners.
Patients with sun-induced lentigines, freckles, and mild to moderate melasma often notice gradual camouflaging of brown spots after a few sessions. Multiple passes can be tuned to the depth of pigment while protecting surrounding tissue, which helps minimize redness. Dermatologists emphasize the importance of sun protection and a maintenance plan to sustain results.
Before treatment, clinicians assess pigment depth using dermoscopy and sometimes confocal imaging to tailor energy settings. Post-treatment care includes gentle cleansing, moisturizer, and avoiding strong sun exposure for several days. Results vary with skin type and pigment location, highlighting the value of personalized treatment planning in pigment disorders.
Melasma and Pigment Spots
Melasma presents as bilateral pigment patches that can resist traditional lasers and require a nuanced approach. PicoFraxel laser offers rapid pigment particle disruption with less epidermal injury, enabling gradual fading of pigmented patches. Korean clinics often combine PicoFraxel sessions with topical agents or oral tranexamic acid to manage melasma more effectively.
Adjunct treatments address different melanin pathways, improving uniformity while reducing relapse risk. Low-energy, multiple-pass protocols are sometimes chosen to minimize irritation in sensitive facial regions. In some cases, non-laser options are integrated in a staged plan.
Patient education about sun avoidance, consistent sunscreen use, and pigment-suppressing routines remains essential. Setting realistic expectations helps patients understand that melasma control may involve months and repeated sessions. Long-term success depends on maintaining protective measures and adhering to a dermatologist guided treatment schedule.
Korean Clinical Cases
Korean clinical practice offers a breadth of pigment case studies demonstrating PicoFraxel effectiveness across skin types. In particular, moderate melasma responding to careful energy dosing shows meaningful color improvement after three to five sessions. Photographs and dermoscopic assessments provide objective references for progress and treatment decisions.
Case reports highlight the benefit of combining PicoFraxel with protective regimens and maintenance creams. Some patients show improvement in lentigines near cheeks and orbital areas when a structured maintenance plan is followed. Clinicians document variable outcomes based on baseline pigment depth, hormonal influence, and adherence to sun protection.
These Korean experiences underscore the need for individualized protocols rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. They also illustrate that combining PicoFraxel with skin resurfacing or non-ablative modalities can tailor results. Ultimately, clinical case reviews guide best practices and help patients anticipate treatment timelines.