Pico toning — for clearer, brighter-looking skin
What is Pico toning?
Pico toning is a treatment that delivers a long-wavelength (1064 nm), deep-penetrating picosecond laser to the skin in a gentle, shower-like application. It is gaining attention as a low-downtime toning treatment that can address multiple concerns at once, including melasma, dullness, faint pigmentation, and pores.
Conventional nanosecond-laser toning has a longer pulse duration, which leaves more residual heat in the skin and raises concerns about post-inflammatory pigmentation and worsening of melasma. Pico toning uses an extremely short picosecond (one-trillionth of a second) pulse, addressing melanin via a photoacoustic effect. By minimizing thermal impact while reaching the dermal layer, it is a treatment that aims for clearer-looking skin while limiting the risk of melasma worsening.
WORRIES — Recommended for
・Those considering treatment for melasma
・Those wanting clearer, brighter-looking skin
・Those concerned about enlarged pores
・Those considering skin-quality care
・Those concerned about fine lines
・Those looking for treatments with minimal downtime
・Those aiming for natural skin without relying on concealer
FEATURE
Application designed with melasma in mind
Conventional nanosecond-laser toning carried a risk of worsening melasma due to thermal energy, but Pico toning uses very short picosecond pulses with limited thermal impact, allowing toning effects while taking care to avoid melasma flare-ups.
Treatment under physician supervision
Under the physician’s examination and instructions, our nurses perform the irradiation carefully. The physician is on standby nearby throughout the treatment, so please feel free to speak up at any time if anything concerns you.
Almost no downtime
Pico toning has comparatively little downtime such as redness or swelling, and makeup is possible from the next day. It can fit easily into your schedule even before outings or important events.
Treatment with minimal pain
Many patients worry about laser pain, but Pico toning feels closer to a “gentle warm tingle,” with comparatively little pain. Even patients who are sensitive to pain can feel reassured discussing the treatment with us.
Important notes (risks, side effects, downtime)
| Treatment time | Approximately 10–15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Pain | A gentle, warm tingling sensation; anesthesia is generally not required. |
| Downtime | Essentially none. Avoiding sun exposure after treatment makes results easier to feel. |
| Makeup | Possible from the next day (sometimes from the evening of the treatment day). |
| Notes | Showering and bathing are possible from the same day. Please avoid alcohol and vigorous exercise on the day of treatment. For several days afterward, avoid strong sun exposure and use sunscreen. |
| Side effects | Although infrequent, redness, swelling, post-inflammatory pigmentation, temporary worsening of melasma, and hypopigmentation (loss of pigment) can occur. If post-inflammatory pigmentation does develop, it generally resolves over 3–6 months. |
| Recommended sessions | Approximately 5–10 sessions at 3–4 week intervals are recommended. Some patients notice changes after a single session, but results vary by individual. |
| Duration | Improved skin condition tends to be maintained for a relatively long time, but aging and UV exposure can cause dullness to recur. Maintenance treatments are recommended. |
*The above is a general timeline; pain, downtime, and effects vary by individual.
*Treatment time does not include consultation.
*Pregnant or breastfeeding patients are asked to refrain from treatment.
FLOW — Treatment process
We listen to your skin concerns and treatment areas of interest, and propose a tailored plan. Please feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns you may have.
As a baseline, we perform the treatment on bare skin, so we ask you to remove your makeup. If you prefer, treatment without makeup removal is also possible.
Under the physician’s instructions, our nurses perform the Pico toning irradiation. We check in with you to manage comfort during the treatment. The physician is also on standby nearby — please rest assured.
Follow-up visits after treatment are generally not required. Continuing with about 5–10 sessions at 3–4 week intervals helps you feel results more clearly. We follow your skin’s progress alongside you.
Physician’s note
About Pico toning
“Pigmentation” is a single word, but it covers many different conditions: solar lentigines (age spots), seborrheic keratosis, melasma, ADM (acquired dermal melanocytosis), and more. Accurate diagnosis is the most important first step in treatment.
Melasma in particular is difficult to treat — strong laser exposure can actually make it worse. Pico toning uses low-output, gentle irradiation, allowing an approach to melasma while limiting the risk of worsening. It also addresses dullness, faint pigmentation, pores, and skin-quality care simultaneously, which is one of its strengths.
The laser used at our clinic is “Pico Dream,” a picosecond laser equipped with two wavelengths. It is mainly used for pigmentation, freckles, melasma, toning, and tattoo removal.
Pico toning is not a treatment that delivers dramatic change in a single session. By continuing with 5–10 sessions every 3–4 weeks, the overall tone and texture of the skin gradually become more refined. The shortest path to your ideal skin is steady, patient continuation rather than rushing.
Together Menu — Recommended combinations
For darker pigmentation, combination with Pico spot is recommended; for melasma, combining with oral beauty medications such as tranexamic acid is also a good option. As part of overall skin care, combination with Dermapen can also be synergistic.
Q&A (FAQ)
- After how many sessions can I notice the effect?
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Some patients notice a change after a single session, but as a baseline we recommend 5–10 sessions at 3–4 week intervals. Continuing the course makes changes in overall skin tone and clarity easier to feel.
- Can it be used for melasma?
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Pico toning is one of the treatments expected to be useful for melasma. That said, combination with oral medication (such as tranexamic acid) is sometimes more effective. After examination, we propose the most suitable plan.
- How does it differ from pigmentation-removal laser?
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Pigmentation-removal laser (Pico spot) is a high-output, pinpoint treatment for distinct dark spots, while Pico toning is a low-output, shower-like irradiation across the whole face that addresses overall toning and melasma. We use them differently depending on your skin concerns. Combinations are also an option.
- Can I wear makeup right after treatment?
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Generally, makeup is possible from the next day. If redness is minimal, makeup may also be possible from the evening of the treatment day. We provide guidance at examination.
- How long should I wait between sessions?
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We recommend a pace of about once every 3–4 weeks. The interval matches the skin’s natural turnover cycle, making it easier to continue without strain.
- Can it be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
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Same-day or close-date treatment with hyaluronic acid, Botox, Dermapen, and others is also possible. Some combinations may be synergistic, so please discuss the details at consultation.
- Can I receive treatment while pregnant?
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There are no reports of issues from treatment during pregnancy, but as this is an aesthetic procedure, we ask pregnant patients to refrain from treatment as a precaution.
Why patients choose us
I’m wondering where to receive toning.
At our clinic, an experienced physician supervises every irradiation, evaluating melasma risk as we proceed. Skin concerns differ from person to person, so first please come in for a consultation and physician examination, where we can review your current skin condition together.
Self-pay treatment / device disclosure (details)
■ Self-pay treatment
This treatment is self-pay and not covered by Japanese national health insurance. All listed prices are tax-included. Please refer to the “Pricing” page for details.
■ Main risks / side effects
Redness, swelling, post-inflammatory pigmentation, temporary worsening of melasma, hypopigmentation (loss of pigment), blistering, scar formation, infection, etc. Effects and side effects vary by individual.
■ Device used
“Pico Dream” used at our clinic is a medical device that has not been approved under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. As Japan-approved devices with similar effects, PicoSure (Cynosure) and PicoWay (Candela) have received approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Pico Dream is obtained via personal-import by the physician. Treatment is outside the scope of the Pharmaceutical Side Effects Relief System in Japan.
■ Use in other countries
Pico Dream is a Korean-made medical device approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). It has not received U.S. FDA or European CE approval. We are currently not aware of any reports of serious health damage.
■ Those who cannot receive this treatment
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with photosensitivity disorders; those taking medications that cause photosensitivity; those with infection or inflammation at the treatment area; those prone to keloids; etc.
Pico Laser Pigmentation Removal / Pico Toning for Skin Brightening
PRICE
*Prices are subject to change without notice.
Set pricing available upon request.
| Treatment | Sessions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pigmentation spot | 1 session 1cm × 1cm | Regular price JPY 30,000 Campaign price: JPY 16,000 |
| Both cheeks – unlimited spots | 1 session | Regular price JPY 88,000 Campaign price: JPY 60,000 |
| Full face – unlimited spots | 1 session | Regular price JPY 130,000 Campaign price: JPY 80,000 |
| Both hands – unlimited spots | 1 session | Regular price JPY 77,000 Campaign price: JPY 50,000 |
| Pico Toning – face | First session | JPY 20,000 |
| Pico Toning – face [5-session course] | 5 sessions | JPY 90,000 (JPY 18,000/session) |
| Pico Toning – face [10-session course] | 10 sessions | JPY 160,000 (JPY 16,000/session) |
| Cosmetic tattoo removal – eyebrow | 1 session | Regular price JPY 24,000 Campaign price: JPY 20,000 |
| Cosmetic tattoo removal – both eyebrows | 1 session | Regular price JPY 28,000 Campaign price: JPY 25,000 |
*All prices include tax
Our Doctors
Chief Medical Director / Aesthetic Surgeon
Yuki Takamido, MD
Specialties
Aesthetic surgery / Oculoplastic surgery
Career
2014: Graduated from Mie University School of Medicine
2015: Meitetsu Hospital
2017: Fujita Health University Hospital — Assistant Professor
2020: Founded Flamingo Aesthetic Clinic
2021: Branch director, Shiromoto Clinic Aesthetic Surgery
2021: Co-founded Viviage Clinic (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
2022: Ace Clinic (Ichibikai Medical Corporation)
2023: Director, Sakae Aesthetic Clinic — Sakae branch
Currently: VIVIAGE ZONNE CLINIC (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
Areas of expertise
Hyaluronic acid filler, thread lift
Eyelid surgery (lower-eyelid fat removal for dark circles, transcutaneous & transconjunctival Hamra technique, midface lift, double-eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis surgery)
Aesthetic dermatology procedures
Society memberships
Japanese Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Days available
Wednesday, Friday (10:00–17:30)
Every other Saturday (please call to confirm)
Director
Minoru Horisawa, MD
Book a Consultation / Contact Us
If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Our consultation, including the doctor’s examination, is available free of charge.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00–17:30 (Closed Thu, Sun)
T.O Building 4F, 3-33-30 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya — about a 4-minute walk from Yabacho Station