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PICOALEX Pico Laser in Seoul

PICOALEX is a picosecond pico laser we use for deeper pigment, stubborn melasma and tattoos — always planned around a healthy skin barrier.

What PICOALEX is and how it works

PICOALEX is a picosecond pico laser. “Picosecond” refers to the extremely short pulses of energy it delivers. These very short pulses are designed to break pigment into tiny particles that the body can then clear over time. That makes pico lasers particularly useful for pigment that sits deeper in the skin and has not responded well to gentler approaches.

At Obliv Clinic, PICOALEX belongs to our Skin Renewal programme, in the pigment category alongside BRIGHTONE and Nobleen laser toning . Each has a different role, and your doctor chooses between them based on the type and depth of pigment.

Which layer it targets and who it suits

Our doctors plan treatment using an 8-layer Skin Architecture model — epidermis, upper dermis, full-thickness dermis, lower dermis, subcutaneous fat, fascia, muscle and bone. Pigment can sit in the epidermis, the dermis, or both. PICOALEX is chosen when pigment extends deeper, into the dermis, where surface treatments struggle to reach.

PICOALEX may suit you if you have:

  • Deeper or more stubborn pigmentation
  • Melasma that has not improved with gentler treatments
  • Sun spots, age spots or blemishes that persist
  • Tattoos you would like to lighten or remove

Melasma needs particular care because overly aggressive treatment can make it worse. That is why our doctors decide the depth first, prepare the barrier and adjust energy carefully. Read more on melasma and sun spots , or see our Melasma Program .

What happens on the day

A director sees you from your first consultation. Mark-Vu imaging can analyse pigment, redness, pores, wrinkles and oil–moisture balance, which helps the doctor see how deep pigment sits and whether redness also needs attention. Your results and plan are saved in your Skin Library, so progress can be compared session by session.

Before main treatments we reinforce the barrier with ceramides and HA. The doctor then performs the laser at the settings planned for your skin, discussing comfort with you as they go. Afterwards, barrier protection care helps the skin settle.

Downtime, results and aftercare

Mild redness is common after laser treatment, and how your skin responds depends on the settings and the concern being treated. Because skin cells renew on roughly a 28-day cycle and pigment is cleared gradually, improvement usually builds over a series of sessions. Results vary from person to person.

  • Use SPF50+ daily after laser — this is essential for pigment treatment
  • Follow your pH-5.5-matched prescribed home care
  • Avoid harsh exfoliants until your doctor says otherwise

Often combined with

For melasma with redness, the doctor may combine PICOALEX with BRIGHTONE. Nobleen low-energy toning is often used for melasma maintenance between more intensive sessions. Skin boosters or Mirajet can support barrier health along the way.

Is it right for me?

Not every brown mark needs a pico laser. Superficial pigment may respond to gentler toning, and some spots need to be examined before any treatment. If a lesion looks unusual, the doctor will assess it and refer you for proper medical evaluation where needed.

For international visitors

A single PICOALEX session can fit a short stay, but pigment usually improves over several sessions, so ask the team when booking how to plan around your travel. Strict sun protection is important if you are sightseeing. The clinic is about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.

Preparing for your appointment

Pigment treatment goes most smoothly when the skin arrives calm and well protected. A few simple steps in the weeks before your visit can make a real difference.

  • Protect your skin from strong sun beforehand; recently tanned or sunburnt skin may need to wait
  • Tell the doctor about recent peels, laser treatments or strong actives such as retinoids
  • Mention any history of pigment darkening after previous treatments, so energy can be adjusted
  • For tattoos, share how old the tattoo is and whether it has been treated before
  • If you are travelling, bring a high-SPF sunscreen and a hat for the days after treatment

Not sure which pigment treatment you need? Our Mark-Vu skin analysis helps the doctor decide, and you can send photos to the team on WhatsApp before booking.

At a glance

  • Type: Picosecond pico laser
  • Layer: Epidermis to dermis (deeper pigment)
  • Used for: Deep pigment, stubborn melasma, tattoos
  • Sessions: Usually a series
  • Aftercare: SPF50+, barrier care
  • Programme: Skin Renewal — Pigment

PICOALEX: common questions

  • Can PICOALEX help with melasma?

    It may help improve stubborn melasma, especially where pigment sits deeper. Melasma needs careful, barrier-first treatment because aggressive settings can worsen it, so the doctor plans energy and frequency carefully. Results vary from person to person.

  • How many sessions will I need?

    Pigment is cleared gradually and skin renews on roughly a 28-day cycle, so a series is usually needed. The doctor will suggest a number after assessing your skin.

  • Is there downtime?

    Mild redness is common and the doctor will explain what to expect for your settings. Daily SPF50+ is essential afterwards.

  • How much does PICOALEX cost?

    It depends on the concern, area and number of sessions. Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote.

Talk to us about pigment and PICOALEX

Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.