Laser toning

Low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser · 1064 nm laser toning · QS Nd:YAG toning

Recovery: 0–1days
Pain: Mild
Sessions: About 10 sessions
Type: Non-surgical

Sessions are spaced apart, so on a short trip you may only get one.

What it is

Repeated passes of a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at low energy across the face. It is widely used in Asia for melasma and uneven pigment. A 2022 systematic review of 42 studies found it generally effective for melasma, but results vary and some studies report pigment returning within about three months after treatment ends.

Who it’s for

People with melasma or diffuse uneven pigment who can commit to a series of visits. The American Academy of Dermatology describes laser and light treatments as add-ons for people already using prescribed skin medication and daily sun protection.

How it’s done

Makeup is removed and the eyes are covered. The laser is passed over the treatment area several times at low energy, then sunscreen is applied.

Why we don’t list a price

We only show prices we can check in official public statistics, and we couldn’t find one for this treatment.
Prices vary widely by clinic, area treated, product and amount.
At the consultation, get the total price, the product and amount (mL or units) and the number of sessions in writing.

What to get in writing

Recovery

Little or no downtime; mild redness usually settles within a day. Results build gradually over a series of sessions. In one study of Korean patients, the median course was 10 sessions about one week apart.

Risks and side effects

Mottled hypopigmentation (white spots) that can persist, linked to high cumulative laser energy
Rebound darkening (hyperpigmentation) from inflammation, especially with aggressive settings or darker skin
Melasma returning after the course ends
Temporary redness after each session

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Questions to ask the clinic

Tick each one as you ask it. Ticks stay on this screen only; save this page to find the questions again.

Has a dermatologist confirmed that my pigment is melasma and not another condition?
How many sessions do you plan, how far apart, and what is the total cost?
How do you set the energy to lower the risk of white spots or rebound darkening?
Which creams or medicines should I use alongside it, and for how long?
What will you do if my pigment gets darker during the course?

Aftercare

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day and reapply outdoors
Keep using the skin-care plan your dermatologist prescribed between sessions
Tell the clinic promptly if new white or darker patches appear

Questions people ask

Does laser toning remove melasma permanently?

No. Reviews report improvement, but also recurrence after treatment stops. Most plans include long-term sun protection and maintenance.

How many sessions are usually needed?

Protocols vary. In one study of Korean patients, the median was 10 sessions about one week apart. Ask for the planned number and the total price before starting.

Can it make pigment worse?

Yes. A 2022 systematic review reported rebound hyperpigmentation with aggressive settings, especially in darker skin, and persistent white spots linked to high cumulative energy.

Sources

Facts on this page come from medical societies, public agencies and medical journals.

Information checked October 19, 2026

This is general information, not medical advice, and we don’t refer you to any clinic. We don’t list clinic names, reviews or rankings. Unnie Note is an independent publication with no ties to any clinic or booking service.

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