Complete prices for Pico laser treatments in South Korea in 2026 | Costs for full-face, partial areas, and various models – actual prices from Gangnam Clinic

To be honest, when I first started researching Pico lasers, all those articles filled with “professional analyses” really confused me—there were so many different models, with prices varying dramatically, and what one clinic said was completely different from what another claimed. In the end, I simply made several trips to Gangnam and talked to consultants one by one before I finally managed to understand the situation.

In this article, I will clearly outline the pitfalls I have encountered, the actual costs involved, and the logic behind choosing the right model. Without further delay, let’s get straight to the point.

What is a Pico laser? How is it different from a Q-switched laser?

In simple terms, Pico lasers are essentially “faster pulsed lasers”. Previous Q-switched lasers operated at the nanosecond (ns) range, while Pico lasers have their pulse duration reduced to the Pico second level – this means they are 1,000 times faster, cause less thermal damage to the skin, and are more efficient at removing freckles.

Specific differences:

• Q-switched laser: It is inexpensive and suitable for treating dark spots, but it results in a longer postoperative redness period and carries the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
• Pico laser: It offers faster recovery, can treat a wider range of skin pigmentation issues, and provides more comprehensive benefits for rejuvenating the entire face, but the cost is relatively higher.

If you just want to remove one or two small moles, Q-switched laser treatment is sufficient. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive improvement in your skin’s condition – such as treating freckles, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and Pores – then Pico laser treatment is worth considering.

What are the mainstream models of Pico lasers in South Korea in 2026?

I have encountered this problem before: devices labeled as “Pico laser” actually use completely different wavelengths, probes, and technologies, resulting in varying effects. Don’t let the common name confuse you.

Model name	Brand/Manufacturer	Main wavelength	Indications	Characteristics
Enlighten III (Pico for Medical Aesthetics)	Cutera (USA)	532nm / 1064nm	Removal of various types of pigmentation spots and tattoos, as well as uneven skin tone	Dual wavelengths and high speed make it ideal for treating difficult-to-treat skin pigmentation spots.
PicoWay	Syneron Candela (Israel)	532nm / 730nm / 785nm / 1064nm	Intractable pigmentation spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation	Its four wavelengths provide wide coverage, making it particularly effective in treating freckles and nevus of Ota.
PicoSure	Cynosure (USA)	532nm / 755nm / 1064nm	Freckles, sunspots, and youthful skin	The 755nm wavelength is particularly effective in treating superficial spots and is commonly used for rejuvenating the skin across the entire face.
PICOPLUS	Lutronic (South Korea)	532nm / 595nm / 660nm / 1064nm	Skin pigmentation, vascular lesions, Pores, and tender skin	South Korean local brands offer excellent value for money and are widely used in many clinics.
Discovery Pico	Quanta System (Italy)	532nm / 694nm / 1064nm	Various types of skin pigmentation spots and youthful skin	Using a 694nm ruby wavelength, it achieves a unique effect on blue-black spots.

To be honest, the difference between different models actually isn’t very significant when performed by experienced doctors. What really makes a difference are the doctor’s technique and the settings used for the treatment. Therefore, choosing the right clinic is far more important than selecting a particular model of equipment.

Actual costs of Pico laser treatments at Gangnam Clinic in 2026

The following are the actual prices quoted by major Gangnam clinics that I have compiled (based on 2026 market trends, including quotes from consultants as well as information publicly available on clinic websites). Note: For the same clinic, there can be a significant difference in prices between partial treatments and full-face treatments; therefore, do not assume that the price for a partial treatment is equivalent to the cost of a full-face treatment.

Project type	Model	Cost range (Korean won)	Agreed amount in RMB (for reference only)	Remarks
Local pigmentation spots (single spots/small areas)	PicoSure / PICOPLUS	30,000 to 100,000 ₩	Approximately ¥160 to ¥550	Charged based on the number of spots; small moles start at 20,000 to 30,000 won each.
Half of the face (Forehead or the lower half of the face)	Enlighten III / PicoSure	150,000 to 250,000 ⩽	Approximately ¥820 to ¥1,380	Consultants have different opinions; it is important to pay attention to the definition of “area”.
Full-face rejuvenation (low-energy scanning)	PICOPLUS / PicoSure	250,000 to 450,000 ⩺	Approximately ¥1,380 to ¥2,480	Full-face scanning with pore improvement function
Comprehensive treatment for facial pigmentation spots	Enlighten III / PicoWay	400,000 to 800,000 ⩺	Approximately ¥2,200 to ¥4,400	For areas with multiple concentrated spots, it is recommended to undergo the treatment 2 to 4 times.
Intractable pigmented spots (nevus of Ota/mongolian spots)	PicoWay 1064nm	600,000 to 1.5 million ₩	Approximately ¥3,300 to ¥8,250	Typically, multiple treatment sessions are required; it is recommended to consult in advance to determine the exact number of sessions needed.
Tattoo removal (full color/black)	Enlighten III / PicoWay	From 200,000 to over 2 million ⩩	The pricing varies significantly depending on the display area.	Colored tattoos are more expensive than monochromatic ones; the cost doubles when the area covered exceeds the size of a palm.

There was one thing I didn’t anticipate back then: many clinics’ quotes for “full-face skin rejuvenation” actually refer to low-energy “tone-up” treatments, which do not include targeted treatment for pigmentation spots. If you want to undergo both skin rejuvenation and spot removal at the same time, the additional costs will be separately charged. It is essential to clarify this during the consultation; otherwise, you might discover that the fees are different upon arrival at the clinic, which can be very frustrating.

How many sessions of Pico laser treatment are required to see results?

I asked three different clinics about this, and the answers were basically the same:

• Softening the skin across the entire face: It takes at least 2 to 3 treatments, with each treatment spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, in order to see noticeable results.
• Superficial pigmentation spots (freckles, sunspots): Usually, 1 to 2 treatments are sufficient to reduce their appearance, but they tend to recur, so it is important to protect the skin from the sun.

深層色斑（肝斑、太田母斑）：最難治，普遍需要4次以上，有些人要8～10次以上

To put it simply, Pico laser treatment cannot be completed in just one session. If a clinic claims that “one treatment will solve the problem completely”, you should be skeptical. This is especially true in the case of liver spots – these are really difficult to treat, and the treatment plan needs to be determined by a doctor. Just because a treatment is expensive does not mean it is effective.

What should be noted during the postoperative recovery period?

On the day I underwent the full-face rejuvenation treatment, my face remained red for about 2 hours. After applying cold compresses in the hotel, the redness subsided almost completely. However, the following points must be taken into consideration:

• Strict sun protection for 1 week after the procedure: This is a fundamental requirement. Going out in the sun without any sun protection is simply pointless. It is recommended to use SPF50+ sunscreen, along with a sun hat or mask.
• For 3 days after the procedure, avoid any products that exfoliate the skin: refrain from using fruit acids, retinol, or chemical peels for the time being.
• After the procedure, it is not advisable to visit saunas or hot springs: heat can cause the pigmentation to react, especially in cases of skin with spots or discolorations. Special attention should be paid in these situations.
• The spots will first darken before fading away; this is a normal reaction known as the “crusting response.” Do not pick at them; let them fall off naturally.
• For dark spots, it is recommended to avoid excessive sweating 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure: sweating can interfere with the healing process and affect the results.

A mistake I made: On the second day after the procedure, thinking everything was fine, I went out shopping without taking any sun protection measures. As a result, the areas where the spots were located turned slightly red. Although those rednesses eventually disappeared, it certainly affected the recovery process.

What factors do I consider when choosing a clinic?

To be honest, there are simply too many Dermatology clinics in Gangnam, South Korea—just in the areas of Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong alone, there are dozens of them. How to choose one? My own criteria are as follows:

• Does the doctor hold a specialized license in Dermatology? The medical aesthetics market in South Korea is quite chaotic; many “skin care clinics” operated by doctors who are not specialists in Dermatology are also using Pico technology, but the results and safety levels are significantly inferior. It is essential to find a clinic that displays a license indicating specialization in Dermatology.
• During the consultation, did the doctor personally assess your condition? In some clinics, it is the consultant who handles the entire process, with the doctor only appearing for a brief 2-minute consultation before the treatment begins. A good clinic will ensure that the doctor personally examines your skin before the procedure and determines the appropriate energy settings for the treatment.
• Is it necessary to clarify the number of treatment sessions and the expected results? An honest doctor will tell you “This type of spot probably requires several treatments” instead of simply claiming that “one session will be enough.”
• Is there a follow-up mechanism after the procedure? Reputable clinics will ask you to send photos showing your recovery progress a few days after the surgery, or assign a consultant to monitor your recovery.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q: Will Pico laser treatments make the face thinner with each treatment?

This is a concern that many people have on the Internet. To put it simply, Pico lasers work by restructuring the pigments and Collagen in the dermis without damaging the thickness of the skin. On the contrary, after multiple treatments, the increase in Collagen production can actually improve the quality of the skin. However, if the energy level is set too high or if proper post-treatment care is not provided, it is possible to cause excessive irritation. Therefore, it is very important to choose an experienced doctor.

Q: Can I immediately undergo other treatments after having a Pico treatment?

It is generally recommended to wait at least 4 weeks before undergoing any other laser or glow treatments. In the case of hyaluronic acid injections, they can be performed 2 weeks after a Pico treatment, but this should be determined based on the assessment of the doctor at the clinic. It is not advisable to combine multiple treatments on the same day.

Q: What are the differences between undergoing Pico treatment in Taiwan/China and going to South Korea for it?

The main differences lie in the types of equipment used and the experience of the doctors. Dermatology clinics in South Korea generally use the latest models of equipment, and doctors there handle a large number of cases every day, which allows them to have greater precision in controlling the intensity of treatments. In terms of prices, after conversion, the cost in South Korea may not necessarily be lower than that in Taiwan. However, if other treatment options are combined, the overall cost-effectiveness is significantly higher.

In conclusion: Is it worth visiting South Korea for Pico laser treatments in 2026?

To be honest, if you already have a trip to South Korea planned, or if you have other treatments scheduled, Pico laser treatment is definitely worth adding to your schedule. This is because South Korean clinics offer a wide range of laser devices, and the doctors there are generally very skilled at performing such procedures.

However, if you travel specifically for the Pico laser treatment, you need to carefully calculate the total cost of the air ticket, accommodation, and treatment itself. The cost of a full-face rejuvenation treatment ranges from 250,000 to 450,000 Korean won (approximately ¥1,380 to ¥2,480) per session. When adding in the expenses for transportation and accommodation, the total cost may not actually be cheaper than staying in Taiwan.

The most important thing to remember is this: Choosing the right doctor is more crucial than selecting the right model of device. Only by properly protecting your skin from the sun after the procedure will the results truly become visible.

If you want to find out which clinic is the right fit for your skin type and budget, simply schedule a consultation using the form below, and a specialist will help you make the right choice.