DM DERMATOLOGY
One-Day Whitening
ONE-DAY WHITENING
A facial brightening laser
in a single visit
One-Day Whitening is a treatment in which you receive a brightening laser for dull facial tone and blemishes in a single visit.
One-Day Whitening at DM Dermatology in Apgujeong is a facial treatment on our laser menu. In general, ‘one-day whitening’ means receiving brightening laser treatments one after another in a single visit on one day.
DM Dermatology has Laser Toning, the 532 Laser, and Cell-toning as pigment devices. We explain the devices and the order used for One-Day Whitening during your visit, after we identify the type of pigment.
‘One-day’ means you receive the treatment in one day. It does not mean that all pigment fades in one day. Changes in pigment appear gradually after treatment, and the degree and speed vary from person to person.
- Pigment diagnosis first
- Laser Toning
- 532 Laser
- Cell-toning
1visit
Brightening laser in a single visit
1064nm
Base wavelength of Laser Toning
532nm
532 Laser wavelength used for surface pigment
30+
Recommended sunscreen SPF post-treatment
CHECK
If you have these concerns
Different pigments are often mixed, so we identify the type first, before treatment.
- Case01
When your overall facial tone looks dull
Even with makeup, your complexion looks uneven and dark. - Case02
When freckles on your cheeks and nose bother you
You have many small brown spots that get darker after summer sun. - Case03
When sun-related blemishes have increased
Brown spots with clear borders have appeared on your cheeks and temples. - Case04
When it is hard to tell melasma from blemishes
You want to check first whether the blurry patches on both cheeks are melasma. - Case05
When it is hard to visit the clinic often
You want fewer visits and brightening treatment in a single visit.
PIGMENT DEPTH
The right light depends on the depth of the pigment
Laser energy absorbed by melanin pigment breaks the pigment granules into tiny pieces, and the broken pigment gradually decreases through the body's normal processes.
- EpidermisFreckles · blemishes · epidermal melasma
- Upper dermisDermal melasma · some hyperpigmentation
- Lower dermis
- Subcutaneous fat
Layers where pigment mainly sitsIdentifying the type and depth of the pigment is the starting point of treatment.
- 532 Laser · 532 nm
With its short wavelength, it is mainly used for pigment in the shallow layers of the skin. It targets surface pigment with clear borders, such as freckles or blemishes, spot by spot.
- Laser Toning · 1064 nm
A method that delivers Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light with a wide beam at relatively low energy, evenly over the whole face in several passes.
A diagram for explanation. Actual depths vary by person and area.
One-day
One visit,
a laser plan matched to your pigment
After we identify the type and depth of your pigment during your visit, you go on to brightening laser treatment on the same day. The device and intensity are adjusted as we watch your skin's response.
DEVICES
DM Dermatology's pigment devices
Laser Toning
Laser Toning
Toning applied evenly over the whole face
A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) is applied evenly over the whole face in several passes at relatively low energy. Studies describe it as mainly reducing the pigment granules built up inside pigment-producing cells, while leaving those cells in place.
- 1064nm
- Full face
- Dull tone · melasma care
532 Laser
532 Laser
Surface pigment, spot by spot
A laser with a 532 nm wavelength. Because pigment absorbs it strongly, it is mainly used for freckles, age spots, and blemishes in the surface layer of the skin.
- 532nm
- Spot by spot
- Freckles · blemishes
Cell Toning
Cell-toning
Broad-spectrum light
A device that uses broad-spectrum light from 420–800 nm. It has its own cooling mode and a sensor that measures facial temperature.
- 420~800nm
- Cooling mode
- Faint blemishes
We explain the devices and the order used for One-Day Whitening during your visit, after we identify the type of pigment. Results vary from person to person, and melasma can come back.
COMPARE
Melasma · freckles · blemishes · hyperpigmentation: how do they differ?
| Melasma | Freckles | Blemishes (solar lentigines) | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown patches that look spread symmetrically across both cheeks | Small, light brown spots | Round brown spots with clear borders | Brown marks where there was inflammation or a wound |
| Common areas | Forehead · cheeks · nose · upper lip | Nose and cheeks | Sun-exposed areas such as the face, backs of the hands, and arms | Where acne or wounds were |
| Related factors | UV and visible light, hormones (pregnancy · birth control pills), genetics | Genetics and UV. They darken in summer and fade in winter | Long-term UV exposure | Inflammation and damage to the skin |
| What to watch for in treatment | Approached carefully, as strong stimulation can make it darker | They can darken again with UV exposure | Sometimes they need to be told apart from other skin conditions | More irritation can make the marks last longer |
Several kinds of pigment are often mixed. We identify the type of pigment during your visit.
PROCESS
How One-Day Whitening proceeds
- Examination and pigment check
We look at the type and extent of pigment on your face. We check whether melasma is mixed in and whether any spots need to be told apart from other conditions.
- Explaining the treatment plan
We explain the devices to be used, the treatment area, the expected skin reactions, and the recovery process.
- Cleansing and preparation
We remove makeup and sunscreen, and you wear protective eyewear.
- Laser treatment
Treatment is done with the device and intensity adjusted to your pigment. You may feel stinging or warmth.
- Soothing and sun protection
We calm the warmth and apply sunscreen before you go home.
INFORMATION
Treatment info
- Treatment area
- Face
- Procedure time
- Varies by person and treatment plan. We tell you the exact time during the consultation.
- Numbing
- Whether to use numbing cream is decided based on the treatment plan and your sensitivity to pain.
- Recovery
- Generally, redness and mild swelling appear right after treatment and then settle. Small scabs may form where pigment was targeted spot by spot.
- Recommended sessions
- Several sessions may be needed, depending on the type and depth of pigment. Laser Toning is generally done in several sessions 1–2 weeks apart.
- Keeping results
- Melasma, freckles, and blemishes can come back or darken with UV exposure, so continuing sun protection after treatment is important.
Caution
After One-Day Whitening,
please follow these steps
Sun protection is the basis for keeping results and preventing hyperpigmentation.
- 01Apply sunscreen every day
Apply a product with SPF 30 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB 15 min before going out. Outdoors, reapply every 2 hours and after sweating.
- 02Use a hat and sunbrella too
Sunscreen alone cannot block all sunlight. Reduce the sun that reaches your face with a wide-brimmed hat or a sunbrella.
- 03Gentle cleansing and moisturizing
Wash with lukewarm water without rubbing, then apply moisturizer.
- 04Do not pick scabs
If small scabs form, leave them until they fall off on their own. Removing them by force can leave hyperpigmentation or scars.
- 05Reduce skin irritation
Until your skin calms down, pause scrubs, exfoliants, peeling products, and saunas. Follow our medical staff's guidance on when to restart.
- 06Contact us about unusual reactions
Contact the clinic if redness lasts a long time, blisters form, or the color gets darker instead of lighter.
- Right after treatment, redness, swelling, warmth, or stinging may occur. These are usually temporary, but how long they last varies from person to person.
- Scabs may form where pigment was targeted spot by spot, and blisters or scars may rarely occur.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, in which the color gets darker after treatment, may occur. It is more likely in darker skin or with a lot of sun exposure after treatment.
- Melasma is a pigment that is sensitive to stimulation. Highly stimulating treatments can make melasma darker or bring it back, so we set the intensity and interval carefully.
- There are reports that frequent Laser Toning at short intervals can cause scattered white patches (mottled hypopigmentation) that may last a long time.
- Some brown spots may be other skin conditions. Spots that change in shape or color are examined first, before treatment.
- Tell our medical staff before treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take a medicine that makes you sensitive to sunlight, have recently sunburned skin, have inflammation or a wound in the treatment area, or get cold sores often.
Results and recovery vary from person to person with skin condition and type of pigment.
DM DOCTOR
A board-certified dermatologist first checks
the type and depth of your pigment
After checking whether pigment that is sensitive to stimulation, such as melasma, is mixed in, we choose the device and intensity.
Dr. Shin Young-ik Medical Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist
- M.S., Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
- Full Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Clinical Fellowship in Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), USA
DM DERMATOLOGY
Related treatments
FAQ
01What is One-Day Whitening?
It is a treatment in which you receive a brightening laser for dull facial tone and blemishes in a single visit. We explain the devices and the order used during your visit, after we identify the type of pigment.
02Does One-Day Whitening hurt? Will I be numbed?
During treatment, you may feel a sting like a snapping rubber band, or warmth; how much varies from person to person. Whether to use numbing cream is decided based on the treatment plan and your sensitivity to pain. We explain the numbing method after an examination. If it stings a lot or feels very hot during treatment, tell us right away.
03How long does One-Day Whitening take?
With One-Day Whitening, the examination, pigment check, laser treatment, and soothing care all happen in one visit. Treatment time varies with the devices used and the treatment area. If numbing cream is used, time to apply it and wait is added. We tell you the exact time after an examination.
04Is there downtime after One-Day Whitening? Can I wear makeup right away?
Usually, redness and mild swelling appear right after treatment and then settle; how long this takes varies from person to person. Small scabs may form where pigment was targeted spot by spot; leave them until they fall off on their own. Until your skin calms down, pause scrubs, exfoliants, peeling products, and saunas. When you can start washing your face and wearing makeup depends on the treatment plan, so we tell you after an examination.
05How many One-Day Whitening sessions do I need?
It depends on the type and depth of pigment and on your skin's response. Blemishes in the shallow layer sometimes fade with few sessions. Laser Toning is usually done in several sessions 1–2 weeks apart. At DM Dermatology, we tell you the number of sessions and the interval after an examination.
06Can I get One-Day Whitening together with other treatments?
Aqua Glow Injection and Calming Care differ from One-Day Whitening in purpose and method, and they are sometimes planned together depending on your skin. If melasma is mixed in, topical or oral medicine may also be used. Whether to have them on the same day or on separate days is decided after an examination, based on your skin.
07Will one session of One-Day Whitening clear all my melasma and blemishes?
‘One-day’ means you receive the treatment in a single visit. It does not mean that all pigment disappears at once. Pigment that tends to come back, such as melasma, may need several treatments and consistent sun protection.
08How is Laser Toning different from One-Day Whitening?
Laser Toning is one method that applies a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser evenly over the whole face at relatively low energy. One-Day Whitening is the name of a brightening treatment received in a single visit. Whether it includes Laser Toning, and its specific components, are confirmed during the consultation.
09How can I tell melasma from blemishes?
Melasma is a blurry patch spread symmetrically across both cheeks, and it is affected by UV and hormones. Blemishes usually means brown spots with clear borders caused by sun exposure. The two are sometimes mixed, so we confirm with an examination before treatment.
10Can I get One-Day Whitening if I have melasma?
Melasma can get darker with strong stimulation, so if you have melasma, we set the intensity and interval of treatment carefully. Topical and oral medicines are also used for melasma care, and which approach suits you is decided after an examination.
11Can I get a brightening laser in summer?
How well you can block UV after treatment matters more than the season. If you will have a lot of outdoor activity, discuss the timing of treatment with our medical staff.
12How is One-Day Whitening at DM Dermatology in Apgujeong different from Vitamin Care?
One-Day Whitening is a treatment on our laser menu, and Vitamin Care is a care program on our aesthetic menu. We explain what each includes and how they differ in detail during the consultation.
CONSULTATION
Consultation comes first
Before any treatment is chosen, a board-certified dermatologist checks your skin in person.
DM Dermatology, 4F, 579-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m. 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Weekdays
- am 10:00 - pm 07:00
- Saturday
- am 10:00 - pm 04:30
- Lunch break
- pm 01:00 - pm 02:00
- Sun & holidays
- By appointment only
- Subway
3Apgujeong StationExit 5
Walk straight for 50 m · 2 min on foot · 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Bus
Apgujeong Station Exit 4 · Exit 32310523429
Blue bus147 · 148 · 240 · 463 · 343Green bus4211
Kwanglim Church · Hyundai High School2310323104
Blue bus143 · 240 · 345 · 472Green bus3011 · 4312 · 4318
- By car
Search in your navigation app158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu디엠피부과의원
Use the building’s underground parking · Parking available in the building
