Pigment Toning Laser Treatment – Before and After 10 vs. 20 Sessions
This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act and was created by a medical institution operated by a board-certified dermatologist at Hev Clinic, with the consent of the patient who received treatment.
It is not intended to emphasize treatment effects or personal treatment experiences, but rather to provide general information about dermatology and aesthetic procedures.
The photos used in this post meet the following conditions:
- The same individual appears in both the before and after photos.
- The dates when the photos were taken before and after treatment are specified.
- The photos were taken under the same conditions.
This post provides various medical information, including possible side effects that may occur from the procedure. In accordance with Article 56, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 7 of the Medical Service Act, diagnoses and treatment results may vary depending on the individual, and both effects and side effects may differ from person to person.
※ This article was written directly by the director of Hev Clinic for the purpose of providing information about dermatologic and aesthetic procedures.
Why Do Clinics Recommend Pigment Lasers in “Sets” of 10 or 20 Sessions?
Have you ever wondered why so many dermatology clinics recommend toning or pigment laser treatments for melasma and dark spots in packages of 10, 20—even 30 sessions?
Today, I’ll explain the logic behind those numbers in a simple, visual way—using a real case.
Case 99: Female, Late 40s
History: She previously completed 10 toning sessions about 2 years ago.
You can see pigmentation across a wide area—the forehead, around the eyes, the front cheeks, under the jawline, and around the mouth.
At the same time, I could tell that underneath that pigment, her skin had the potential to look bright, clear, and healthy once we gradually lifted the discoloration.
For many cases of mixed pigmentation or stubborn dark spots, our clinic typically builds a program around:
- ~10 sessions of pigmentation laser
- ~10 sessions of Genesis laser
- ~10 sessions of barrier-recovery LDM
But in this case, I explained that she would likely need at least 20 sessions—and possibly up to 30. Why? Because the pigment was layered and accumulated over time, and it needs to be reduced slowly and safely, from the surface down to deeper layers.
So how do we decide, objectively, whether 10 sessions is enough… or whether you truly need 20–30 sessions? Let’s make it crystal clear.
Important note: Today’s post is based on outcomes achievable with our clinic’s laser devices, LDM regenerative laser, and programmed treatment settings.
Please don’t assume that all “pigmentation lasers” or all “10-session toning packages” produce the same results.
Pigmentation is one of the reasons dermatologists constantly study, test, compare, and share techniques. Even with devices that cost hundreds of thousands (or more), pigment treatment can be genuinely difficult.
In other words: the same premium equipment can produce very different results depending on the technique, settings, and overall treatment plan.
We often meet patients who’ve already gone through 10–20 “pico toning” sessions elsewhere with little to no visible change—and then come to us for another 10–20 sessions of truly customized pigmentation treatment.
Honestly, it’s frustrating—for the patient most of all.
What “10 Sessions” Usually Looks Like (When the Case Is Moderate)
Below are examples of average improvement after 10 sessions with our clinic’s pigmentation program.
Example 1
You can clearly see fewer spots and an overall cleaner, more even tone.
Example 2
Before: July 7, 2023 – After: October 26, 2024
These images are shared with consent and are original, unedited photos of the same person taken in the same location.
Results vary by individual. Please make sure to have a thorough consultation before treatment, including discussion of possible side effects (pigmentation changes, bruising, swelling, etc.).
Even with noticeable pigment, many patients can see meaningful progress in about 10 sessions.
For this level of pigmentation (unless it’s a very resistant type such as some birthmarks or nevi), about 10 sessions is often enough for a satisfying change.
In cases like this, 10 sessions often delivers about 80–90% satisfaction in terms of clearing and brightening.
When 10 Sessions Isn’t Enough: Heavier, Deeper Pigmentation
Now, let’s return to today’s main case.
The pigmentation around the cheekbone area is darker, and the discoloration extends down toward the chin.
There’s simply more pigment to clear—and that usually means more sessions are needed.
More pigment to “sort out” → more treatments required.
Here’s the key point many people misunderstand:
- If a patient ultimately needs 20 sessions, then after the first 10 sessions they may only look about 40–50% improved.
- If a patient ultimately needs 30+ sessions, then after the first 10 sessions they may only look about 20–30% improved.
That’s why some people feel disappointed after 10 sessions—when in reality, they’re just dealing with a case that needs a longer plan.
Real Results: 10 Sessions vs. 20 Sessions
Front View: Before vs. After 10 Sessions
Before: June 17, 2023 – After (10 sessions): August 25, 2023
These images are shared with consent and are original, unedited photos of the same person taken in the same location.
Results vary by individual. Please make sure to have a thorough consultation before treatment, including discussion of possible side effects (pigmentation changes, bruising, swelling, etc.).
Front View: Before vs. After 20 Sessions
Side View: Before vs. After 10 Sessions
Before: June 17, 2023 – After (10 sessions): August 25, 2023
These images are shared with consent and are original, unedited photos of the same person taken in the same location.
Results vary by individual. Please make sure to have a thorough consultation before treatment, including discussion of possible side effects (pigmentation changes, bruising, swelling, etc.).
Side View: Before vs. After 20 Sessions
Side View (Angle 2): Before vs. After 20 Sessions
After 10 sessions, there’s definitely improvement—but for most people to say, “Wow, that looks clearly different,” the pigment usually needs to be reduced by roughly 70% or more. That typically takes consistent sessions over time.
Comparison: Before vs. 10 Sessions vs. 20 Sessions
Before: June 17, 2023 – After (20 sessions): November 16, 2023
These images are shared with consent and are original, unedited photos of the same person taken in the same location.
Results vary by individual. Please make sure to have a thorough consultation before treatment, including discussion of possible side effects (pigmentation changes, bruising, swelling, etc.).
Clearing Pigment Is Only Half the Goal—Don’t Forget Radiance
Yes, we removed the pigmentation nicely—but healthy glow and clarity matter too.
(Glow mode) Before vs. After 20 sessions
The pigmentation improved to the point where the patient felt satisfied—and she didn’t feel the need to treat those areas further.
After receiving additional treatments at our clinic (such as Juvederm, Rejuran, Highcoux, and other skin boosters), people around her started commenting that her face looked brighter, clearer, and more refreshed.
She’s now considering continuing with skin booster treatments to maintain that glow.
And of course—if she ever feels her skin is looking dull again, she’s always welcome to come in anytime.
Thank you.
