Laser Toning Treatment: Benefits, Side Effects, Results & Cost In India

With time and increasing age, our skin loses elasticity and has wrinkles, enlarged pores, uneven texture and tone. Factors like hormonal changes, sun exposure, free radicals, genetics, pollution, and overuse of chemical-based cosmetics contribute to this declining skin quality. Hyperpigmentation due to tan, freckles, sun spots and melasma is another cause for worry. Laser toning treatment is a great solution to these skin concerns. It can reduce melanin in the skin and is useful in treating pigmentary concerns. This procedure also boosts collagen production, improves skin elasticity and texture and is useful in treating acne scars, and enlarged pores.

What Is Laser Toning?

Laser toning is an advanced dermatology procedure using a low-strength laser beam to treat multiple skin concerns. The laser beam can selectively reduce melanin accumulation and production. It can also increase collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. It is a non-invasive, mild and safe treatment for all skin tones.

Laser toning is useful for treating hyperpigmentation concerns like tan, uneven tone, freckles, melasma, and dark spots. Due to the benefits of collagen stimulation, it helps reduce fine lines, mild acne or chicken pox scars and enlarged pores. However, your dermatologist may recommend multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

How Does Laser Toning Treatment Work?

Laser toning uses Q-switched Nd:YAG laser technology that uses specific wavelengths of light. It works by heating up the melanin and breaking it down, reducing pigmentation.

This controlled heat also penetrates deeper skin layers, stimulating new collagen production, resulting in firmer, smoother skin with a more even tone.

Unlike single-pass high-fluence treatments that directly damage cells, laser toning uses a low-fluence, multi-pass technique to gradually heat and destroy melanosomes while preserving cell integrity. Laser toning can brighten and rejuvenate skin tone by its effect on melanin while also improving skin texture due to increased collagen production, thus making it a versatile tool.

Watch this video below to learn how laser toning works:

Technology Used For Laser Toning:

Laser toning employs Q-switched Nd:YAG laser technology. This technology utilises specific laser wavelengths to target and break down excess melanin in the skin without damaging the surrounding cell structures, leading to improved skin tone and texture.

Laser Toning Benefits

Laser toning has multiple skin benefits:

• Treats Uneven Skin Tone:

Laser skin toning treatment can minimise excess melanin and prevent new melanin production, thereby restoring your natural skin tone. It can minimise blemishes, acne marks and sun spots.

• Provides Long-lasting Results:

A few sessions of laser toning can improve skin quality for a long time, keeping your skin radiant and blemish-free for months to years. The skin tans less and heals quicker.

• Improves Complexion:

Acne marks, tan, and sun spots can often adversely affect your complexion. Laser toning removes these blemishes and enhances your complexion overall.

• Boosts Collagen and Elastin Production:

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that keep the skin firm, smooth and wrinkle-free. The laser can penetrate the deep layers of skin and stimulate the production of these fibres, which can reduce fine lines and make the skin toned and taut.

• Rejuvenates Dull And Tired Skin:

Laser toning treats deeper layers of the skin, without damaging the surface tissue, to turn your tired and dull skin into a refreshed and vibrant one.

• Prevents Major Side Effects:

Laser toning uses non-ablative laser technology and does not damage the upper layers of the skin, though it can offer similar benefits to ablative treatments by promoting skin renewal but without major side effects.

• Rules Out Downtime:

Laser toning involves minimal recovery time as there is no damage to the upper skin layers, and you can immediately go back to your daily routine.

• Ensures Safety For All Skin Types:

Laser toning is safe for all skin types, as it is mild and non-ablative. There is a minimal chance of any pigmentary concerns or inflammation post-procedure.

• Treats Skin Concerns Non-Surgically:

Laser toning is a non-invasive treatment. There is no inflammation or scabbing on the face post-procedure, you may have temporary redness that goes away in a few hours. Hence, it is a safe procedure that anybody can undergo.

• Increases Blood Circulation:

Laser toning can improve blood flow to the skin layers by allowing blood vessels to contract and dilate easily. This helps maintain skin health and vitality.

• Delivers Quick Results:

Laser toning sessions usually take 30 to 60 minutes, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules to safely achieve instant results.

What Are The Skin Concerns That Laser Toning Can Treat?

Laser Toning can treat many skin concerns, including the following:

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH occurs after any inflammatory lesions or injuries to the skin leading to excess melanin production. Laser toning helps reduce PIH by targeting and breaking down the excess pigment.
• Melasma: Melasma results in grey or brown patches on the skin common in women. It is difficult to treat. Targeted laser energy breaks down the excess melanin responsible for these stubborn patches, although the response may be variable.
• Freckles: Freckles are small, light brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas. Laser toning is one of the only effective treatments that can break down the pigment and reduce the tendency to have freckles as well.
• Acne Scars: Laser toning can treat multiple types of acne scars. It penetrates the dermis to break down pigmented lesions. It can also stimulate collagen production and improve mild atrophic scars. Erythematous scars also respond well.
• Rosacea: Rosacea presents with facial flushing, redness and visible blood vessels. Laser toning helps by reducing excess blood flow and inflammation.
• Pigmentation: Pigmentation concerns like age spots, brown spots, and sun spots are treatable with laser toning. The treatment targets and breaks down the excess melanin.
• Wrinkles And Fine Lines: Laser toning stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of ageing signs.
• Unwanted Tattoos: Tattoo ink of different colours breaks down into smaller particles with laser toning, which our body naturally eliminates over time.
• Birthmarks: Birthmarks like different types of nevi starting from melanocytes can lighten with laser toning. The laser breaks down the pigmented cells permanently.
• Open Pores: Laser toning reduces oil secretion and stimulates collagen to shrink pore size on the nose and cheeks.
• Photo Ageing: Sun damage can lead to ageing changes and uneven pigmentation. Laser toning helps by repairing the damage, reducing pigmentation, and improving skin texture.
• Uneven Skin Tone and Texture: Laser toning reduces pigmentary unevenness and enhances skin smoothness with collagen production.
• Smoker’s Lines: Smoker’s lines around the mouth minimise with laser toning, which stimulates collagen to reduce fine lines.
• Skin Sagging: As stated before, laser toning can stimulate collagen and elastin production in the deeper skin layers, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

What Is The Laser Toning Treatment Procedure?

Here are the three important steps of the laser toning treatment procedure:

 Before The Procedure:

Before laser toning, your dermatologist will give you a skincare regimen to prep your skin for the procedure. Apply sunscreen regularly to protect the skin from UV damage. Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. They may prescribe a topical lightening agent that you should stop using a few days before the laser therapy.

 During The Procedure:

These steps occur during the laser toning procedure:

• Skin Cleansing: A therapist will thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove excess oil, bacteria, and dirt with a gentle cleanser.
• Eye Protection: Safety goggles will shield your eyes from the laser light.
• Laser Application: The doctor will move the laser device slowly over the entire face or targeted areas. The laser beam passes through the outer skin layer and heats the dermis to stimulate collagen production. It also reduces excess blood flow and breaks down melanin to reduce abnormal pigmentation.
• Application Of Soothing Products: After the laser treatment, anti-inflammatory creams and moisturisers help calm and nourish the skin.
• Sunscreen Application: Sunscreen application is a must at the end of the session.

Post-Procedure:

You may experience slight redness and tingling in the treated area for a few hours. This is a normal reaction. Your dermatologist will provide detailed post-care instructions, which include avoiding sun exposure and applying prescribed skincare products.

Overall, laser toning is a comfortable procedure without many post-procedure hassles or downtime.

Who Is The Right Candidate To Undergo Laser Toning Treatment?

Laser toning is an excellent procedure both for its safety and efficacy in treating different skin concerns. You can opt for it if you have any of the following:

• Pigment irregularities like uneven skin tone and age spots.
• Large pores that are visible on the nose and cheeks.
• Tanned skin across different body areas.
• Acne marks and pigmented, erythematous and mild atrophic scars.
• Fine lines and wrinkles due to ageing-related changes in the skin.
• Dull skin across different body areas.

An ideal candidate would be someone with the following characteristics.

• Good Health: Important for proper healing, as the body’s physiology has to respond well to laser.
• Non-Smoker and Non-Alcoholic: Excessive smoking and alcohol intake can impair skin health and results.
• Realistic Expectations: Understanding the laser toning benefits and limitations helps ensure satisfaction with the results.

Who Should Avoid Laser Toning Treatment?

The following people should avoid laser toning:

• Pregnant or Nursing Women: The effects of laser toning on babies are unknown and might be risky.
• Active Skin Infections: Skin infections or inflammatory skin conditions on the target area should subside before laser treatment.
• Open Wounds or Lesions: Similarly, open wounds or lesions on the treatment area should heal.
• Photosensitive Conditions: People with conditions that make their skin more sensitive to light, such as lupus or porphyria, should avoid laser toning.
• Certain Medications: Individuals taking photosensitising medications may have the risk of adverse reactions.
• Heavy Smoking And/Or Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and alcohol affect skin health and can impede the healing process.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Disappointment can result from expecting perfection or immediate dramatic results.

How Much Does Laser Toning Treatment Cost In India?

The average price of laser skin toning for the face in India ranges from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 per session. Prices may vary depending on the laser technology used, the number of sessions needed, clinic location, and the type and severity of the concern treated.

This table shows the average cost for different concerns:

Concerns	Minimum Cost Per Session INR	Maximum Cost Per Session INR
Melasma	4,000	12,000
Freckles	3,000	8,000
Pigmentation	4,000	10,000
Wrinkles and Fine Lines	5,000	15,000
Tattoo Removal	5,000	20,000
Birthmarks	4,000	18,000

 

Study this table to learn the treatment costs for different body areas:

Body Area	Minimum Cost Per Session (INR)	Maximum Cost Per Session (INR)
Face	5,000	9,000
Neck	3,700	6,500
Face & Neck	6,500	10,500
Lips	2,200	3,200
Underarms	4,500	6,500
Upper Arms	5,550	8,250
Lower Arms	5,550	8,000
Chest	5,600	8,000
Abdomen	7,500	9,650
Upper Back	4,900	9,900
Upper Legs	7,650	10,250
Lower Legs	7,650	13,800
Feet	3,500	7,050
Bikini Area	5,550	7,500

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Laser Toning Treatment

There are many factors that can affect the cost of laser toning. Here are a few:

• Concern Type: Different skin concerns may need customised treatments, influencing the overall cost, e.g. melasma may need more sessions, while freckles may need extra shots at higher energies to treat.
• Severity Of The Concern: Severe skin concerns need more extensive treatment, which can increase the number of laser passes and sessions required. This may also lead to a hike in prices.
• Size Of The Target Area: Laser toning for the face or smaller areas may be less expensive than treatment for larger body areas like the full-back or full arms, which would require more time and sessions and, thus, will cost higher.
• Number Of Sessions: The total cost depends on the number of sessions needed. Multiple sessions with maintenance sessions increase the overall expense.
• Treatment Customisation: Customised treatment plans for different skin types and concerns will involve a combination of procedures or specific laser settings, which can affect the cost.
• Equipment Used: Advanced high-end lasers cost more but may offer better results and safety. It is better to use cutting-edge technology for better satisfaction.
• Location: Clinics in urban or posh areas typically charge a premium. Regional demand for cosmetic treatments can also affect pricing.
• Experience of Dermatologist: More experienced and renowned dermatologists may charge more, affecting the overall laser skin toning treatment cost.
• Clinic Facilities: Clinics offering state-of-the-art facilities, comfort, and additional services may charge higher fees as advanced medical infrastructure contributes to increased costs.
• Discount Offers: Promotions, package deals or membership discounts can reduce the treatment cost. These offers can make advanced treatments more affordable.

Laser Toning Before And After Results

Laser skin toning can give excellent results while treating multiple skin concerns. See the below images before and after laser toning to appreciate the significant improvement in skin tone and texture.

Post-Care For Laser Toning Treatment

Here are some aftercare tips that dermatologists share for laser toning treatment:

• Exercise Patience: Some redness and swelling are normal and resolve within hours to a few days.
• Apply Cold Compress: Use cold compresses or ice packs to reduce swelling and soothe irritated skin.
• Use Sun Protection: Avoid sun exposure directly after treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily throughout the day to protect from UV rays.
• Cleanse Thoroughly: Clean the treated area twice daily using gentle cleansers recommended by your dermatologists.
• Avoid Actives: Do not use products containing glycolic acid, retinoids or other actives for a few days post-treatment.
• Moisturise Deeply: Use moisturisers to maintain hydration and promote skin healing and early benefits.
• Avoid Makeup: Avoid heavy makeup for three days post-treatment
• Skip Salon Activities: Avoid facials, clean-ups and bleaching in the post-treatment phase.

Laser Toning Side Effects

Laser toning is generally a safe procedure. Like any cosmetic treatment, it can cause side effects. Some of the common laser toning side effects include:

• Burning Sensation:

Patients may experience a mild burning sensation during or after the procedure. This is due to the laser’s light energy converting into heat due to selective thermolysis.

• Rashes:

A temporary rash may develop post-treatment after the first or second sessions as the skin adjusts to the laser therapy. It resolves spontaneously in a few hours to days.

• Swelling:

Swelling typically subsides within a few hours to a few days.

• Infection:

There is a minor risk of skin infections if you do not follow proper post-care.

• Scarring:

Although rare, scarring can occur if the laser treatment is too intense or if you neglect post-procedure care, especially if the skin is prone to scarring.

• Redness:

Redness, similar to sunburn, is a common side effect and usually fades within a few hours to days.

Choose an experienced dermatologist to minimise the chance of these side effects. They can modify the procedure according to your skin type and advise proper post-treatment care.

Takeaway

Laser toning is an excellent treatment that can tackle various skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, enlarged pores, and acne scars at the same time, by using low-strength laser beams to reduce melanin and stimulate collagen production. This procedure provides multiple benefits including improved skin tone, texture, and elasticity with minimal downtime. Visit a dermatologist if you want to enrol for laser toning treatment!

Frequently Asked Questions On Laser Toning Treatment

Is Laser Skin Toning Safe?

Yes, laser toning is a very safe treatment if you follow proper pre- and post-care instructions and a qualified dermatologist performs it.

How Long Do Laser Toning Results Last?

Results from a single session of laser toning lasts for a few weeks. Multiple sessions ensure a long-lasting improvement in skin quality.

Are Laser Toning Results Permanent?

Laser toning results can be long-lasting with a few maintenance sessions.

How Many Sessions Of Laser Toning Are Needed?

Usually, at least 4-6 sessions at a gap of 4-6 weeks gap are necessary for long-lasting results.

Are Results Visible After The First Session?

Yes, you can notice an immediate improvement in the skin tone after the laser toning treatment. However, specific concerns like freckles and tattoos may take time to fade.

Does Skin Get Darker After Laser Toning Treatment?

No, the skin tone becomes lighter and the texture smoother after laser toning as the treatment has no downtime.

Does Skin Peel After Laser Toning?

No, there is no peeling of skin, as laser toning does not affect the top layers.

Can Laser Toning Lighten Skin Tone?

Yes, laser toning can remove tan and pigmentation and lighten the skin tone. However, it cannot change your genetic skin colour.

Can Laser Toning Remove Pigmentation Permanently?

Yes, laser toning can permanently remove many pigmentary concerns like acne marks, scars, freckles and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Ageing changes like sun spots may, however, recur with time.

Is There Any Downtime For Laser Toning?

No, laser toning has no downtime. You can immediately return to your daily activities. Mild redness and irritation may persist for a few hours to days.

Is Laser Toning Better Than A Chemical Peel?

Laser toning is more effective at treating wider range of pigmentary concerns like PIH, tattoos and freckles compared to chemical peels. However, chemical peels can treat certain conditions like active acne where laser toning is ineffective.

Is Laser Toning Better Than IPL?

Laser toning is a more powerful tool than IPL as it has focussed beams that can target many concerns without discomfort.

Is Laser Toning Better Than Microneedling?

Laser toning is not effective in reducing moderate to severe acne scars as they need a lot of collagen stimulation. For these scars, microneedling is better. However, microneedling does not have any effect on pigmentary concerns.

Does Laser Toning Shrink Open Pores?

Laser toning can reduce oil secretion and increase collagen to shrink enlarged pores. However, the improvement is not permanent, and maintenance sessions may be mandatory.

Is Laser Toning Very Painful?

No, laser toning is not painful. It may cause temporary stinging and heat sensation, which goes away immediately with adequate post-care.