😂 “Doctor, what’s the difference between Pico and honeycomb Pico?” — This is based on my own experience of almost going crazy trying to figure it out on my own.
Last year, I went to South Korea for the first time to undergo some cosmetic procedures, and what I really wanted to try was Pico laser treatment. But once I started searching on Google… PicoWay, PicoSure, Honeycomb Pico, Honeycomb Shuttle – so many different options that it was completely confusing. Some people on social media said that “Honeycomb Pico is extremely painful,” while others claimed that “after just one treatment, my freckles faded by 50%.” So who is telling the truth? 🤔
Later, I added WeChat contact s-sourire to inquire and then learned that the Honeycomb Pico treatment is not a standalone procedure, but rather a combination of PicoWay Pico laser technology and a honeycomb focusing lens. The function of the honeycomb lens is to divide the laser energy into many small spots, thereby reducing the area of the skin that is affected by the treatment and accelerating the recovery process. After hearing this, I immediately realized that I had spent three days researching on my own without knowing this information (laughs).
In this article, I have carefully outlined the differences between PicoWay and PicoSure, as well as their prices and post-treatment care requirements, so that you can avoid making the same mistakes I did back then.
🔬 Principle of the honeycomb Pico laser: It actually works by “breaking down melanin at extremely high speeds”
The core principle of Pico lasers is very simple: they use extremely short pulse durations (at the Pico level, 10⁻¹² seconds) to target melanin. Traditional lasers use nanosecond pulses, while Pico lasers are 1,000 times faster than them. The faster the speed, the less thermal damage is caused, and the better the results.
The “honeycomb” technology is PicoWay’s patented innovation – the Fractional Lens. It divides the laser beam into numerous tiny spots arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Since there is healthy skin between each spot, the recovery time is much shorter compared to full-face laser treatments.
📌 Understand the differences in just three seconds:
- Nanosecond lasers: They produce significant thermal effects and are prone to causing re-darkening of the skin, which has led to their gradual phasing out.
- Pico laser: The photoacoustic effect is used to break down melanin, resulting in a low rate of dark spot removal.
- Honeycomb Pico: The combination of Pico technology and honeycomb lenses enables more precise and even treatment results.
💰 Price comparison between PicoWay and PicoSure: Which option is more cost-effective in South Korea?
The prices of Pico laser treatments in South Korea range approximately from ₩80,000 to ₩250,000 (equivalent to around NT$1,800 to NT$5,600), and these prices vary depending on the clinic and the specific treatment area. Below are the reference prices for 2026 that I have compiled:
| Comparison items | PicoWay (Candela) | PicoSure (Cynosure) |
|---|---|---|
| pulse time | 300ps / 450ps | 550ps / 750ps |
| Honeycomb lens | ✅ Standard configuration from the manufacturer | Must be used in conjunction with (MLA lenses). |
| Quotation for the entire face | ₩100,000 – ₩200,000 | ₩120,000 – ₩250,000 |
| Indications | Spots, sunspots, enlarged Pores | Liver spots, pigmentation, tattoo removal |
| Recovery period | 2-3 days | 3 to 5 days |
💡 Conclusion: If the main goal is to remove freckles and shrink Pores, PicoWay offers a better cost-performance ratio (lower price + faster recovery). If you are suffering from liver spots or pigmentation issues, PicoSure offers a wider range of wavelengths, which may result in more stable outcomes. It is recommended to consult a doctor first to determine the type of spots you have.
🏥 Recommended Pico laser clinics in Seoul: A comparative review of three actual cases
When I was doing my homework in South Korea, these three Pico clinics were the most recommended by users on social media. Each of them has a different focus and pricing model:
1. Cheongdam Beauty Pleasure Dermatolo
gy
📍 Gangnam-gu, Cheongdam-dong | 🚇 8 minutes’ walk from Apgujeong Station
Cheongdam Beauty Pl
easure offers a high-end service, with all equipment being the latest models. The Pico laser used is the PicoWay Spectrum. The first consultation is free. Although the prices are on the higher side, the service and environment are top-notch. It is recommended to inquire in advance whether the “honeycomb lens” option is included in the price; some rates are for the basic service only, and adding the honeycomb lens will cost an additional ₩30,000–₩50,000.
2. THE HEAL Dermatology
📍 Yeoksam
-dong, Gangnam District / Multiple locations in Mapo District | 🚇 5-minute walk from Gangnam Station (head office)
THE HEAL is a chain
brand with several branches in Seoul. The prices are relatively affordable; a full-face Pico treatment costs approximately ₩100,000–150,000. However, the downside is that the clinics are very busy, so waiting times may be longer. It is recommended to go on a weekday morning when there are fewer people.
3. Kim Yang-ji Dermatology
📍 Nonh
yeon-dong, Gangnam-gu | 🚇 5-minute walk from Sinsa Station
Kim Yang-ji is a well-establish
ed dermatology clinic with a strong team of physicians. They have extensive experience using Pico lasers and will recommend appropriate treatment parameters based on your skin type. The prices are on the higher end; a full-face treatment costs approximately ₩130,000–180,000. They also have their own skincare brand, and you can purchase post-treatment products there as well.
💆♀️ Record of the honeycomb Pico laser facial treatment: from tension to “Is that it?”
I had my first Pico treatment at beauty pleasure in Cheongdam. The consultation process went roughly like this:
- Fill out the questionnaire (available in Chinese): allergy history, medication history, and any previous medical beauty treatments you have undergone.
- Skin examination: The nurse uses instruments to scan the face, allowing for a closer look at the distribution of spots and Pores.
- In-person consultation with a doctor: The doctor will directly identify the areas where you have issues and suggest the appropriate laser settings.
- Applying anesthetic: 30–40 minutes – ensure that the entire face is covered.
- Treatment: The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes, and a nurse is present throughout the entire process.
- Ice application after the procedure: 15 minutes, followed by the application of a repair cream.
To be honest, the pain is much less severe than I expected. I had read online that it “hurts like having a rubber band snap against your face,” so I was mentally prepared for quite a lot of pain… But is it really that bad? There is a slight stinging sensation, especially in the key areas such as the cheekbones and nose wings, but it’s completely within an acceptable range. I would estimate the pain level at about 3 out of 10.
📱 Before considering Pico treatment, you can first add WeChat ID s-sourire to consult about which type of Pico treatment is suitable for your skin condition. This way, you won’t have to go to South Korea for a face-to-face consultation only to find out that the treatment is not right for you.
⚠️ Post-treatment care after honeycomb Pico treatment: Failing to follow these instructions is equivalent to wasting the entire procedure.
The first 3 days after the Pico treatment are the most crucial. Proper care can double the effectiveness of the results:
- 🔴 Day 1: The face will turn slightly red, as if it has been sunburned, and may be slightly swollen. Apply plenty of moisturizing spray and avoid contact with water.
- 🟠 On days 2–3: Crusts begin to form and the skin starts to peel off (in very small amounts). Under no circumstances should you pick at these crusts! Apply a healing cream and use physical sun protection measures.
- 🟡 Days 4–7: Peeling is complete, and the skin begins to brighten. You can wash your face as usual, but it’s still important to continue using sunscreen.
- 🟢 Starting from the 2nd week: The effects begin to become visible, and the spots gradually fade away.
⚠️ Prevention of post-treatment dark spots: Theoretically, Pico laser has a lower rate of causing dark spots compared to traditional lasers. However, without proper sun protection, the risk of dark spots still exists. It is recommended to take th
e following measures within 1 month after the treatment:
– Use both physical and chemical sun protection methods when going out
(e.g., carry an umbrella and wear a mask);
– Drink 2
liters of water every day;
– Avoid eating spicy foods and seafood, as they may cause infl
ammation;
– Do not stay up late.
💡 My personal list of post-operative care products: Cell Fusion C Sensitive Repair Cream ₩25,000 + VT CICA Mask ₩18,000 (purchased from Olive Young) + Neogen Sunscreen ₩15,000. These three products cost approximately ₩58,000 in total, which is half the price compared to what they sell at the clinic.
🇰🇷 Preparations before undergoing Pico treatment in South Korea: What should you bring before going for a Pico treatment?
If you are considering undergoing Pico laser treatment in South Korea, it is recommended that you prepare the following items:
- 🧴 Post-treatment recovery cream: On your first day in South Korea, go to Olive Young and buy it right away – don’t wait until after the treatment (you definitely won’t want to go shopping when your face is red!).
- 😷 Masks and hats: Essential for sun protection after the procedure; they are available in convenience stores throughout South Korea.
- 📱 APP Recommendation: Papago is more accurate in translation than Google Translate, and it is actually used by local people in South Korea.
- 💳 Cash: Some smaller clinics do not accept cards; it is recommended to bring ₩50,000 to ₩100,000 in cash.
- 📸 Pre-treatment photos: It is recommended to take a photo without makeup before the in-person consultation, so that you can compare the results before and after the procedure.
💡 My experience: It’s recommended to make a list of all the post-surgery care products you need before traveling. On your first day in South Korea, go to Olive Young and buy them all at once. The Olive Young store at Seoul Gangnam Station is the largest and has the widest range of products compared to other branches. My must-buy items include the Cell Fusion C Repair Cream + VT CICA Mask + Neogen Physical Sunscreen; these three products cost approximately ₩58,000 in total.
❓ FAQ on Common Issues Related to Honeycomb Pico Treatments
Q: What is the difference between honeycomb Pico and regular Pico technology? Is it worth p
aying the extra cost?
A: The honeycomb lens ensures more even distribution of energy, resulting in a shorter recovery period of 1-2 days. If your vacation is short (3-5 days), it is recommended to opt for the honeycomb version. For longer treatment courses, the difference is not significant. The additional cost is approximately ₩30,000-50,000.
Q: Can I apply makeup immediately after having the Pico treatment for hon
eycomb skin?
A: Absolutely not within 24 hours after the procedure. It is recommended to wait at least 2–3 days before applying light makeup, and use mineral-based products. On the first day after the treatment, just applying a repair cream is sufficient.
Q: How many sessions are required for one treatment course
?
A: Generally, 3 to 5 sessions are needed, with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks between each session. In cases where the spots are more severe, 5 to 8 sessions may be required. It is recommended to complete the entire treatment course before evaluating the results; it’s not advisable to make a judgment based on just one session.
Q: Can people with sensitive skin undergo honeycomb Pico treatment?
A: It depends on
the severity of the sensitivity. People with mild sensitive skin can usually undergo the treatment, but the doctor will adjust the parameters accordingly. For those with severe sensitive skin or who are experiencing allergic reactions or inflammation, it is recommended to treat the sensitivity first before considering Pico treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience sharing. Prices and results may vary depending on individual physical conditions and the clinic providing the service. For specific treatment plans, it is recommended to consult a doctor in person.
