A 1064nm / 532nm Q-switched Nd:YAG platform capable of several distinct modes, selected according to the concern being treated.
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Laser Rejuvenation
Treatment Series
Treatment Series
Hollywood Spectra Laser Toning in Seoul.
A closer look at the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser platform behind several of LOUAVE Dermatology Clinic's pigmentation and toning pages — including melasma, freckles, age spots and dark circles. The same platform runs more than one mode, from gentle low-fluence toning passes to a carbon-assisted brightening treatment, so the mode and settings used are matched to your specific concern rather than applied the same way for everyone.
This page focuses on the Hollywood Spectra platform itself. LOUAVE also publishes concern-specific pages that use this technology — including Melasma Treatment, Freckle Removal, Age Spot Removal and Dark Circle Treatment — along with PicoPlus Pigmentation Treatment for readers comparing laser platforms.
Platform Overview
Low-fluence toning for diffuse pigment, a carbon-assisted brightening mode, and a higher-fluence mode for discrete pigmented lesions.
A single carbon peel session can refresh tone before an event, while pigment-toning modes are usually delivered as a multi-session course.
The doctor selects the mode and settings for your specific goal at consultation, rather than applying one standard setting to every patient.
Understanding The Platform
One laser, several distinct ways it's actually used.
Hollywood Spectra is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser platform, running at two wavelengths (1064nm and 532nm) that behave differently in skin. The 1064nm wavelength penetrates more deeply and is generally used for toning passes and deeper pigment, while 532nm sits closer to the surface and suits finer, superficial spots.
The same machine also supports a carbon-assisted mode. A thin layer of carbon lotion is applied to the skin, and low-fluence passes over it produce a gentle exfoliating, pore-refining effect often marketed as a "Hollywood Peel" — a different goal from pigment-targeting toning, even though it uses the same laser.
Because one platform can be used several different ways, the mode and settings are chosen at consultation based on what's actually being treated — diffuse pigment like melasma, discrete spots like freckles or age spots, periorbital pigment, or general tone and pore refinement without a specific pigment target.
Hollywood Spectra is not the only laser platform LOUAVE uses for pigmentation. PicoPlus, a picosecond system, is considered separately for pigment that responds better to picosecond pulses or has not fully responded to Q-switched toning — that comparison is made individually, not assumed in advance.
Match the mode to the goal, not the other way round.
The mode, wavelength and fluence used in your session follow from what's being treated — pigment type, depth and area — rather than a single default setting applied to every patient.
Toning Mode
Carbon Peel Mode
Targeted Pigment Mode
The Four Modes, Explained
Mode 01
Mode 02
Mode 03
Mode 04
Same laser, four different ways it gets applied.
During consultation, the doctor reviews the concern being treated and proposes one or more of the modes below — sometimes a single mode across a course, sometimes a combination planned together.
Low-Fluence Toning
Gentle, low-energy passes repeated across a course, used for diffuse pigment such as melasma, freckles, age spots and periorbital pigment.
Carbon Peel (Hollywood Peel)
A thin carbon lotion is applied before low-fluence passes, giving a gentle exfoliating, pore-refining glow effect rather than targeting a specific pigment spot.
Targeted Pigment Mode
A higher-fluence, more focused pass for a discrete pigmented lesion, used where a single spot needs more direct attention than broad toning.
Selected Tattoo-Ink Fragmentation
The same Q-switched wavelengths can fragment certain tattoo inks, considered separately and only after a dedicated tattoo-specific consultation.
What Hollywood Spectra Is Used For
Concerns matched to a mode, not treated identically.
The concerns below give a sense of how this platform is applied at LOUAVE. Each concern has its own dedicated page with condition-specific detail — this page focuses on the underlying technology shared across them.
Diffuse, Symmetrical Pigment Patches
Broader patches such as melasma are treated with a staged, low-fluence toning course rather than a single aggressive pass.
Low-Fluence Toning ModeDiscrete Spots — Freckles & Age Spots
Genetically-driven freckles and sun-related age spots are treated with toning or, where a spot is more isolated, a more targeted pass.
Toning or Targeted ModePeriorbital Pigment — Dark Circles
Confirmed pigmented dark circles are treated with conservative, thin-skin-aware toning settings distinct from other facial areas.
Conservative Toning ModeDull Tone & Enlarged Pores
Where there's no specific pigment target and the goal is a brighter, more refined complexion, the carbon peel mode is considered instead.
Carbon Peel ModeIsolated Pigmented Lesions
A single, well-defined pigmented spot may respond better to a more focused, higher-fluence pass than broad toning.
Targeted Pigment ModeSelected Tattoo Ink
Certain tattoo ink colors can respond to Q-switched wavelengths; this is assessed and planned entirely separately from pigmentation toning.
Tattoo Consultation Only Treatment Philosophy
Choose the mode deliberately, not the same setting for everyone.
Because one platform can be used several different ways, the approach begins with matching mode and settings to the concern in front of the doctor, rather than running one standard protocol for every patient.
Mode Selected at Consultation
Pigment pattern, depth, skin type and treatment goal are reviewed together before a mode — toning, carbon peel, or targeted pigment — is proposed, rather than defaulting to one setting.
Concern reviewed before mode is chosen
No default or one-size setting
Individualised, not formulaic
Skin type and history reviewed before treatment
Preferred focus: mode-matched, realistic planning
Low-Fluence Where That's the Safer Path
For diffuse or delicate-area pigment, lower-energy passes repeated over a staged course are preferred over one aggressive session, reducing the risk of rebound pigmentation.
Sessions spaced to suit the concern
Reviewed before further sessions
Settings adjusted rather than escalated by default
Additional sessions expected for established pigment
Assessment focus: deliberate, staged toning
Honest About What One Platform Can't Do
Hollywood Spectra is not the right tool for every pigment pattern, every tattoo, or every structural concern. Where a picosecond system, a different device, or a non-laser option like filler would serve you better, that's discussed openly.
Realistic expectations set upfront
Not presented as a fix for every concern
Referral to other options discussed openly
Individual results still vary
Safety focus: honest expectation-setting
LOUAVE Treatment Process
A structured plan built around the right mode for you.
The process below applies across Hollywood Spectra's different modes, from initial concern review through to mode selection, sessions, and ongoing course planning.
Consultation & Concern Review
The doctor examines the pigment pattern, skin type and treatment goal to determine which of the platform's modes is actually appropriate.
Concern-first assessmentMode & Settings Selection
Wavelength, fluence and whether carbon lotion is used are set based on the chosen mode, along with an approximate session count.
Mode-specific planningTreatment Session(s)
Passes are delivered according to the selected mode — a single carbon peel session, or a spaced toning course for pigment concerns.
Mode-appropriate deliveryProgress Review & Course Planning
Response is reviewed after each session, with further sessions or a mode change planned based on how the area is responding.
Ongoing progress review Results & Development
Day 0
Days 1–3
Weeks 3–4
Ongoing
What to expect depends on the mode used.
A carbon peel session tends to give a visible, same-day brightening effect with minimal downtime, while pigment-toning modes build gradually over a staged course. Both are reviewed against the timeline the doctor sets out at consultation, since expectations differ by mode.
Treatment session
Passes are delivered according to the selected mode; mild redness or, for carbon peel, some warmth is common immediately afterward.
Immediate effects settle
Redness and any mild flaking typically settle within a few days; carbon peel's brightening effect is often visible from this point.
Review & next session, if planned
For toning courses, response is reviewed at the next visit and settings adjusted before the following session.
Course completion & maintenance
Once a toning course is complete, sun protection helps preserve results; carbon peel is sometimes repeated periodically for maintenance.
International patients planning a multi-session toning course should discuss a realistic schedule with the clinic, since sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart.
Suitability & Screening
Suitability is confirmed through an honest health review.
Treatment may be modified, delayed or declined when certain health factors are present, or when your concern is better addressed with a different platform or approach.
Hollywood Spectra may be discussed when:
- You have a pigmentation concern — diffuse, discrete or periorbital — or want a general brightening, pore-refining treatment.
- You're able to attend the sessions the chosen mode requires, whether that's a single carbon peel or a multi-session toning course.
- Your skin has not had a recent aggressive laser, peel or procedure that could increase treatment risk right now.
- You understand that pigment-toning modes work gradually and results build over a course, not in one session.
- You accept that some concerns may be better matched to a different platform, such as PicoPlus, or a non-laser option.
Tell the doctor before treatment about:
- Pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Current or recent use of isotretinoin, hormonal medication, or other photosensitising drugs.
- A history of keloid scarring, cold sores, or active skin infection in the treatment area.
- Recent sun exposure, tanning, or a tendency to tan or scar easily, particularly if a carbon peel or targeted pigment mode is being considered.
- Any previous laser, light-based, or tattoo-removal treatment in the area, including outcomes and whether pigmentation worsened afterward.
Aftercare
Simple care, matched to the mode used.
Follow the specific instructions provided by the treating doctor after each session, since aftercare details differ slightly between toning, carbon peel and targeted pigment modes.
Strict Daily Sun Protection
Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily and limit direct sun exposure, both while healing and afterward, to protect results across every mode.
Keep Skincare Gentle for a Few Days
Avoid strong actives, exfoliants or fragranced products on the treated area until any mild redness or flaking has fully settled.
Don't Pick at Flaking Skin
Mild flaking after a carbon peel or toning pass should be left to shed naturally — picking can affect how evenly pigment clears.
Attend the Review Visit
Attend the follow-up review so the doctor can confirm healing and decide whether a further session or a mode change is appropriate.
Safety Information
General information, not a substitute for consultation.
This page provides general educational information about the Hollywood Spectra laser platform. It does not replace an individual medical consultation, and effects, recovery and suitability vary between patients and between modes.
Seek prompt attention for:
- Pigment that appears markedly darker or more widespread than expected in the weeks after a session, rather than gradually lightening.
- Blistering, crusting, or open skin breakdown at the treated area, beyond expected mild redness or flaking.
- Signs of infection, including increasing pain, warmth, discharge or fever at the treated area.
- Persistent burning, unusual pain, or textural change that does not settle within the expected timeframe for the mode used.
- Any allergic reaction to the carbon lotion or other topical products used as part of the treatment, such as significant redness, swelling or itching.
Any sign that the treated area is not healing as expected should be reported to the clinic promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled review. Adjusting the mode or settings for future sessions is often the right response to protect the skin's long-term outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Hollywood Spectra platform.
Mode selection, session count, expected timelines and combination planning are confirmed during consultation.
What is Hollywood Spectra?
Hollywood Spectra is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser platform running at two wavelengths (1064nm and 532nm). At LOUAVE it's used across several toning and pigmentation pages, since one machine can be run in several different modes.
Is the treatment the same for every concern?
No. The doctor selects a mode — low-fluence toning, carbon-assisted peel, or targeted pigment — and settings based on what's actually being treated. It is not applied the same way for every patient or every concern.
What is the "Hollywood Peel" and how is it different from toning?
The Hollywood Peel uses the same laser with a carbon lotion applied first. Low-fluence passes over the carbon give a gentle exfoliating, pore-refining glow effect, aimed at general tone and texture rather than a specific pigment spot.
How many sessions are usually needed?
It depends on the mode. A carbon peel is often done as a single session or occasional maintenance visits, while pigment-toning modes are typically delivered as a multi-session course spaced weeks apart.
Does Hollywood Spectra treatment hurt?
Most patients describe brief pulses similar to light snapping sensations. Numbing is not usually required given the short treatment time, though sensitivity can vary by area and mode.
What is the downtime after treatment?
Downtime is typically minimal across modes — mild redness or light flaking for a few days is common, and most patients return to normal activities the same or next day.
Can Hollywood Spectra remove tattoos?
The same Q-switched wavelengths can fragment certain tattoo inks, but this is assessed and planned through a dedicated tattoo-specific consultation, separate from pigmentation toning, since ink color and depth affect the approach significantly.
Is Hollywood Spectra the same as PicoPlus?
No. Hollywood Spectra is a Q-switched laser, while PicoPlus is a picosecond system. Both can treat pigmentation, and which one is proposed depends on the specific pigment pattern and how it's expected to respond, confirmed individually at consultation.
How soon are results visible?
Carbon peel brightening is often visible within a few days of a single session. Pigment-toning results build more gradually, typically becoming noticeable over several sessions of a staged course.
Can Hollywood Spectra treatment be combined with other treatments?
Yes. It's often planned alongside other skin-care or laser treatments, or sequenced with a different platform where that better suits the concern. Combination planning is confirmed together at consultation.
International Appointment
Plan your Hollywood Spectra treatment around the right mode for you.
Share close-up photos of the area you'd like addressed, whether your goal is pigment-specific or general brightening, any previous laser or peel treatments, preferred appointment dates and your Seoul travel schedule. Since some modes are single-session and others need a course spaced weeks apart, the doctor will help confirm a schedule that fits your trip.
Important treatment information
This page provides general educational information about the Hollywood Spectra laser platform and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Hollywood Spectra runs several distinct modes — low-fluence toning, carbon-assisted peel, and targeted pigment — and the mode, wavelength and fluence used affect both expected results and recovery; not every mode or concern responds the same way, and some pigment patterns or tattoo inks may respond better to a different platform. Treatment must be planned by an appropriately experienced medical professional after reviewing pigment pattern, skin type, sun exposure history, previous laser or peel treatments, health history, medications, allergies and informed consent. Temporary effects may include mild redness, warmth or light flaking in the treated area, which typically settles within a few days of each session. Other possible effects include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, incomplete pigment clearance requiring further sessions, or, uncommonly, patchy lightening. Rare but serious complications include blistering, burns, infection, unexpected scarring or textural change, and allergic reactions to the carbon lotion or other topical products used during treatment or recovery. Seek prompt medical advice for pigment that becomes markedly darker or more widespread than expected, blistering or skin breakdown, signs of infection, or symptoms of a significant allergic reaction. Daily sun protection is recommended both during healing and afterward, and results, session count, onset, and long-term stability vary by individual and cannot be guaranteed.