column (e.g. in newspaper)
2025.10.06
The season for spot removal is here! Which treatment is best for your spots? We'll compare and explain each procedure.
My journey into aesthetic medicine stems from a desire to help enrich and beautify lives beyond simply treating illness. My specialties include hyaluronic acid, Botox, and thread lifts. I provide treatments that enhance each individual's unique qualities and bring out an elegant, natural beauty. For concerns around the eyes that are difficult to improve with dermatology alone, I also perform surgical procedures. By integrating dermatology and surgery, I holistically balance the entire face. With three periods of overseas study, I am also able to provide consultations in English.
Hello!
I am Ayuri Yokoyama, a plastic surgeon and cosmetic dermatologist.
Introduction
When you want to remove dark spots, cosmetic medicine offers a variety of options.
From device-based treatments like PicoSpot and Lumecca to oral medications, topical treatments, and IV drips.
There are many options, so
"So which one works best?"
"I don't know which machine is right for me."
Many people probably struggle with this, don't they?
Based on my experience examining the skin of over 20,000 people, I will explain the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each treatment.
picot
・MechanismUsing a picosecond laser, we target the melanin pigment responsible for dark spots.Pinpoint destruction。
・Adaptation: Senile lentigines (solar lentigines), freckles, ADM (Acquired Dermal Melanocytosis), etc.
・Benefits：Completed in one sessionThere is a possibility that it may occur.
・Disadvantages：Risk of downtime and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)Yes. Post-treatment care is important.
・GuidelineStarting at tens of thousands of yen per session. UV protection is essential for preventing PIH, and daily care is crucial for preventing recurrence.
Lumecca (IPL)
・MechanismA type of light therapy (IPL),Not only dark spots, but also redness and poresApproach.
・AdaptationWidespread faint spots, freckles, dullness, and redness.
・Benefits：Short downtimeComprehensive treatment for the entire skin is possible.
・Disadvantages: Spots won't disappear in one treatment. Not suitable for melasma or ADM.
・GuidelineApproximately tens of thousands of yen per session, 3 to 5 times.
Oral medications (tranexamic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, etc.)
・Mechanism：Melanin production inhibition,Antioxidant effectPrevention of dark spots caused by.
・AdaptationLiver spots, prevention of dark spots, and suppression of recurrence after laser treatment.
・Benefits：Works on the entire body and is easy to continue.
・Disadvantages：It does not have immediate effects,Long-term use is required.Rarely, risk of thrombosis (tranexamic acid).
・Guideline: Several thousand yen per month.
Topical (Hydroquinone and Tretinoin Therapy)
・Mechanism：
Hydroquinone → Inhibits melanin production
Tretinoin → Promotes skin turnover, expels existing melanin
・Adaptation：Mild pigmentation, melasma, maintenance and recurrence prevention after laser treatment.
・Benefits：Can be done at homeNot applicable to laserEffective for melasma。
・Disadvantages：Redness, peeling, and other downtime effectsYes. Using it on your own is dangerous.
・Guideline: Several thousand yen per month.
IV Drip (High-Concentration Vitamin C, Glutathione, etc.)
・MechanismAntioxidant effects and melanin production inhibition.
・AdaptationFor those seeking to improve overall dullness and recover from fatigue.
・BenefitsImmediate nutritional support.Skin whitening + Health maintenanceEffect.
・DisadvantagesIt's not possible to remove the spot itself with pinpoint accuracy.
・Guideline: 5,000 to 15,000 yen per session.
Comparison Summary
Summary
・"I want to get rid of dark spots as soon as possible" → Pico Spot
・"I want to improve the overall appearance of my skin" → Lumecca
・"Liver spot treatment" and "prevention" → From oral and topical medications
・For "Health + Whitening" purposes → IV drip
👉 What matters is"Combining treatments according to the type of spot and the desired outcome"。
At Bianca, we accurately diagnose skin condition using a skin diagnostic device,
We offer customized treatment plans tailored to each individual.
If you're interested, please feel free to come in for a consultation. We warmly welcome you even if you just want counseling.
Reservations can be made here.
Complete your reservation in 60 seconds ▶︎
https://reservation.medical-force.com/b/d7bb811e-ebd5-4b93-93f8-588864b24f15
【Profile】
Plastic Surgeon/Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Ayuri Yokoyama
Japan's Leading Clinic for Beauty and Health Regenerative Medicine｜BIANCA CLINIC GINZA/OMOTESANDO
In my previous role, I was involved in establishing a clinic as a cosmetic dermatologist, from its inception to opening, and served as its director for three years.
Having worked with approximately 20,000 patients' skin and faces, contributing to the clinic's development.
To further expand the scope of treatment, I have now transitioned to BIANCA CLINIC, a leading aesthetic and regenerative medicine clinic in Japan.
We provide the latest aesthetic medical treatments for well-aging, encompassing not only cosmetic dermatology but also cosmetic surgery and internal medicine.
【Career】
2020 Graduate of the School of Medicine, Hiroshima University
2020: Worked at JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center and affiliated hospitals (National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital, Tokyo Yamate Medical Center)
2022: Joined ELM Medical Corporation Served as Director of Azabu Clinic
2025: BIANCA joins the company
【Professional Affiliations/Qualifications】
The Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Occupational Physician Certification
【SNS】
Instagram account
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