Pico Fractional vs CO2 Fractional Laser: Which Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Pico fractional laser creates tiny zones of collagen remodeling beneath an intact surface, refining pores, fine lines and shallow scars with 1–3 days of redness over 3–5 sessions. CO2 fractional laser vaporizes microscopic columns of skin for stronger resurfacing of deeper scars, with 5–7 days of redness and crusting. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico fractional starts from ₩149,000 and CO2 from ₩199,000 for the full face.
- Core difference: Pico fractional is non-ablative; CO2 fractional is ablative
- Pico fractional from: ₩149,000 (full face)
- CO2 fractional laser from: ₩199,000 (full face)
- Downtime: 1–3 days of redness (pico); 5–7 days of redness and crusting (CO2)
- Sessions: 3–5 (pico fractional); 2–4 for scars (CO2)
- Best for: Shallow scars and pores (pico); deeper scars (CO2)
Pico fractional vs CO2 fractional laser at a glance
Both lasers treat the skin in a fractional grid of tiny spots, leaving healthy skin between them to speed healing, and both stimulate collagen to improve texture. The difference is whether the surface is broken. Pico fractional works beneath an intact surface with very short pulses, while the CO2 fractional laser vaporizes microscopic columns from the surface down.
| Feature | Pico Fractional | CO2 Fractional Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Fractional picosecond laser, non-ablative | Ablative fractional CO2 laser (10,600 nm) |
| How it works / target depth | Focused micro-beams create tiny remodeling zones inside the skin while the surface stays intact | Vaporizes microscopic columns of tissue from the surface into the dermis |
| Best for | Enlarged pores, fine lines, shallow scars, overall texture | Deeper rolling and boxcar scars, marked texture, wrinkles |
| Comfort | Numbing cream; light snapping | Numbing cream; heat and prickling |
| Downtime | 1–3 days of redness | 5–7 days of redness and crusting |
| Sessions | 3–5, about 4 weeks apart | 2–4 for scars, about 1–3 months apart |
| Results appear | Gradual refinement after each session | Smoother skin after healing; improves for months |
| Results last | Long-lasting after a series | Long-lasting |
| Price from at Dernia | ₩149,000 (full face) | ₩199,000 (full face) |
How pico fractional works
A picosecond laser fires pulses lasting trillionths of a second. Passed through a special lens, the beam is split into many tiny, high-intensity spots focused just inside the skin. Each spot creates a microscopic zone of disruption beneath the surface that prompts the skin to rebuild collagen and elastin, while the outer layer stays intact. That is why downtime is usually limited to a day or so of redness and why the risk of pigment change is low. Results build gradually across a series.
How CO2 fractional laser works
The CO2 laser targets water in the skin and vaporizes tissue precisely. In fractional mode, it removes a grid of microscopic columns, and each one heals with new, more organized tissue as collagen remodels over the following months. This gives stronger resurfacing per session than any non-ablative laser, making it a mainstay for deeper acne scars. The trade-off is about a week of visible healing and a higher risk of temporary darkening in pigment-prone skin, so strict sun protection afterward is essential.
Choose pico fractional if…
- Your scars are shallow or your main concern is pores and fine texture
- You need minimal downtime during your trip
- Your skin tends to darken after inflammation
- You are happy with gradual improvement over several sessions
Choose CO2 fractional if…
- Your scars are deeper and need stronger resurfacing
- You can plan for about a week of healing
- You want the most change per session
- Your skin is pigment-stable
Can you combine them?
Yes, in a staged plan rather than on the same day. A doctor might use CO2 for the deepest scars, then pico fractional between or after those sessions to refine texture and pores with less downtime. Both pair well with collagen boosters and soothing care. Our acne scar treatment plan guide explains how lasers are sequenced over months.
Cost comparison
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico fractional starts from ₩149,000 and the CO2 fractional laser from ₩199,000 for the full face. A pico fractional course of three to five sessions starts from ₩447,000, and a CO2 course of two to four starts from ₩398,000. See current plans on the pico fractional price page and the CO2 fractional laser price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.
How our doctors decide
Your doctor assesses scar depth and type, pore size, skin tone and how much downtime your schedule allows. Shallow scars, pores and limited downtime point to pico fractional; deeper scars with time to heal point to CO2. For mixed scarring, a combined plan usually works best. On a short trip, a pico fractional session fits easily with little downtime, while CO2 is best scheduled when you have a quiet week afterward.
Both are postponed with a fresh tan, active infection or cold sores and recent isotretinoin use, and are not done during pregnancy. Ablative CO2 needs extra caution if you form keloids. Read our laser aftercare guide, browse more comparisons, or book a consultation and a licensed doctor will plan the right resurfacing approach.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .
Is pico fractional as effective as CO2 for acne scars?
For shallow scars and pores, pico fractional can give good results with much less downtime. For deeper scars, CO2 usually achieves more per session. Many plans use both at different stages.
Which has less downtime?
Pico fractional usually causes one to three days of redness, while CO2 fractional causes about five to seven days of redness and crusting. Pico fractional is easier to fit into a short trip.
Which is safer for Asian or darker skin?
Pico fractional carries a lower risk of post-inflammatory darkening because the surface stays intact. CO2 can still be used with careful settings and aftercare.
How many sessions will I need?
Pico fractional usually takes three to five sessions about four weeks apart. CO2 typically takes two to four sessions spaced one to three months apart for scars.
Can I wear makeup after treatment?
After pico fractional, most people can wear makeup within a day or two. After CO2, wait until the crusts have shed, usually about a week.
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Treatments compared
- Pico fractional — non-ablative collagen remodeling
- CO2 fractional laser — ablative resurfacing
- Potenza RF microneedling — an RF alternative for scars
Price, results and reviews
- Pico fractional price in Seoul — full-face pricing
- CO2 fractional laser price in Seoul — full-face pricing
- CO2 fractional results — healing timeline
- Pico fractional review — our medical team's verdict
Concerns and FAQs
- Rough skin texture — lasers, boosters and more
- When can I wear makeup after laser? — the short answer
More comparisons
- CO2 fractional laser vs Potenza — laser vs RF for scars
- Pico toning vs laser toning — pigment lasers compared
Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong
English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.
Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer