Fractional lasers can transform rough texture, scars and fine lines, but the amount of downtime varies widely between devices. Here is how to choose the right level of resurfacing for a trip to Seoul.
Fractional laser resurfacing treats the skin in thousands of microscopic columns, leaving untouched skin in between so healing is faster than with older full-surface lasers. In Korea the two main types are ablative CO2 fractional, which gives the strongest change for scars and wrinkles with 5–7 days of redness and crusting, and non-ablative pico fractional, which refines pores and texture with 1–3 days of redness. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, pico fractional starts from ₩149,000 and CO2 fractional from ₩199,000 per full-face session (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is fractional laser resurfacing?
Traditional laser resurfacing removed the entire top layer of skin at once. It could produce dramatic results, but healing took weeks and the risk of complications was significant. Fractional technology changed that. Instead of treating the whole surface, the laser beam is divided into many tiny columns, sometimes called microthermal zones. Each column injures a microscopic area of skin, while the healthy skin around it remains intact and acts as a reservoir for fast repair.
As those tiny zones heal, the skin produces new collagen and elastin and replaces damaged cells. Over the following weeks, this remodeling smooths texture, softens scars and fine lines, and can make pores look smaller. Because only a fraction of the skin is treated in each session, results build over a series.
Ablative vs non-ablative fractional lasers
Fractional lasers fall into two main groups. The difference determines both the strength of the result and the length of your downtime.
| CO2 fractional (ablative) | Pico fractional (non-ablative) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Vaporizes tiny cores of skin | Creates remodeling zones under an intact surface |
| Wavelength / pulse | 10,600 nm carbon dioxide beam | Picosecond pulses through a fractional handpiece |
| Strength per session | High | Gentle to moderate |
| Downtime | 5–7 days of redness and crusting | 1–3 days of redness |
| Best for | Deeper acne scars, rough texture, fine wrinkles | Large pores, rough texture, shallow scars, fine lines |
| Typical sessions | 2–4, one to three months apart | 3–5, about four weeks apart |
Learn more on our CO2 fractional laser and pico fractional pages, or see a direct comparison in pico fractional vs CO2 fractional.
Benefits of fractional laser resurfacing
- Smoother texture. Rough, uneven skin becomes noticeably smoother as new collagen forms.
- Softer acne scars. Rolling and boxcar scars often become shallower over a series. See acne scars.
- Refined pores. Pores can look smaller as surrounding skin firms. See large pores.
- Fewer fine lines. Fine wrinkles around the eyes and cheeks may soften.
- Brighter, more even surface. Fresh skin reflects light better.
- Adjustable intensity. Depth and density can be tuned to your skin and your schedule.
How fractional laser compares with gentler treatments
Many visitors ask whether a no-downtime option could do the same job. Treatments such as laser toning, skin boosters and medical facials improve tone, hydration and glow, but they do not create the controlled micro-injuries that drive deep collagen remodeling. For true textural change, such as acne scars or rough, sun-damaged skin, fractional resurfacing is usually the more effective tool. On the other hand, if your main goal is radiance before an event, a gentler option may be a better fit for your trip.
Fractional lasers are also commonly combined with supportive care. A recovery booster or exosome serum applied straight after treatment can help calm the skin, and LDM ultrasound is sometimes used to soothe redness. These add-ons do not replace good aftercare, but many people find they make the first days more comfortable.
Who is a good candidate for fractional laser?
Usually a good fit
- Acne scars, rough texture or enlarged pores
- Fine lines and early sun damage
- People who can plan around a few days of redness
- Untanned skin and willingness to protect it from the sun
Talk to the doctor first
- Active acne flares, cold sores or skin infection
- Isotretinoin within the past several months
- History of keloids or poor wound healing
- Darker skin with a tendency to dark marks
- Pregnancy
If you are prone to cold sores, tell your doctor; preventive medication is sometimes recommended before ablative treatment.
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor examines your texture and scars, chooses the device and settings, and confirms the price.
- Cleansing and numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 30–40 minutes.
- Laser treatment. With eye protection, the doctor treats the face in sections. You may feel heat and prickling; cooling air helps.
- Recovery care. Soothing products, and where chosen a recovery booster, are applied.
- Written aftercare. You leave with English instructions and a clear plan for the next few days.
Fractional laser downtime: day by day
Downtime is the most important planning factor for visitors. These timelines are typical, not guaranteed, and depend on settings.
| When | CO2 fractional | Pico fractional |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Redness, heat, swelling; skin feels sunburned | Redness and warmth |
| Days 1–2 | Swelling peaks; fine dots or bronzing appear | Redness fading; slight sandpaper feel |
| Days 3–5 | Fine crusting and flaking | Usually back to normal |
| Days 5–7 | Crusts shed; pink new skin | — |
| Weeks 2–4 | Pinkness fades gradually | Collagen remodeling continues |
Recovery and aftercare
- Cleanse gently. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser; pat dry.
- Moisturize often. A barrier cream supports healing and comfort.
- Do not pick. Let crusts and flakes shed naturally to avoid marks.
- Avoid heat and sweat. Skip saunas, jjimjilbang and intense exercise for several days.
- Pause actives. Restart retinoids and acids only when advised.
- Sun protection. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily once the skin is closed, and shade before then.
Read our full aftercare after laser treatment guide.
Flying home? After CO2 fractional, try to leave at least five to seven days before your flight so the surface has healed. Pico fractional is easier to fit into a short trip. See laser before a flight.
Is fractional laser safe? Risks and side effects
Fractional lasers are well established when used by trained doctors with appropriate settings. Expected effects include redness, swelling, a tight feeling, pinpoint bleeding (with CO2) and flaking. Possible complications include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is more common in darker skin and after sun exposure; infection, including cold sore reactivation; prolonged redness; acne flares; and, rarely, scarring or lighter patches. Choosing conservative settings for your skin type and following aftercare closely are the most effective ways to reduce risk. If something feels wrong, see side effects and when to contact us.
How many sessions, and how far apart?
The number of sessions depends on the device, your concern and how intensively you are treated each time. Fine texture and pores may improve noticeably after two or three pico fractional sessions. Moderate to deep acne scars usually need several sessions, often three to five, and sometimes a combination of devices across visits.
Spacing matters because collagen keeps remodeling for weeks after each treatment. Pico fractional is usually repeated about every four weeks, while CO2 fractional sessions are often one to three months apart. For international visitors, this usually means one session per trip. Your doctor can plan a sequence that fits your travel pattern, for example a stronger treatment on a longer stay and a gentler one on a shorter visit. If you cannot return to Seoul, ask how to continue care safely at home.
How much does fractional laser cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Coverage | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Pico fractional, 1 session | Full face | ₩149,000 |
| Pico fractional, 3-session course | Full face | ₩399,000 |
| CO2 fractional, 1 session | Full face | ₩199,000 |
| CO2 fractional with recovery booster | Full face | ₩279,000 |
| CO2 fractional, 3-session course | Full face | ₩549,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see VAT refund on cosmetic procedures. Details on the CO2 fractional price page.
Planning fractional laser around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Share your dates through our consultation form so your doctor can match intensity to your schedule.
- Avoid your arrival day. Treat on day two or three so you have time to heal before you leave.
- Keep the first days light. Plan indoor activities such as museums or cafes while redness settles.
- Getting here. Dernia is in Myeongdong near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2). See location and directions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative fractional laser?
Ablative lasers such as CO2 remove microscopic cores of skin for a stronger result with 5–7 days of downtime. Non-ablative lasers such as pico fractional leave the surface intact, with 1–3 days of redness and gentler results.
How long is the downtime after fractional laser?
About 1–3 days of redness after pico fractional, and 5–7 days of redness and crusting after CO2 fractional, with pinkness that can last a few weeks.
How many fractional laser sessions do I need?
Most people need 2–5 sessions depending on the device and the concern. Each session adds further collagen remodeling.
Does fractional laser hurt?
Numbing cream is applied first. Most people feel heat and prickling during treatment and a sunburn-like warmth for a few hours afterward.
Can I fly after fractional laser?
Flying is generally possible, but after CO2 fractional it is better to wait until the surface has healed, usually five to seven days. Keep skin moisturized during the flight.
How much is fractional laser in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico fractional starts from ₩149,000 and CO2 fractional from ₩199,000 per full-face session, excluding 10% VAT.
Considering fractional laser in Seoul?
Tell us your skin concerns and travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person and matches the laser and downtime to your trip before confirming the price.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.