Pico fractional and CO2 fractional lasers both remodel acne scars, but with very different downtime. This guide helps you choose based on your scars, your skin and how long you are staying in Seoul.
Pico fractional laser and fractional CO2 laser both stimulate collagen to improve acne scars. Pico fractional works mostly beneath the surface with 1–3 days of redness, suiting shallow scars, texture and pores over 3–5 sessions. Fractional CO2 removes microscopic columns of skin for a stronger effect on deeper scars, with 5–7 days of redness and crusting over 2–4 sessions. 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.
Pico vs CO2 laser for acne scars: the short answer
Fractional CO2 is usually stronger for deeper, more established acne scars, but comes with about a week of visible downtime. Pico fractional is gentler, with only a few days of redness, and suits shallow scars, rough texture and enlarged pores, or people who cannot take time off. Many scar plans use more than one technology over several months.
Scar type, skin type and your schedule all matter. A doctor examines your scars in angled light before recommending either.
What types of acne scars are there?
- Rolling scars: broad, gently sloping depressions that create an uneven surface.
- Boxcar scars: wider, flat-bottomed depressions with sharper edges.
- Ice pick scars: narrow, deep pits that are the hardest to improve with lasers alone.
- Texture and enlarged pores: often present alongside scars.
Most people have a mix. Some scars also need subcision or fillers in addition to lasers. See acne scars for an overview.
Why acne scars need collagen remodeling
Acne scars form when deep inflammation damages the collagen in the dermis. As the skin heals, the lost collagen is not fully replaced, so the surface sinks into a depression, or bands of scar tissue pull the surface down. Topical products cannot reach this depth in a meaningful way. Lasers work by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger the skin's wound-healing response, prompting it to lay down fresh collagen and gradually lift and smooth the scarred areas.
The difference between pico fractional and CO2 lies in how that injury is created. Pico fractional creates tiny zones of disruption under an intact surface, so healing is quick but each session does less. CO2 actually removes columns of tissue, so the healing response is stronger but the skin needs about a week to close over. Neither approach is better for everyone; they sit at different points on the balance between strength and downtime.
Before any scar treatment, active acne should be under control. Treating scars while new breakouts keep forming can cause more inflammation, and new spots will create new marks. If you still have active acne, your doctor may suggest starting with the Acne Clinic Program or other acne care first.
How does pico fractional work?
Pico fractional uses a picosecond laser with a fractional handpiece that concentrates energy into tiny points. These create microscopic zones of remodeling beneath the surface, while the outer skin stays largely intact. Over the following weeks, new collagen helps refine pores, soften fine lines and smooth shallow scars.
- Downtime: 1–3 days of redness.
- Sessions: usually 3–5, about four weeks apart.
- Numbing: included, as it is more intense than toning.
Read more on the pico fractional page.
How does fractional CO2 laser work?
Fractional CO2 is an ablative resurfacing laser. Its 10,600 nm beam is split into thousands of tiny columns that remove microscopic cores of skin, leaving healthy skin in between to speed healing. As the skin repairs, it builds new collagen, which can soften deeper scars more than gentler lasers.
- Downtime: 5–7 days of redness and crusting.
- Sessions: usually 2–4, one to three months apart.
- Depth control: your doctor tailors depth and density, which changes downtime.
See the CO2 fractional laser page.
Pico fractional vs CO2 fractional side-by-side
| Pico fractional | CO2 fractional | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-ablative (surface largely intact) | Ablative (removes micro-columns) |
| Best for | Shallow scars, texture, pores | Deeper rolling and boxcar scars |
| Downtime | 1–3 days of redness | 5–7 days of redness and crusting |
| Sessions | Usually 3–5, ~4 weeks apart | Usually 2–4, 1–3 months apart |
| Pigment risk on darker skin | Lower | Higher |
| Price per session | From ₩149,000 | From ₩199,000 |
Who is a good candidate for each?
Usually a good fit
- Pico: shallow scars, rough texture and pores
- Pico: busy schedules or darker skin types
- CO2: deeper rolling or boxcar scars
- CO2: visitors staying a week or more who can rest
Talk to the doctor first
- Active acne or infection in the area
- Isotretinoin within recent months
- A tan, or a history of keloids or pigment problems
- Cold sores (antiviral cover may be needed)
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor examines your scars in angled light and agrees a plan, settings and price.
- Numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 30–40 minutes.
- Treatment. Pico fractional takes about 20–30 minutes; CO2 takes about 30–45 minutes including numbing. You feel heat and snapping.
- Cooling and recovery care. Calming care is applied; with CO2, a recovery booster can be added.
- Aftercare. You receive written instructions in English for washing, moisturizing and sun protection.
Results timeline
Scar remodeling is slow. After either laser, skin may look smoother within a few weeks, but collagen keeps forming for around three to six months. Most people see the clearest change after completing a series. Realistic goals are softer, shallower scars and more even texture rather than perfect skin. See CO2 fractional results and our acne scar treatment plan.
Combination plans are common for scars. RF microneedling such as Potenza can be alternated with lasers, and collagen-stimulating boosters can support healing between sessions. Your doctor may suggest starting with a gentler option on a short trip and moving to stronger resurfacing on a longer stay. Taking close-up photos in the same side light before each session is the most reliable way to track progress, because day-to-day changes in scars are hard to see in the mirror.
Is it safe? Risks and side effects
- Pico fractional: redness, mild swelling and occasionally pinpoint bleeding. Pigment changes are uncommon.
- CO2 fractional: redness, swelling, oozing and crusting for about a week. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more likely, especially on darker skin. Rarely, infection, prolonged redness or scarring can occur.
Sun protection and gentle skincare are essential after both. Read aftercare after laser treatment.
How much do pico fractional and CO2 cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Details | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Pico fractional, 1 session | Full face | ₩149,000 |
| Pico fractional, 3 sessions | Full face | ₩399,000 |
| Pico fractional, 5 sessions | Full face | ₩629,000 |
| CO2 fractional, 1 session | Full face | ₩199,000 |
| CO2 with recovery booster | Full face | ₩279,000 |
| CO2 fractional, 3 sessions | Full face | ₩549,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see the VAT refund guide. Compare in detail on pico fractional vs CO2 fractional.
Planning acne scar treatment around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send close-up photos in side light through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Treat on day two or three.
- CO2 needs a quieter week. Schedule it at the start of a longer stay so crusting settles before you fly.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? You can usually fly after pico fractional the next day. After CO2, many people prefer to wait until crusting has settled, often about a week. Keep skin moisturized in the cabin. See laser before a flight.
Frequently asked questions
Is pico laser or CO2 better for acne scars?
CO2 fractional is usually stronger for deeper scars but has about a week of downtime. Pico fractional suits shallow scars and texture with only a few days of redness.
How many sessions do I need?
Pico fractional usually needs 3–5 sessions about four weeks apart. CO2 usually needs 2–4 sessions one to three months apart.
What is the downtime after CO2 laser?
Expect about 5–7 days of redness and crusting. Redness can linger longer in some people.
Is CO2 laser safe for darker skin?
It can be used with conservative settings, but the risk of temporary darkening is higher. Pico fractional is often preferred.
Can lasers remove acne scars completely?
Lasers usually soften scars rather than erase them. Most people see meaningful improvement after a series.
How much is CO2 fractional laser in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, CO2 fractional starts from ₩199,000 for the full face, and a 3-session course is ₩549,000, excluding 10% VAT.
Planning acne scar treatment in Seoul?
Send close-up photos and your travel dates. A doctor examines your scars in person, recommends pico, CO2 or a combined plan, and confirms the price in English.
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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.