Enlarged pores are one of the most common reasons visitors book skin treatments in Seoul. This guide compares pico lasers with RF microneedling such as Potenza, so you can choose the right approach for your pores.
Pico laser and RF microneedling both make pores look smaller by stimulating collagen around them. Pico fractional uses picosecond laser energy under an intact surface, with 1–3 days of redness, and suits mild to moderate pores and texture over 3–5 sessions. RF microneedling such as Potenza delivers heat deeper through fine needles, with 2–4 days of redness, and suits larger, oily pores and pores with acne scarring over about 3 sessions. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, pico fractional starts from ₩149,000 and Potenza from ₩299,000 (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Pico laser vs RF microneedling: the short answer
For mild to moderate pores with rough texture or uneven tone, a pico laser, especially pico fractional, is a gentle and effective choice with very little downtime. For larger, oily pores, pores around acne scars, or thicker skin, RF microneedling such as Potenza usually gives a stronger result because heat is delivered deeper, around the oil glands and pore walls. Many people with oily, scarred skin benefit from both over time.
Why do pores look enlarged?
- Oil production: active oil glands stretch the pore opening, especially on the nose and cheeks.
- Loss of collagen: as the skin around the pore loses support with age and sun damage, pores look wider and can elongate.
- Clogging: sebum and dead cells fill and darken pores.
- Acne history: inflammation and scarring around pores make them look larger and uneven.
- Genetics: some people simply have larger pores.
Pores cannot be closed permanently, but treatments can make them look noticeably smaller and smoother. See large pores.
The pattern of your pores gives your doctor useful clues. Round, open pores clustered on the nose and central cheeks usually point to oil production. Teardrop-shaped or elongated pores on the outer cheeks often reflect lost collagen support and early sagging. Irregular pores mixed with shallow pits suggest acne history. Each pattern responds best to a slightly different strategy: oil-driven pores benefit from treatments that calm the oil glands, collagen-related pores need remodeling, and scar-related pores often need deeper work. That is why a single treatment rarely suits everyone, and why your doctor may combine options.
Expectations matter too. Even after a successful series, pores remain visible under a magnifying mirror, because they are a normal part of the skin. The aim is skin that looks smoother and more refined at a normal conversational distance and in photos, which is what most people notice and care about.
How does a pico laser help pores?
A picosecond laser fires extremely short pulses. With a fractional handpiece, it concentrates energy into tiny points that create microscopic zones of remodeling beneath the surface, while the outer skin stays largely intact. New collagen forms around the pores over the following weeks, helping them look tighter and the surface smoother.
- Session time: 20–30 minutes plus numbing.
- Downtime: 1–3 days of redness.
- Sessions: usually 3–5, about four weeks apart.
Pico toning, a lower-energy version, also helps oily skin and dull tone. Read more on the pico fractional page.
How does RF microneedling help pores?
RF microneedling inserts fine needles to a set depth and releases radiofrequency energy at the tips. The heat tightens collagen around pores, stimulates new collagen and can reduce oil gland activity, which is especially helpful for large, oily pores. Because the doctor can adjust depth, it can also treat acne scars at the same time.
- Session time: 40–60 minutes including numbing.
- Downtime: 2–4 days of redness, sometimes pinpoint marks.
- Sessions: usually about 3, four to six weeks apart.
See the Potenza RF microneedling page.
Pico laser vs RF microneedling side-by-side
| Pico fractional | Potenza RF microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Picosecond laser | Radiofrequency via needles |
| Depth | Superficial to mid-dermis | Adjustable, can reach deeper |
| Best for | Mild to moderate pores, texture, tone | Larger, oily pores; pores with acne scars |
| Oil reduction | Mild | Moderate |
| Downtime | 1–3 days | 2–4 days |
| Sessions | 3–5 | About 3 |
| Price per session | From ₩149,000 | From ₩299,000 |
Who is a good candidate for each?
Usually a good fit
- Pico: visible pores with dullness or uneven tone
- Pico: short trips and minimal downtime
- Potenza: oily skin with large pores on the cheeks and nose
- Potenza: pores combined with acne scars
Talk to the doctor first
- A fresh tan or recent sunburn
- Isotretinoin within recent months
- Pacemakers or metal implants (for RF)
- Active infection, eczema or keloid tendency
Other options for pores
Lasers and RF are not the only tools. Skin Botox can reduce oil and make pores look smaller for two to three months with almost no downtime. Regular Aqua Peel facials keep pores clear. Many doctors combine a collagen treatment with one of these for a faster visible change. For a deeper look at RF options, compare Potenza vs Agnes RF.
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor checks pore size, oiliness and scarring and agrees a plan and price.
- Numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 30–40 minutes.
- Treatment. Pico feels like snapping and warmth; Potenza feels like warm prickling.
- Soothing. Calming care or a booster is applied, followed by sunscreen.
- Aftercare. You receive written instructions in English.
Results timeline
Skin often feels smoother within one to two weeks after either treatment. Pores look progressively tighter as collagen builds over two to three months, with the best result after completing a series. Oil control from RF may be noticeable earlier. Maintenance sessions once or twice a year help keep the improvement. See Potenza results.
Daily habits also influence how pores look. Gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic moisturizer, regular sunscreen and avoiding squeezing all help preserve results. Strong scrubs and frequent pore strips can irritate the skin and make pores look worse over time.
Is it safe? Risks and side effects
- Pico fractional: redness and occasional pinpoint bleeding. Rarely, temporary darkening.
- Potenza: redness, swelling and pinpoint marks for a few days. Rarely, grid marks, temporary darkening or infection.
Tell your doctor about any recent isotretinoin, retinoid creams or at-home peels, since these can make the skin more reactive. Avoid makeup for about a day, saunas and intense exercise for a few days, and use sunscreen daily. Read aftercare after laser treatment.
How much do pore treatments cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Details | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Pico fractional, 1 session | Full face | ₩149,000 |
| Pico fractional with pico toning | Full face texture and tone | ₩199,000 |
| Pico fractional, 3 sessions | Full face | ₩399,000 |
| Potenza, 1 session | Full face | ₩299,000 |
| Potenza, 3-session course | Full face | ₩799,000 |
| Skin Botox, Korean toxin | Full face | ₩129,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see the VAT refund guide.
Planning pore treatment around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send close-up photos through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Treat on day two or three so redness settles during your stay and before any important photos.
- Short trip? One session of either treatment is a good start; continue the series at home or on a return visit.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Most people can fly a day or two after pico fractional or Potenza. Keep skin moisturized and protected from sun at the window seat. See laser before a flight.
Frequently asked questions
Is pico laser or RF microneedling better for large pores?
Pico fractional suits mild to moderate pores with little downtime. RF microneedling such as Potenza is usually stronger for larger, oily pores.
Can pores be permanently shrunk?
Pores cannot be closed permanently, but collagen treatments can make them look noticeably smaller and smoother.
How many sessions do I need for pores?
Pico fractional usually needs 3–5 sessions; Potenza usually about 3, a few weeks apart.
What is the downtime for Potenza?
Usually 2–4 days of redness, sometimes with pinpoint marks.
Does skin Botox help pores?
Yes. Skin Botox can reduce oil and make pores look smaller for about 2–3 months.
How much is pico fractional in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico fractional starts from ₩149,000 per full-face session, excluding 10% VAT.
Treating enlarged pores in Seoul?
Send close-up photos and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, recommends pico, RF microneedling 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.