Rejuran rejuvenates quietly from within with almost no downtime, while laser resurfacing makes a bigger change at the cost of a week of recovery. Here is how to choose for your skin and your Seoul trip.
Rejuran Healer is a polynucleotide injection that supports repair, elasticity and calmer skin, with small bumps for one to three days and three sessions for the full effect. Laser resurfacing, such as CO2 fractional laser, removes microscopic columns of skin to trigger strong collagen renewal, giving a bigger change in deeper scars, rough texture and fine wrinkles but needing five to seven days of redness and crusting. Gentler pico fractional sits in between. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 and CO2 fractional laser from ₩199,000, excluding 10% VAT.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Rejuran vs laser resurfacing: what is the difference?
Both aim to make skin look younger and healthier, but they work in very different ways and come with very different recovery.
- Rejuran Healer is an injectable skin booster from Pharma Research in Korea. It uses polynucleotides (PN), purified DNA fragments from salmon, which are associated with supporting the skin's repair environment. Over a series of sessions, skin tends to become calmer, more elastic and thicker, with softer fine lines. There is no wound to heal.
- Laser resurfacing uses a laser to create controlled micro-injuries. CO2 fractional laser(10,600 nm) removes thousands of tiny columns of skin, leaving healthy skin between them. As the skin heals, it produces new collagen, which can soften deeper acne scars, rough texture and fine wrinkles more than gentler treatments. Pico fractional is a lighter, non-ablative option that remodels beneath the surface with less downtime.
Rejuran improves skin quality gently. Laser resurfacing renews the surface more dramatically. See our Rejuran Healer and CO2 fractional laser pages.
Which gives better skin rejuvenation?
It depends on what rejuvenation means for you.
- For deeper acne scars, rough texture and etched fine wrinkles, laser resurfacing usually produces a larger visible change, because it physically removes damaged tissue and triggers strong remodeling.
- For thin, sensitive or tired-looking skin, Rejuran is often the better choice. It supports quality and resilience without the injury that sensitive skin can struggle to recover from.
- For moderate texture and pores with limited downtime, pico fractional is a middle path.
Many doctors combine approaches. Rejuran is popular before or after laser to support recovery and skin quality, and Dernia offers CO2 laser with a recovery booster for this reason.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Rejuran Healer | Pico fractional | CO2 fractional laser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Injection | Non-ablative laser | Ablative laser |
| Best for | Sensitive, thin, tired skin | Pores, texture, shallow scars | Deeper scars, rough texture, wrinkles |
| Downtime | Small bumps 1–3 days | Redness 1–3 days | Redness and crusting 5–7 days |
| Typical plan | 3 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart | 3–5 sessions, about 4 weeks apart | 2–4 sessions, 1–3 months apart |
| Strength of change | Gradual, subtle | Moderate | Strongest |
| Sun sensitivity after | Low | Moderate | High |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Your doctor sets the depth and intensity for your skin.
Who is each treatment best for?
Rejuran is often the better fit
- Sensitive or redness-prone skin
- Thin, crepey skin with fine lines
- You cannot take a week of downtime
- You want gradual, natural improvement
Laser resurfacing is often the better fit
- Deeper acne scars or very rough texture
- Etched fine wrinkles
- You can plan five to seven days of recovery (CO2)
- You can avoid sun exposure afterward
Laser resurfacing needs extra care in darker skin tones because of the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; your doctor will adjust settings or suggest alternatives. See rough skin texture and fine lines.
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor examines your skin type, scars, texture and sensitivity, and recommends Rejuran, laser or a combination, with a confirmed price.
- Numbing. Topical numbing cream for 30–45 minutes; both CO2 and pico fractional include numbing.
- Treatment. Rejuran is injected in small points across the face. Laser is passed over the skin in a pattern set by the doctor.
- Soothing. Cooling, a calming mask or, for CO2, an optional recovery booster.
- Aftercare. Written English instructions, including wound care for laser, and a contact for questions.
Recovery and aftercare compared
- Rejuran: small raised bumps at injection points that flatten in one to three days. Makeup is often possible the next day.
- Pico fractional: redness and a warm, sunburn-like feeling for one to three days, sometimes with fine texture as skin renews.
- CO2 fractional: redness, swelling and tiny crusts for about five to seven days, followed by pinkness that can last longer. You need gentle cleansing, a barrier ointment or moisturizer, no picking, and strict sun protection.
After any laser, avoid saunas, swimming pools, intense exercise and active skincare until the skin has healed. Read our aftercare after laser treatment guide.
Results timeline: what to expect and when
Both approaches rely on your skin's own renewal, so results build over weeks rather than appearing overnight.
- Rejuran, first weeks: once bumps settle, many people notice calmer, more hydrated skin. Elasticity and texture usually improve most visibly after the second session.
- Rejuran, after the series: the full effect is maintained with a top-up about every six months.
- CO2 laser, first two weeks: crusts shed within about a week, revealing pink, fresh skin. This early smoothness is partly new surface skin.
- CO2 laser, months 1–3: collagen remodeling continues underneath, so scars and texture keep improving for several months after each session.
- Pico fractional: gradual refinement of pores and texture across a series of three to five sessions.
Photos in the same light before treatment and at one and three months are the best way to judge progress honestly.
Is it safe? Risks and side effects
Both are established treatments when performed by trained doctors with suitable settings.
- Rejuran: bruising, rare infection or allergic-type reactions. Tell the doctor about any fish or salmon allergy.
- Laser resurfacing: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, prolonged redness, infection (including cold sore reactivation), and rarely scarring if healing is disturbed. Risk rises with sun exposure, darker skin tones and aggressive settings.
- Not suitable now: pregnancy or breastfeeding, active infection or eczema in the area, recent isotretinoin (for laser), recent tanning, or a tendency to keloids.
See can I get laser treatment with a tan before booking a summer trip.
How much do Rejuran and laser resurfacing cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Treatment at Dernia | Plan | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Rejuran Healer | 2cc, full face | ₩259,000 |
| Rejuran Healer | 4cc, face and neck | ₩469,000 |
| Pico fractional | Full face, 1 session | ₩149,000 |
| Pico fractional | 3-session course | ₩399,000 |
| CO2 fractional laser | Full face, 1 session | ₩199,000 |
| CO2 fractional laser | Full face with recovery booster | ₩279,000 |
| CO2 fractional laser | 3-session course | ₩549,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see VAT refund in 2026. Full details on the CO2 fractional laser price page.
Planning Rejuran or laser around your Seoul trip
- CO2 laser needs time. Book it at the start of a trip of at least a week so crusting has healed before you fly and before photos.
- Rejuran fits shorter trips because bumps settle in a few days.
- Season matters. Laser is easier in cooler months when sun exposure is lower; see seasonal treatment planning.
- Avoid your arrival day.
- Location: Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
- Book ahead through our consultation form with your dates.
Flying soon after laser? Healing skin dries out quickly in the cabin. Keep it moisturized, avoid touching crusts and wear sunscreen at window seats. See can I have laser right before a flight.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rejuran or laser better for skin rejuvenation?
Laser resurfacing usually gives a bigger change for deeper scars, rough texture and wrinkles, but with more downtime. Rejuran gives gradual skin-quality improvement with minimal downtime and suits sensitive skin.
How long is the downtime after CO2 laser?
Expect about five to seven days of redness and crusting, sometimes followed by pinkness that fades over a few weeks.
Can I combine Rejuran with laser?
Yes. Rejuran is often used before or after laser to support recovery and skin quality. Your doctor will set the timing.
Is laser resurfacing safe for darker skin?
It can be, but the risk of pigmentation changes is higher. Your doctor may adjust settings or recommend gentler options.
How many sessions will I need?
Rejuran is usually three sessions. CO2 fractional laser for scars is often two to four sessions, one to three months apart.
What are the prices at Dernia?
Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 for 2cc, pico fractional from ₩149,000 and CO2 fractional laser from ₩199,000 for the full face, excluding 10% VAT.
Gentle repair or full resurfacing?
Tell us your concerns and travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains Rejuran and laser options in English and confirms your plan and 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.