CO2 Fractional Laser in Myeongdong, Seoul
Quick answer: CO2 fractional laser is an ablative resurfacing treatment that removes microscopic columns of skin to trigger strong collagen renewal, improving deeper acne scars, rough texture, pores and wrinkles. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩199,000 for the full face (KRW, VAT excluded). Expect 5–7 days of redness and crusting; acne scars usually need 2–4 sessions.
- Price from: ₩199,000 (full face)
- Laser: Ablative fractional CO2, 10,600nm
- Session time: 30–45 minutes including numbing
- Downtime: 5–7 days of redness and crusting
- Sessions: 2–4 for scars; 1–3 for texture
- Results: Smoother at about 1 week; collagen builds for 3–6 months
- Not ideal for: Keloid tendency, recent isotretinoin or active acne
What is CO2 fractional laser?
CO2 fractional laser is an ablative resurfacing treatment. It uses a 10,600nm carbon dioxide laser, delivered as a grid of microscopic beams, to vaporize tiny columns of skin while leaving the skin between them intact. As those columns heal, the skin rebuilds itself with new collagen, smoothing deeper acne scars, rough texture, enlarged pores and wrinkles more powerfully per session than non-ablative treatments. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, CO2 fractional starts from ₩199,000 for the full face and is performed by licensed medical doctors.
How CO2 fractional works
Each microbeam removes a column of skin and heats the tissue around it. The untouched skin between columns speeds healing, which is why recovery takes days rather than the weeks needed after older, fully ablative CO2 resurfacing. Collagen remodeling continues for months afterward. The doctor adjusts depth and density: deeper settings for scars, lighter settings for texture and pores. A focused, non-fractional CO2 beam is also used to remove small benign growths; see mole and skin tag removal.
Who CO2 fractional suits
- Deeper rolling and boxcar acne scars
- Rough, uneven texture and enlarged pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles, for example around the eyes and mouth
- People who can plan for about a week of visible recovery
It is less suitable for darker skin tones or skin prone to pigmentation, because the risk of post-inflammatory darkening is higher. In those cases your doctor may prefer pico fractional or RF microneedling, or use conservative settings.
Course and settings
| Goal | Typical course | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Acne scars | 2–4 sessions | Every 1–3 months |
| Texture and pores | 1–3 sessions | Every 1–2 months |
| Fine lines | 1–3 sessions | Every 1–3 months |
For acne scars, your doctor may combine CO2 with other techniques; our guide to building an acne scar treatment plan explains how. See options on the CO2 fractional laser price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.
Your session at Dernia, step by step
- Consultation in English — your doctor grades your scars or texture, reviews your skin type and medical history, and agrees the settings.
- Numbing — topical cream for about 30–40 minutes.
- Laser — with eye protection on, the laser is applied across the face in about 10–15 minutes. It feels hot and prickly, and a cooling fan helps.
- Aftercare start — a soothing balm is applied and you receive written aftercare instructions.
Downtime and aftercare
This is a treatment with real downtime. Expect redness, swelling and a sunburn-like feeling for the first two days, then fine crusting and a bronze, sandpaper-like texture for five to seven days as the skin renews. Pinkness can last a few weeks. Keep the skin clean and moisturized with the balm provided, do not pick the crusts, and avoid makeup until crusting has cleared. Use strict sun protection for at least a month, and skip saunas, swimming pools and hard exercise until the skin has healed.
Results timeline
Skin looks smoother and fresher once crusting clears at about a week. Collagen keeps building for three to six months, so scars and texture continue to improve well after each session. Results are long-lasting, although skin keeps aging naturally. See the CO2 fractional laser results guide and our CO2 fractional laser review.
CO2 fractional vs alternatives
CO2 achieves the most per session but has the longest recovery. Potenza RF microneedling remodels scars with less surface damage and a lower pigment risk; read CO2 fractional vs Potenza. Pico fractional is gentler again, with one to three days of redness; see pico fractional vs CO2 fractional laser.
Planning CO2 fractional around a trip to Seoul
Allow at least seven to ten days in Seoul after treatment, ideally with a quiet first few days. Have it at the start of your stay so your doctor can review healing before you fly. Flying while crusts are healing is possible but uncomfortable, so avoid it in the first few days if you can. Do not book it just before a wedding, photos or a beach trip. Book a consultation and your doctor will confirm the right timing.
Safety and who should avoid it
CO2 fractional is not suitable during pregnancy, with active acne flares, infection or cold sores, within several months of isotretinoin, or if you form keloid scars. Tell your doctor about any history of cold sores, as preventive medicine may be advised, and about vitiligo, photosensitizing medicines or a recent tan. Risks include prolonged redness, post-inflammatory darkening (more likely in darker skin), infection and, rarely, scarring. Following aftercare carefully keeps these risks low. Browse all our laser and skin treatments.
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 .
How painful is CO2 fractional laser?
With 30–40 minutes of numbing cream, most people describe a hot, prickly sensation that is uncomfortable but tolerable. The skin then feels like a strong sunburn for a day or two.
How long is the downtime really?
Plan on five to seven days of redness, swelling and crusting, with pinkness that can linger for a few weeks. Lighter settings for texture heal faster than deep settings for scars.
Is CO2 fractional safe for Asian or darker skin?
It can be, but the risk of post-inflammatory darkening is higher. Your doctor uses conservative settings, strict sun protection and sometimes pre-treatment skincare, or suggests a lower-heat alternative.
How many sessions do I need for acne scars?
Most people need two to four sessions spaced one to three months apart. Deep scars often improve further when CO2 is combined with other scar techniques.
When can I wear makeup after CO2 laser?
Wait until crusting has fully cleared, usually after about a week. Read When can I wear makeup after laser treatment?
Can I fly after CO2 fractional?
You can, but cabin air is dry and healing skin can feel uncomfortable, so it is better to wait several days. See Can I have laser treatment right before a flight?
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Related treatments
- Pico fractional — gentler resurfacing with shorter downtime
- Potenza RF microneedling — scar remodeling with lower pigment risk
- Mole and skin tag removal — precise CO2 removal of small growths
Price, results and reviews
- CO2 fractional laser price in Seoul
- CO2 fractional laser results timeline
- CO2 fractional laser review: is it worth it?
Concerns it treats
Compare and guides
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