Pico Fractional Laser in Myeongdong, Seoul
Quick answer: Pico fractional is a picosecond laser with a fractional handpiece that creates tiny zones of micro-injury beneath the skin to rebuild collagen, refining enlarged pores, fine lines, rough texture and shallow acne scars. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩149,000 for the full face (KRW, VAT excluded). Expect 1–3 days of redness; most people need 3–5 sessions.
- Price from: ₩149,000 (full face)
- Session time: 20–30 minutes, plus numbing
- Numbing: Topical cream for about 20–30 minutes
- Downtime: 1–3 days of redness
- Sessions: Best as 3–5, about 4 weeks apart
- Results: Smoother within a week; collagen builds over about 3 months
- Best for: Pores, fine lines, rough texture and shallow acne scars
What is pico fractional?
Pico fractional is a picosecond laser treatment delivered through a special fractional handpiece that splits the beam into many tiny, concentrated points. Instead of targeting pigment across the surface, it creates microscopic zones of controlled injury inside the skin while the surface stays largely intact. The skin responds by building new collagen and elastin, which gradually refines enlarged pores, fine lines, rough texture and shallow acne scars. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico fractional starts from ₩149,000 for the full face and is performed by licensed medical doctors.
How pico fractional works
Each focused point of picosecond energy creates a tiny pocket of micro-injury beneath the surface, a process known as laser-induced optical breakdown. Because the pulses are extremely short and produce little heat, the outer skin is largely spared. That keeps downtime short and lowers the risk of post-inflammatory darkening compared with heat-based resurfacing. Over the following weeks, healing in these micro-zones remodels collagen, so texture improves gradually across a course of sessions.
Who pico fractional suits
- Enlarged pores on the cheeks and nose (large pores)
- Shallow or rolling acne scars and uneven texture
- Early fine lines and crepey skin
- Medium or darker skin types that need a lower-heat resurfacing option
- People who want texture improvement without a week of downtime
Deep boxcar or ice-pick scars usually need stronger treatment, such as CO2 fractional resurfacing or RF microneedling. Your doctor will grade your scars and explain realistic expectations. If you have active breakouts, they are usually calmed first with the Acne Clinic Program, because lasering inflamed skin raises the risk of irritation and marks.
Course and interval
| Concern | Typical course | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Pores and texture | 3 sessions | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Fine lines | 3–5 sessions | About every 4 weeks |
| Shallow acne scars | 3–5 sessions | About every 4 weeks |
See full-face and course pricing on the pico fractional 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 examines pores, texture and scars in angled light and agrees the settings and course.
- Numbing — topical cream for about 20–30 minutes.
- Laser — with eye protection on, the fractional handpiece is passed over the face. It feels like quick, hot snapping.
- Soothing — a cooling mask or LDM water drop session, then barrier cream and sunscreen.
Downtime and aftercare
Expect redness and a warm, sunburn-like feeling for one to three days. Some people have tiny pinpoint marks or a sandpaper texture that flakes off within a few days. Wash gently, moisturize well and use SPF 50 sunscreen daily. Avoid retinoids, acids, scrubs, saunas and swimming pools for about three days. Light makeup is usually fine from the next day. Read our day-by-day laser aftercare guide.
Results timeline
Skin often looks smoother and brighter within a week as micro-flakes clear. Collagen remodeling continues for several months, so pores and texture keep improving between sessions and for up to three months after the last one. Most people see the clearest change after three to five sessions. Results hold well with daily sun protection and one or two maintenance sessions a year.
Pico fractional vs alternatives
Pico fractional sits between gentle and aggressive resurfacing. CO2 fractional laser removes tiny columns of skin and achieves more per session on deep scars, with about a week of downtime; read pico fractional vs CO2 fractional laser. Potenza RF microneedling delivers heat at depth and suits scars and pores with slightly more downtime. Our pico fractional review covers value for money.
Planning pico fractional around a trip to Seoul
One session fits into a trip of four days or more, leaving time for redness to calm before you fly. Because the best results come from three or more sessions about a month apart, many visitors start in Seoul and plan follow-ups on later trips. Avoid intense sun and beach days right after treatment. Book a consultation and your doctor will plan the course with you.
Safety and who should avoid it
Pico fractional is postponed during pregnancy, with active acne flares or infection in the area, cold sores or a fresh tan, and after recent isotretinoin, depending on your doctor's assessment. Tell your doctor about a tendency to keloid scars, photosensitizing medicines or vitiligo. Although the risk of darkening is lower than with heat-based lasers, post-inflammatory pigmentation can still occur, so sun protection matters. 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 is pico fractional different from pico toning?
Both use a picosecond laser. Pico toning spreads low energy across the surface to break up pigment, while pico fractional focuses energy into tiny points beneath the surface to rebuild collagen for pores, lines and scars.
Does pico fractional hurt?
With numbing cream, most people feel quick, hot snapping that is uncomfortable but manageable. The skin feels warm, like a mild sunburn, for a few hours afterward.
Is pico fractional good for acne scars?
It works well for shallow, rolling scars and general texture, especially across a course of sessions. Deep or ice-pick scars usually need CO2 fractional laser or RF microneedling as well.
When can I wear makeup again?
Light makeup is usually fine from the next day once redness calms. See When can I wear makeup after laser treatment?
Is it safe for darker skin?
Pico fractional produces less heat than many resurfacing lasers, so it is often chosen for medium and darker skin. Your doctor adjusts settings and stresses strict sun protection to reduce the risk of darkening.
Can I fly after pico fractional?
Yes, but give redness a day or two to settle first and keep your skin well moisturized on board. Read Can I have laser treatment right before a flight?
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Related treatments
- Pico toning — the same laser used for pigment and brightening
- CO2 fractional laser — stronger resurfacing for deeper scars
- Potenza RF microneedling — collagen remodeling for scars and pores
Price and reviews
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