Fractional CO2 Laser
프락셔널 CO2 · also: 프락셔널 레이저, CO2 resurfacing
An ablative fractional laser that removes microscopic columns of skin to trigger strong resurfacing — the most effective in-clinic option for deeper acne scars and rough texture.
This breaks the skin or carries vascular/systemic risk, so a medical intake is required before treatment.
How it works
A grid of tiny laser channels vaporizes damaged tissue and prompts aggressive collagen renewal as the skin heals. More powerful than gentler lasers, with correspondingly more downtime.
Ablative laser · acts at 0.2–1.5 mm · deepest layer: Dermis
Where collagen and elastin live. Almost every 'skin quality' treatment is aimed here.
Depths are indicative and vary by device, cartridge, body area and individual.
Ablative laser
The laser vaporises microscopic columns of tissue. Healing rebuilds them — which is why there is visible peeling.
People choose this for
Products & devices used
Not all "Fractional CO2 Laser" is the same — the specific brand or machine changes the price and the feel. Common options in Korea:
An ablative resurfacing laser for acne scars and texture; more effective but with real downtime.
What it does
- ✓Smoother acne scars
- ✓Refined texture
- ✓Tighter pores
Good for you if
- •Acne / chickenpox scars
- •Rough texture
- •Enlarged pores
Aftercare
- ✓Follow the wound-care routine exactly — this is a healing wound, not a facial.
- ✓Never pick at peeling skin; that is where scarring and pigment problems come from.
- ✓Strict SPF 50+ for at least a month once the skin has closed.
- ✓No saunas, pools or heavy sweating until fully healed.
- ✓Report spreading redness, heat or pus promptly — infection risk is real here.
Not suitable if
- !Isotretinoin within the last 6–12 months.
- !Active acne flare, cold sore or any infection in the area.
- !Keloid scarring tendency.
- !Deeper skin tones without a careful risk discussion.
- !Recent tan.
- !Pregnancy.
- !A trip with no recovery days left in it.
FAQ
How much downtime should I plan?
This is the treatment on a Korean menu most likely to derail a trip. Expect several days of redness, swelling, oozing and then peeling — commonly 5–7 days before you look presentable, longer at aggressive settings. Book it at the very end of a trip or on a dedicated recovery stay.
Is it worth the downtime versus gentler options?
For deep, established acne scarring, ablative resurfacing still does more per session than anything non-ablative. If your scarring is mild or your priority is texture, gentler fractional or microneedling RF gets you most of the way with a fraction of the recovery.
What about darker skin?
Higher risk. Ablative resurfacing on deeper skin tones carries a substantial chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Many doctors will steer you to microneedling RF instead, and that's sound advice rather than a downgrade.
How many sessions?
Typically 2–4, spaced 4–8 weeks apart to let the skin fully recover between passes.
Price range by care tier
Market ranges for reference — actual quotes depend on the clinic, doctor and area.
Before you compare quotes: what this price is actually per
- A flat per-visit price. The thing to check is how many visits the full course needs.
Flat per session, with depth and density settings — not the price — determining how much downtime you get. A cheap aggressive session and an expensive gentle one can look identical on a menu. Ask what percentage coverage and depth they plan, and how many days of peeling to expect.
- Numbing cream, which is essential here
- Regenerating ointment and dressings for the peeling phase
- Post-treatment soothing mask or LED
Won prices quoted above are from a dated reference price list for one Seoul clinic chain (2026-07-24), used to show the shape of pricing — not a national average, and not a quote. Prices include 10% VAT: the foreign-patient cosmetic VAT refund ended on 31 December 2025.
How it compares
Fractional CO2 Laser beside the other Pores & Texture options travellers usually weigh against it.
| Comparison factor | Fractional CO2 Laser프락셔널 CO2 | Potenza포텐자 | Aqua Peel / Hydrafacial아쿠아필 | Fraxel & Pico Fraxel프락셀 / 피코프락셀 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best at | Resurfacing for scars & texture | Microneedling radiofrequency | Deep-clean glow facial | Resurfacing that leaves healthy skin between the beams |
| Depth reached | Dermis · 0.2–1.5 mm | Dermis · 0.5–3.5 mm | Epidermis · 0–0.1 mm | Dermis · 0.3–1.5 mm |
| How it works | Ablative laser | Microneedling RF | Chemical peel | Non-ablative laser |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 1–3 days | Noneleast downtime | 2–7 days |
| Pain | gentlest | |||
| Visits for full result | 1–3 visits | 2–3 visits | 1 visit | 3–5 visits |
| Results last | Long-lasting on scars | 12+ months with maintenance | 1–3 weeks glow | Long-lasting once a course is complete |
| Trip fit | One visit, plus recovery days to plan around | One visit, plus recovery days to plan around | Any trip — one visit, no recovery days | One visit, plus recovery days to plan around |
| Priced per | per session | per session | per session | per session |
| From | ₩150k–350k | ₩150k–300k | ₩40k–90k | ₩80k–200k |
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