Fraxel & Pico Fraxel
프락셀 / 피코프락셀 · also: fractional laser, 프락셀, 피코프락셀, fractional resurfacing
Fractional resurfacing treats thousands of microscopic columns and deliberately leaves the skin between them untouched, so healing is much faster than full resurfacing. Korean menus usually offer two versions — a heat-based Fraxel and a Pico variant that's gentler still.
This breaks the skin or carries vascular/systemic risk, so a medical intake is required before treatment.
How it works
Fraxel uses photothermal energy: microbeams of heat create columns of controlled injury that trigger collagen remodelling as they heal. The Pico version instead uses ultra-short pulses whose mechanical, photoacoustic effect creates micro-channels deeper down while largely sparing the surface — which is why it peels less and carries less pigmentation risk on deeper skin tones.
Non-ablative laser · acts at 0.3–1.5 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.
Non-ablative laser
Heat is delivered in microscopic columns below an intact surface, so remodelling happens with far less visible recovery.
People choose this for
Products & devices used
Not all "Fraxel & Pico Fraxel" is the same — the specific brand or machine changes the price and the feel. Common options in Korea:
The original fractional non-ablative resurfacing laser. Leaves untreated skin between microbeams so healing is faster than fully ablative resurfacing, at the cost of needing a course.
Picosecond lasers for pigment, melasma and tattoo removal; low-fluence 'toning' brightens with little downtime.
An ablative resurfacing laser for acne scars and texture; more effective but with real downtime.
What it does
- ✓Smoother acne scarring
- ✓Refined texture and pores
- ✓Softer fine lines
- ✓More even tone
Good for you if
- •Acne scars
- •Rough or uneven texture
- •Sun damage
- •Enlarged pores
Aftercare
- ✓Expect redness, a bronzed look and fine flaking that sheds over roughly a week.
- ✓Do not pick or exfoliate the flaking skin.
- ✓Bland moisturiser and strict SPF 50+ for at least two weeks.
- ✓No saunas, pools or heavy sweating for 48–72 hours.
- ✓Pause retinoids and acids for a week either side.
Not suitable if
- !Isotretinoin within the last 6–12 months.
- !Active acne flare, cold sore or infection in the area.
- !Recent tan or sunburn.
- !Keloid tendency.
- !Pregnancy.
FAQ
Fraxel or Pico Fraxel?
Fraxel's heat gives stronger collagen remodelling and generally does more for deeper scars, at the price of 2–3 days of redness and bronzing that sheds over a week. Pico Fraxel preserves the surface, peels less and is safer on deeper skin tones, but needs more sessions for the same result.
How much does one session do for acne scars?
Meaningfully less than people hope. Published reviews find measurable scar improvement in most patients only after a full course of 3–5 sessions. One session is a start, not a fix.
Is this safe for darker skin?
With care. Heat-based fractional treatments carry a real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on deeper skin tones, so the Pico route and conservative settings are usually preferred. Insist on a doctor who asks about your Fitzpatrick type.
Can I fly right after?
Flying is fine, but you'll be visibly red and possibly bronze and flaking for several days. Plan it for the end of a trip, not the start.
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 full-face session, with the Pico version priced above the standard one (₩80k and ₩100k in one Seoul list — unusually cheap by international standards). As always with resurfacing, the real cost is the course: 3–5 sessions, weeks apart.
- Numbing cream
- Post-treatment soothing mask or LED
- Regenerating ointment for the peeling phase
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
Fraxel & Pico Fraxel beside the other Pores & Texture options travellers usually weigh against it.
| Comparison factor | Fraxel & Pico Fraxel프락셀 / 피코프락셀 | Potenza포텐자 | Fractional CO2 Laser프락셔널 CO2 | Aqua Peel / Hydrafacial아쿠아필 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best at | Resurfacing that leaves healthy skin between the beams | Microneedling radiofrequency | Resurfacing for scars & texture | Deep-clean glow facial |
| Depth reached | Dermis · 0.3–1.5 mm | Dermis · 0.5–3.5 mm | Dermis · 0.2–1.5 mm | Epidermis · 0–0.1 mm |
| How it works | Non-ablative laser | Microneedling RF | Ablative laser | Chemical peel |
| Downtime | 2–7 days | 1–3 days | 5–7 days | Noneleast downtime |
| Pain | gentlest | |||
| Visits for full result | 3–5 visits | 2–3 visits | 1–3 visits | 1 visit |
| Results last | Long-lasting once a course is complete | 12+ months with maintenance | Long-lasting on scars | 1–3 weeks glow |
| Trip fit | One visit, plus recovery days to plan around | One visit, plus recovery days to plan around | One visit, plus recovery days to plan around | Any trip — one visit, no recovery days |
| Priced per | per session | per session | per session | per session |
| From | ₩80k–200k | ₩150k–300k | ₩150k–350k | ₩40k–90k |
Curious about Fraxel & Pico Fraxel?
Tell us your care style and how long you're in Korea, and we'll lay out whether this treatment actually fits your trip.
Build my plan →