Fractional Laser in Seoul: Resurfacing for Acne Scars and Texture
The short answer
Fractional laser in Seoul treats thousands of microscopic columns of skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact, triggering collagen renewal that improves acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and rough texture. In Gangnam a full-face session typically costs about ₩150,000–₩700,000. Non-ablative types need 1–3 days of recovery, ablative CO2 or Er:YAG about 5–7 days, and most people need 3–5 sessions.
Key facts
- Types: non-ablative (such as Fraxel-type 1550 nm) and ablative (fractional CO2, Er:YAG)
- Treats: acne scars, pores, fine lines, texture, sun damage
- Typical price: about ₩150,000–₩700,000 per full-face session
- Downtime: 1–3 days non-ablative; about 5–7 days ablative
- Sessions: usually 3–5, every 4–6 weeks
- Results: build over 3–6 months and are long-lasting
Why fractional
Older resurfacing lasers treated the entire skin surface at once, which gave strong results but long recovery and higher risk. Fractional lasers divide the beam into a grid of tiny points. Each point creates a microscopic zone of controlled injury, while the untouched skin around it speeds healing. The body responds by producing new collagen and elastin, gradually remodeling scars and texture.
Ablative versus non-ablative
| Feature | Non-ablative fractional | Ablative fractional (CO2, Er:YAG) |
|---|---|---|
| Skin surface | Left intact | Tiny holes through the surface |
| Downtime | 1–3 days of redness and swelling | About 5–7 days of crusting and peeling |
| Strength per session | Moderate | Higher |
| Best for | Mild scars, pores, early lines | Deeper acne scars, more pronounced texture |
| Sessions | 3–6 | 2–4 |
| Pigment risk | Lower | Higher in darker skin |
Our dedicated guides explain CO2 laser resurfacing and the gentler Er:YAG laser in more detail.
What it treats best
- Rolling and boxcar acne scars, often combined with subcision
- Enlarged pores and uneven texture
- Fine lines, especially around the eyes
- Sun damage and mild pigment irregularity
- Surgical and stretch-mark scarring
Deep icepick scars may need other techniques such as TCA CROSS or punch methods, which a dermatologist can combine with laser.
What treatment feels like
Numbing cream is applied for 40–60 minutes. The laser feels hot and prickly, often with cooling air to help. Afterwards the skin looks sunburned and swollen. With non-ablative lasers, a bronzed, sandpaper-like texture appears and flakes over a few days. With ablative lasers, tiny crusts form and shed over about a week.
Cost in Seoul
Typical Gangnam prices are about ₩150,000–₩400,000 for non-ablative full-face sessions and ₩300,000–₩700,000 for ablative fractional sessions. Combinations with subcision, PRP or exosome application add to the cost. Packages of 3–5 sessions are common.
Planning around your trip
- Book ablative laser at the start of a trip and allow 7 days before events.
- Non-ablative laser fits a shorter stay; redness fades in 1–3 days.
- Flying during recovery is fine; keep the skin moisturized.
- Strict sun protection for 4–6 weeks reduces post-laser darkening.
Who should be cautious
Tell the doctor if you have taken isotretinoin in the past 6–12 months, tend to form keloids, have active acne or cold sores, or tan easily. Settings are adjusted for darker skin to reduce pigment risk.
Choosing a clinic
Ask which fractional laser is used, ablative or non-ablative, the planned density and depth, and who performs it. Good clinics combine fractional laser with other methods for complex acne scars and give clear aftercare in English. For clinic options, see our list of acne scar treatment clinics in Gangnam.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions do I need for acne scars?
Usually 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, sometimes combined with subcision.
Is fractional laser painful?
Numbing makes it tolerable; most people describe heat and prickling during the treatment.
When will I see results?
Texture improves gradually; the clearest results appear 3–6 months after the final session.
Can I wear makeup afterwards?
After non-ablative laser, often after 1–2 days. After ablative laser, wait until crusting has finished.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.