CO2 laser produces a 10,600nm infrared wavelength that is strongly absorbed by water in skin cells. When focused to the skin surface, it vaporises tissue precisely, triggering wound healing and the generation of new collagen and elastin. The depth of ablation and the coverage pattern — full or fractional — determine both the result and the recovery.
Fractional vs full ablative: the key comparison
| Type | Coverage | Ablation depth | Downtime | Best for | Sessions needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 | 15–30% of skin surface (micro-columns) | 50–150μm per pass | 3–7 days | Acne scars, mild-moderate wrinkles, textural improvement | 1–3 |
| Full ablative CO2 | 100% of treated area | 150–400μm | 10–14 days | Severe photoageing, deep wrinkles, perioral lines | 1 (definitive) |
| Fractional CO2 (aggressive) | 30–50% coverage | 100–300μm | 7–10 days | Moderate-severe scars; patients willing to accept longer recovery | 1–2 |
Pricing: Korea vs home countries
| Treatment | Korea (KRW) | Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | UK (GBP) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 (full face) | ₩300,000–₩800,000 | $217–$580 | $1,000–$3,000 | £800–£2,500 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Fractional CO2 (cheeks only) | ₩200,000–₩500,000 | $145–$362 | $600–$1,500 | £500–£1,200 | $900–$2,000 |
| Full ablative CO2 (full face) | ₩1,000,000–₩3,000,000 | $725–$2,174 | $3,000–$7,000 | £2,500–£5,500 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| Fractional CO2 + pico combo | ₩600,000–₩1,200,000 | $435–$870 | $2,000–$4,500 | £1,500–£3,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
Korean acne scar protocol
Korean dermatologists are particularly experienced in acne scar treatment because the patient population — and the broader regional demand from visitors from East and Southeast Asia — creates high clinical volume. A typical Korean protocol for moderate acne scarring:
- Fractional CO2 (1–2 sessions): Ablative remodelling of fibrotic scar tissue
- Pico laser (3–6 sessions): Targeting residual pigmentation and superficial texture
- Subcision (if needed): Breaking up fibrotic anchoring bands under rolling scars
- Filler (if needed): Restoring volume in atrophic scars
For international patients with significant acne scarring, a focused 2-week Seoul trip can accomplish the first round of CO2 and a pico session before flying home to continue with pico locally (or on a return trip).
What to expect: procedure and recovery
Before: Topical anaesthetic cream applied 30–60 minutes beforehand. Some patients prefer oral sedation for aggressive fractional or full ablative treatment — confirm this option with the clinic.
During: The laser passes across the treatment area in a grid or stamp pattern. Full face fractional takes 20–40 minutes. There is a smell of burning tissue (this is normal and expected). Some clinics use cold air to reduce discomfort.
Immediately after: The skin is red, swollen, and feels sunburned. A healing ointment (typically petroleum jelly or ceramide cream) is applied and you should not expose treated skin to direct sunlight.
Days 1–3: Redness, swelling, possible pinpoint bleeding. Some patients experience mild weeping at micro-channels for fractional treatments; more significant weeping for aggressive fractional or full ablation. Sleep elevated.
Days 3–7 (fractional): Skin transitions to a slightly darkened, crinkled texture as micro-columns shed. By day 5–7, most patients are socially presentable with mineral makeup.
Day 10–14 (full ablation): The weeping phase resolves into a new epidermis; skin appears pink-red and sensitive for several weeks. Full healing and final result: 3–6 months.
What is the difference between fractional CO2 and full ablative CO2?
Full ablative CO2 removes the entire epidermis across the treated area, creating a controlled wound that heals to reveal new skin. It produces dramatic results for deep wrinkles and severe sun damage but requires 10–14 days of significant downtime. Fractional CO2 treats columns of tissue with thousands of micro-channels, leaving surrounding skin intact for faster healing. Fractional is the standard for most patients — full ablation is reserved for severe photoageing or deep scarring where the benefit justifies the extended recovery.
How does CO2 laser compare to pico laser for acne scars?
Pico laser works primarily via photoacoustic remodelling of the dermis with minimal surface disruption — low downtime, requires more sessions. Fractional CO2 creates ablative micro-columns that vaporise damaged tissue; more downtime per session but often faster overall results for moderate-to-severe rolling and boxcar scars. Korean dermatologists frequently sequence them: fractional CO2 for structural remodelling, followed by pico laser for residual pigmentation in the healed skin.
How long do you need to stay in Korea for CO2 laser?
For fractional CO2, a minimum of 5–7 days is advisable — allowing a pre-treatment consultation, the procedure, 2–3 days of redness and mild crusting, and a post-treatment check. Full ablative CO2 requires 12–14 days minimum in Seoul, with the treated skin going through a weeping and crusting phase that is socially and practically incompatible with long-haul travel.