Fraxel Laser in Seoul | The Heal Seoul

How it works

Non-ablative fractional lasers, such as 1550 nm erbium-glass devices, create thousands of tiny thermal zones in the dermis while the outer skin layer stays mostly intact. The heated columns are replaced by new collagen over the following weeks. Because the surface is not vaporised, recovery is shorter than with ablative CO2.

Who it's for

It is generally used for mild to moderate acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven texture. Deep or tethered scars may need ablative laser, subcision or RF microneedling combinations.

What to expect at The Heal Sinsa

Every visit to The Heal Dermatology Sinsa Main Branch, on the 7th floor of Sinsa Square near Sinsa Station, starts with a 1:1 consultation with a Korean board-certified dermatologist and imaging-based skin analysis. Your doctor checks whether Fraxel Laser actually suits your concern, explains alternatives honestly, and chooses conservative settings. Treatment is done in a private single room, and English or Traditional Chinese support is available on request. Before your visit, note your current medicines, skincare products, allergies and previous procedures so the doctor can plan safely. Pricing is confirmed after consultation; see pricing and payment. Availability of specific devices varies by branch – confirm at consultation.

Sessions & downtime

Sessions: typically 3–5, about 4 weeks apart
Treatment time: about 20–30 minutes plus numbing
Comfort: numbing cream applied; heat sensation during treatment
Downtime: redness and swelling 2–5 days, then a bronzed, flaky phase
Results: gradual improvement over about 3 months

Risks & who should avoid

Common effects are redness, swelling and dryness. Less often, acne flares, cold sore reactivation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occur, especially in darker or tanned skin. Avoid during pregnancy, with active infection or inflamed acne, after recent isotretinoin without your dermatologist's guidance, or if you cannot protect the skin from sun. If you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, blistering, discharge or fever after treatment, contact the clinic promptly and read what to do if complications occur.

Planning around your trip to Seoul

Allow a few days of visible redness after treatment, so schedule it early in your stay and keep the following days light on outdoor activity. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Read treatment before a flight and how many days to plan, and visit international patients or getting here before you book.

Is Fraxel painful?

Most people describe heat and prickling. Numbing cream is applied beforehand and cooling is used during treatment to keep it tolerable. Warmth similar to sunburn can last a few hours afterward.

What is the difference between Fraxel and CO2 laser?

Fraxel-type lasers are non-ablative, keeping the surface intact, so downtime is shorter but more sessions may be needed. CO2 is ablative and stronger for deeper scars, with about a week of recovery. Your dermatologist matches the option to scar depth and downtime.

When can I wear makeup after Fraxel?

Many people can use gentle makeup after a day or two once the skin is not raw, but follow your dermatologist's advice. Expect dryness and flaking for several days, so a bland moisturiser and sunscreen are important.

Treated by Korean board-certified dermatologists

At The Heal Dermatology, every consultation and procedure is performed or directly supervised by a dermatology specialist (피부과 전문의). Why board certification matters · Meet our doctors · International patient guide · All treatments

Branches: Sinsa (Main) · Jamsil · Dongdaemun · Mapo-Gongdeok

This page is general medical information and does not replace an in-person consultation. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary by individual.

Fraxel Laser in Seoul for Scars, Pores and Texture