General information about treatment in Seoul, published by Forever Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Gangnam for international patients. Our own approach, physicians and prices are on the pages linked at the end.
If you’re planning a skin treatment trip to Korea and trying to decide between pico laser and Fraxel, you’re not alone. Thousands of international patients visit Seoul’s renowned clinics each year specifically to access world-class laser technology at a fraction of Western prices. But choosing between these two powerful treatments can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from how each technology works to real costs, downtime, and which skin concerns each one addresses best. See also:
Pico laser (picosecond laser) delivers ultra-short pulses of energy measured in trillionths of a second. This extremely rapid delivery shatters pigment particles and stimulates collagen without generating excessive heat. Popular devices used in Korean clinics include PicoWay, PicoSure, and PICOCARE — all FDA-cleared and widely adopted throughout Gangnam’s top dermatology centers.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, picosecond lasers demonstrated a 75–90% improvement in melasma and pigmentation after 3–5 sessions, with significantly less post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to older nanosecond devices. Korean dermatologists have refined pico laser protocols specifically for East Asian skin types, making Seoul one of the most experienced destinations globally for this treatment.
Fraxel is a fractional laser that works by creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. There are two main types: Fraxel Dual (which combines 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths) and Fraxel REPAIR (CO2). Korean clinics typically offer Fraxel Dual for pigmentation and resurfacing, and Fraxel REPAIR for deeper scar revision.
Fraxel has been FDA-approved since 2003 and has a well-documented clinical track record. A large-scale review in Dermatologic Surgery found that Fraxel treatments produced measurable improvement in acne scars in 70–80% of patients after a full treatment course of 3–5 sessions.
Pico laser uses photoacoustic energy — essentially pressure waves — to break up pigment and stimulate collagen through the LIOB (Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown) effect. Fraxel uses photothermal energy — controlled heat — to stimulate deep collagen remodeling through fractional microbeams. The key difference is thermal vs. mechanical action, which directly affects downtime, risk, and suitability for different skin tones.
Pico laser excels at: melasma, sunspots, freckles, post-acne dark marks (PIH), tattoo removal, skin tone brightening, and mild texture improvement. Because it generates less heat, it carries a lower risk of hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–V), making it extremely popular among Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian patients.
Fraxel excels at: deep acne scars, surgical scars, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, skin resurfacing, and overall textural irregularities. It penetrates deeper into the dermis, making it better suited for structural skin concerns rather than surface pigmentation.
One of the most decisive factors for medical tourists is downtime. Pico laser typically involves 1–3 days of mild redness and slight sensitivity — most patients can return to normal activities the next day. Fraxel Dual involves 5–7 days of noticeable redness, swelling, and bronzing/peeling. Fraxel REPAIR (CO2) can require 10–14 days of significant downtime, making it less practical for short-stay visitors.
Korean dermatologists at top Gangnam clinics often recommend combining pico laser with other low-downtime treatments such as skin boosters or HIFU for patients with limited time in Seoul.
Pico laser is generally well-tolerated. Most clinics apply topical numbing cream 30–45 minutes before treatment, and patients describe the sensation as mild snapping or warmth. Fraxel Dual requires more aggressive numbing and can feel significantly more uncomfortable during the procedure due to its thermal penetration. Fraxel REPAIR is often performed under local anesthesia or sedation.
Korea’s competitive medical tourism market keeps laser treatment costs considerably lower than in the US, UK, or Australia. For pico laser in Seoul’s Gangnam district, you can expect to pay:
By comparison, a single pico laser session in the United States typically costs $400–$1,000, and packages can run $2,000–$5,000. The savings in Korea are substantial, even after accounting for flights and accommodation.
In the US, Fraxel sessions average $1,000–$2,500 per session. Korean pricing represents savings of 50–70%, which is a major driver for medical tourism to Seoul.
Yes — and many Korean clinics do exactly this. A skilled dermatologist may recommend a Fraxel session for deeper scar revision followed by pico laser maintenance for pigmentation and brightening. Clinics in Gangnam are well-experienced in combination protocols designed for international patients who want maximum results in a compressed timeframe.
Top dermatology clinics in Gangnam and Sinchon offer English-speaking staff, detailed skin analysis consultations, and customized treatment plans. Most clinics provide a complimentary consultation where doctors assess your Fitzpatrick skin type, existing conditions like melasma or rosacea, and recommend the ideal laser protocol. Many clinics also offer in-house translators and international patient coordinators to simplify the process for visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
It’s strongly recommended to book a consultation at least 2–3 weeks before your trip, arrive without recent sun exposure, and avoid retinoids or AHA/BHA products for 5–7 days before treatment.
Send your dates and your concern. Consultation is conducted in English, and a plan with an itemised quote follows the assessment.