Fraxel vs CO2 Fractional Laser: Results, Downtime and Risks

Fraxel vs CO2 fractional laser is really a question of non-ablative versus ablative resurfacing. Both treat the skin in thousands of tiny columns while leaving healthy skin in between, which speeds healing. But a CO2 fractional laser removes microscopic columns of tissue, while Fraxel heats them without breaking the surface. That one difference shapes results, downtime and risk, especially if you are planning treatment in Seoul around a trip.

What “fractional” means

Older resurfacing lasers treated the entire skin surface at once, which gave dramatic results but long, risky recovery. Fractional lasers instead create a grid of microscopic treatment zones, covering only a fraction of the skin in each session. The untouched skin around each zone helps it heal quickly. Over the following weeks, the body replaces damaged tissue with new collagen, gradually improving texture, scars and fine lines.

Fraxel: non-ablative fractional laser

Fraxel is a brand of fractional lasers made by Solta Medical. The best-known Fraxel treatments are non-ablative. The classic 1550 nm erbium-glass wavelength penetrates into the dermis and heats tiny columns of tissue, triggering collagen remodelling while the outer layer stays largely intact. Some Fraxel systems also offer a 1927 nm wavelength that works more superficially and is often used for sun damage and pigmentation.

After treatment, the skin is typically red, warm and swollen for a few days, then looks slightly bronzed and rough as micro-debris works its way out. Most people can wear makeup within a few days. Because each session is gentler, a series of three to five treatments about four weeks apart is common. For more background, see the Fraxel laser in Seoul page.

CO2 fractional laser: ablative resurfacing

CO2 lasers use a 10,600 nm wavelength that is strongly absorbed by water in the skin. In fractional mode, they vaporise microscopic columns of tissue and heat the surrounding area, creating a strong remodelling response. This makes CO2 fractional one of the more powerful options for acne scars, deeper wrinkles and significant texture problems.

The trade-off is recovery. Expect oozing and fine crusting for several days, peeling for about a week, and pinkness that may persist for a few weeks or longer. Numbing cream is standard, and some clinics use additional pain control. Fewer sessions may be needed than with Fraxel, though deeper scars often still need more than one. See the CO2 laser in Seoul page for more.

Fraxel vs CO2 fractional: side by side

Which should you choose?

Fraxel may suit you if

• You have mild to moderate acne scars, enlarged pores or uneven texture.
• You have medium or darker skin and want to keep the risk of pigment change lower.
• You can only take a few days of social downtime, or prefer gradual change over a series.

CO2 fractional may suit you if

• You have deeper acne scars, more pronounced wrinkles or significant sun damage.
• You can stay in Seoul or at home for at least a week of visible recovery.
• You have lighter skin or have been assessed as suitable by a doctor for ablative treatment.

For visitors, timing matters. Plan ablative treatment at the start of a longer stay, not the day before a flight or event, and make sure you can follow aftercare and reach the clinic if needed. Many people with acne scars also need more than one technique; see subcision vs fractional laser for acne scars.

Can you combine them?

Yes, doctors sometimes use both in a plan, for example CO2 fractional for the deepest scars and non-ablative sessions for maintenance or for areas that need a gentler approach. Fractional lasers are also commonly combined with subcision, RF microneedling or skin boosters at different sessions. Combining strong treatments on the same day increases downtime and risk, so this should be a doctor’s decision.

Side effects, risks and who should wait

• Expected effects: redness, swelling, warmth, a sandpaper texture, flaking and, with CO2, oozing and crusting.
• Possible complications: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, prolonged redness, acne or milia flares, cold sore reactivation, infection and, rarely, scarring or lasting light patches.
• Postpone if you are pregnant, have a tan, active infection, cold sore or open wounds, or have used isotretinoin recently; tell the doctor about any history of keloids, poor healing or cold sores, as preventive medication may be advised.
• Aftercare includes gentle cleansing, a barrier moisturiser, no picking, and strict daily sunscreen for several weeks.

Cost in Korea

Fractional laser prices in Korea depend on the device, energy, number of passes and area. A full-face non-ablative session is often priced somewhere around ₩150,000–400,000, while ablative CO2 fractional resurfacing can range roughly from ₩150,000 to ₩600,000 or more, especially for scar-focused treatments that include several techniques. Packages for a series are common. Always ask for a quote that names the device and what aftercare products or follow-up visits are included.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general health information, not medical advice, and does not mean DayBeau Clinic Gangnam provides every treatment described. Talk to a qualified doctor about your own situation.