Pico Laser vs CO2 Laser in Seoul

What are Pico Laser and CO2 Laser?

Pico lasers include PicoSure, PicoWay and PicoPlus and are used for pigment, tattoos and gentle fractional resurfacing. Fractional CO2 is a 10,600 nm ablative laser used for acne scars, deep wrinkles and resurfacing. They suit very different goals.

What is the key difference?

Pico lasers deliver picosecond pulses that shatter pigment with a pressure effect, and fractional pico tips create tiny areas of injury inside the skin without removing the surface. CO2 lasers vaporise micro-columns of skin, which triggers strong healing and new collagen. The key difference is depth and recovery: CO2 is stronger for scars but needs real downtime and carries more pigment risk.

Which one should you choose?

Choose pico laser if you have freckles, sun spots or tattoos
Choose pico laser if you want mild texture improvement with little downtime
Choose CO2 laser if you have deep rolling or boxcar acne scars
Choose CO2 laser if you can stay out of the sun and rest 5–10 days
Choose pico over CO2 if you have darker skin and are worried about pigment changes

When neither is the right fit

Anyone with a recent tan or sunburn
People who used isotretinoin recently without a doctor's review (CO2)
Pregnant people
People prone to keloids or with active infection
Anyone flying or going into strong sun within a week after CO2

What happens at the appointment

Consultation and skin assessment
Cleansing and numbing cream (longer for CO2)
Laser passes over the area with eye protection
Cooling and a healing ointment or mask
Aftercare kit and follow-up plan

Aftercare and flying home

After CO2, keep skin moist with the ointment given and do not pick crusts
After CO2, avoid makeup for about 5–7 days
Use strict sunscreen and shade for several weeks after both
Avoid saunas, swimming and heavy exercise until skin heals
Allow several days of healing after CO2 before a long flight if you can, and keep skin moisturised in the cabin

Side effects and risks

Pico: redness, small crusts and temporary darkening of spots
CO2: redness, swelling, oozing and crusting for about a week
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, more common after CO2 and in darker skin
Rare infection, prolonged redness or scarring after CO2

Costs in Seoul

Pico ₩100K–400K · CO2 ₩200K–800K (about US$75–600 per session) — In Seoul, price depends on the device, area and energy settings, and whether the treatment is spot or full face. CO2 sessions cost more and include aftercare products; pico is often sold in packages. Prices are estimates and change with promotions.

Why visitors choose Seoul

Seoul clinics treat many acne scar and pigment cases with both pico and CO2, often combining them with subcision or skin boosters. Prices are often lower than abroad, but visitors should plan CO2 at the start of a long stay.

Frequently asked questions

How much do pico and CO2 laser cost in Seoul?

Pico laser usually costs about ₩100,000–₩400,000 per session. Fractional CO2 usually costs about ₩200,000–₩800,000 depending on area and depth.

Does CO2 laser hurt more than pico?

Yes, CO2 is usually more painful and needs stronger numbing. Pico feels like snapping or pinpricks.

How many sessions of pico or CO2 do I need?

Pico usually needs 3–10 sessions depending on the concern. CO2 for acne scars usually needs 2–4 sessions spaced 1–3 months apart.

Can I fly after CO2 laser?

Flying is possible, but healing skin is dry, red and sensitive. Many people allow several days of healing first and keep skin moisturised during the flight.

Is CO2 laser safe for darker skin?

CO2 carries a higher risk of dark marks in darker skin, so doctors use lower settings or choose other options. Pico is usually lower risk.

Which is better for acne scars, pico or CO2?

CO2 is usually stronger for deep scars. Pico fractional is gentler and suits mild texture or people who cannot take downtime.