The Complete Guide to Fraxel (Fractional Laser) — Non-Ablative vs Ablative (CO2)

Who it suits / What to check first

Fraxel uses a laser to create a dense pattern of very fine, column-shaped micro-injuries in the skin, prompting the skin to heal itself and build new collagen and new skin. Because only a fraction of the skin (in a dot pattern) is treated at a time rather than the whole face, recovery is relatively quick.

• You have boxcar or shallow rolling acne scars on the cheeks or temples
• You have enlarged pores and bumpy skin texture that makes makeup look uneven
• You are bothered by fine lines around the eyes and cheeks, or skin that feels thin and rough
• Your skin looks dull and has some pigmentation or sun damage mixed in
• You plan to have the treatment in several sessions, or want to make a long-term plan at your first visit

What is Fraxel? — How Fractional Lasers Work

"Fraxel" is originally the name of one specific device, but in Korea it is widely used to mean fractional lasers in general, which fire the laser in tiny dots. So even when two clinics both say "Fraxel," the device and method may differ.

Between the tiny columns the laser passes through, undamaged skin remains. This healthy skin quickly fills in the wounds, which drives regeneration. Over repeated sessions this builds up, making scars shallower and skin texture smoother.

• There are two main types: "non-ablative" (delivers heat beneath the surface without removing the skin surface) and "ablative" (such as CO2, which vaporizes tiny points all the way up to the surface).
• More important than the device name is choosing the method and intensity that fit your concern and skin type.

Non-Ablative vs Ablative (CO2) at a Glance

The two types differ in depth of effect and recovery time. For international patients with a short trip, this difference matters most.

How It Differs from Potenza and Pico Fraxel

If scars are deep and you have plenty of time, CO2 Fraxel is often considered first; if you are worried about pigmentation or your trip is short, Potenza, Pico Fraxel or non-ablative Fraxel are often considered first. In practice, "combination treatments" that pair these with subcision, skin boosters, toning and so on are also common.

Asian Skin and Pigmentation (PIH) — What to Watch Most Closely

Asian skin is prone to brown marks after laser irritation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH). In overseas studies, temporary pigmentation after ablative lasers in particular is reported fairly often in Asian skin. It usually fades over several weeks to months, but preventing it in advance matters far more.

• Check that the clinic starts with low intensity and density based on your skin tone and any past pigmentation.
• Avoid strong sun and tanning for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment.
• Depending on the doctor, you may be advised to use a brightening cream before and after treatment.
• Do not pick or rub scabs during recovery.
• If brown marks appear, tell us early. They can be managed with toning and topical medication.

What Happens on the Day

1. 1
   Check-in and consultation (about 20 minutes): Skin analysis and photos to assess scars and pores, then the method and intensity are decided. Your manager interprets.
2. 2
   Cleansing and numbing cream (30–60 minutes): For ablative treatment, the numbing cream is applied generously before starting.
3. 3
   Laser treatment (15–40 minutes)Intensity is adjusted by area. You will feel warmth and stinging.
4. 4
   Soothing care (about 15–20 minutes)Cooling and a calming mask settle the heat, then a regenerating cream is applied.
5. 5
   Heading homeAfter non-ablative treatment you can keep a light schedule; after ablative treatment, we recommend resting at your accommodation.

How Many Sessions and How Far Apart?

• Pores, skin texture, fine lines: usually planned as a set of 3–5 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart.
• Acne scars: 3–5 or more sessions, 4–6 weeks apart. If scars are deep, it is combined with subcision, TCA CROSS and similar treatments.
• Ablative (CO2): One session brings a bigger change but recovery is longer, so spacing is often more generous.
• New collagen forms over several months, so changes become clearer gradually over 1–3 months.

A Typical Plan for Overseas Visitors

1. First visit: diagnosis + 1 session + consultation on the full treatment plan
2. After returning home: sun protection and moisturizing, and share progress photos with your manager
3. Next visit (on a trip 1–2 months later): adjust intensity and method based on how your skin responded, and continue treatment

Downtime — How the Days Go

Non-ablative Fraxel

• Day of treatment
  Skin is red and burning like a sunburn, with mild swelling.
• Days 1–3
  Redness and swelling subside. Skin may feel rough and gritty.
• Days 3–7
  Thin flaking appears and then clears. Most of it can be covered with makeup.

Ablative Fraxel (CO2)

• Day of treatment
  The whole face is red and hot, and tiny dot marks are visible. There may be slight oozing.
• Days 1–4
  Sand-like tiny scabs form, and redness and swelling are at their most noticeable.
• Days 5–7
  Scabs begin to fall off naturally. Do not pick them off.
• Weeks 2–4
  Some pinkness may remain. Sun exposure during this period easily causes brown marks.
• Months 1–3
  Collagen builds up and scars and skin texture gradually improve.

Sample Trip Itineraries

4 days / 3 nights (non-ablative)

• Day 1
  Arrive → consultation and diagnosis → non-ablative Fraxel
• Day 2
  Some redness, so keep to indoor plans; a hat and sunscreen are a must
• Day 3
  Light sightseeing is possible with makeup
• Day 4
  Check-in at the clinic before departure → fly home

7 days / 6 nights or longer (ablative CO2)

• Day 1
  Consultation and diagnosis → CO2 Fraxel
• Days 2–4
  Scab period; rest at your accommodation and keep to indoor plans. No saunas or alcohol
• Days 5–6
  Scabs begin to fall off; check-in at the clinic
• Day 7
  Fly home. Keep up strict sun protection during the pink phase after you return

Normal Reactions and Symptoms to Report Right Away

Reactions that can be normal

• Redness, warmth and swelling for a few days
• Tiny scabs and flaking, tightness and dryness
• Faint pinkness that lingers for 2–4 weeks

Contact your manager right away if

• Redness, swelling or pain gets worse day by day
• Yellow discharge or pus appears, or warmth spreads
• Clusters of blisters appear around the mouth (possible herpes)
• The area where a scab fell off turns progressively darker brown

Preparation Before and Aftercare After

Before treatment

• Avoid strong sun and tanning starting 2 weeks before.
• Stop retinol and exfoliating products 3–5 days before.
• Tell us about any medications you take (acne medication, blood-thinning drugs, etc.) at your consultation.

After treatment

• Apply sunscreen every day and reapply every 2–3 hours, and wear a hat or use a parasol. Please keep this up for at least 1–2 months.
• Apply the regenerating cream and moisturizer from the clinic generously.
• For 1 week, do not use retinol, scrubs or peeling products.
• Leave scabs alone until they fall off on their own.
• Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, swimming, alcohol and strenuous exercise for a few days.
• On the plane, moisturize and use a facial mist often, and shade the window from sunlight.

How to Choose a Clinic and What to Ask at Your Consultation

• Does a board-certified dermatologist personally diagnose your scar and pore type and decide the method?
• Do they explain why they chose non-ablative or ablative for you, and tell you the device name?
• Do they adjust intensity based on your skin tone and risk of pigmentation?
• Do they offer foreign-language service and photo follow-up after you return home?

Questions to ask at your consultation

• Which is right for my concern, non-ablative or ablative?
• How many sessions and how far apart, and how much can be done on this visit?
• With my schedule, will the scabs clear before I fly home?
• How is pigmentation managed if it appears?
• Would it be better to combine it with Potenza, subcision or other treatments?

KBEAU connects you with partner clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong led by board-certified dermatologists. Send us a photo of your face and we will tell you in advance which method and schedule suit you, and a dedicated manager will accompany you on the day to interpret.