SEOLREIM · JOURNAL
Pico fractional versus Fraxel for pores and acne scars: criteria for choosing lasers in Korea
Full translation of the Korean article. Translation checked for completeness, numerical consistency and medical meaning; separate medical review of this translation is pending. Translation updated: 2026-10-28.
Pico fractional and Fraxel or other fractional lasers may sound similar, but their energy distribution, wavelengths and skin responses are not the same. Small comparative studies of depressed scars have found both approaches helpful, but they cannot establish which is better for all pores or after a single treatment. Compare scar shape, pore concerns, actual devices, modes and recovery burden together.
What is easily overlooked in a “pico versus Fraxel” quotation
First check whether Fraxel means an actual Fraxel brand and model or is being used generically for fractional lasers on the menu. Nonablative treatment and ablative CO2 are not the same. For pico, also identify the fractional optics used rather than ordinary toning. An exploratory split-face trial published in month 9 of 2026 compared 755nm pico DLA with 1565nm nonablative fractional treatment over three sessions in 27 completers. The difference in scar improvement between groups was not statistically significant, and some recovery measures were shorter on the pico side. However, the comparator was ResurFX, so this study must not be described as a direct comparison with a specific Fraxel model.
| Comparison criterion | What to check | Cautions when reading research |
|---|---|---|
| Actual treatment name | Manufacturer, model, wavelength and optical mode | “Fraxel” does not always mean the same brand or ablative treatment |
| Goal | Pore appearance and depressed scar types | Do not convert scar scores into claims of pore elimination |
| Comparative evidence | Exactly which two devices and settings were compared? | Do not treat different models as the same product |
| Recovery | Possible redness, swelling, flaking, crusts and PIH | Average recovery does not guarantee your date for photographs |
| Plan | Need for multiple sessions, assessment and other scar approaches | Do not expect complete flattening during one trip |
Definitions and how the treatments work
Traditional fractional thermal treatment delivers energy into small sections; surface injury and recovery differ depending on whether treatment is ablative. Pico fractional uses optics such as lenses to produce microscopic concentrated zones and photomechanical reactions, but this does not mean treatment without injury. Do not present pigmentation research on toning as evidence of fractional scar effects, or nonablative data as CO2 results.
Potential benefits and limitations
Treatment may aim for partial improvement in suitable depressed scars and skin texture, but it cannot permanently close pores or erase every scar. A 2021 split-face trial of 25 participants also produced findings limited to its specific comparison of pico fractional and CO2. The 2026 study was small and exploratory, analyzed only completers and had short follow-up, so it does not establish equivalence or absence of risk across all skin types and devices.
Who can seek a consultation and how suitability is assessed
Adults may seek consultation after active inflammation is controlled, allowing assessment of depression shape, depth, tethering, sebum and skin condition. Disclose a history of keloids, PIH, hypopigmentation or herpes, recent tanning, peels or lasers, wounds, dermatitis or infection, medications such as isotretinoin, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. Medication-specific waiting periods are determined by the actual method and condition rather than outdated blanket rules.
Procedure, recovery and scheduling
The physician records standardized photographs and scar shapes and establishes the actual device, mode, pain management, eye protection, treatment extent and follow-up plan. Redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, flaking, crusts, dryness and PIH may occur, and recovery may take several days or longer. Do not copy study exposure settings or intervals into a personal treatment schedule. Further treatment and assessment after returning home are determined by actual healing and skin response.
Side effects, contraindications and symptoms requiring medical attention
Burns, blisters, infection, herpes reactivation, persistent redness, PIH, hypopigmentation and scarring are possible. Blisters and other adverse effects have also been reported with pico treatment, so an absence of crusts does not mean an absence of risk. Seek medical care for worsening pain, pus, fever, blisters or spreading redness. Do not pick crusts or add scrubs or self-administered acid peels.
A comparison separating three laser categories
| Category | Role and goals | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Pico fractional | A skin-texture approach using optics and microscopic concentrated responses | Distinguish goals and recovery from ordinary pico toning |
| Nonablative fractional | A scar and skin-texture approach using fractional thermal responses | Check evidence for the actual brand and model |
| Ablative CO2 fractional | A remodeling approach that includes surface injury | Assess recovery, PIH, infection and scarring risks separately |
Questions and answers for a medical consultation
These consultation questions were compiled from the literature and do not represent a clinician interview or an individual prescription. Clinical review of the new article has not yet been completed.
Q. Does pico fractional always hurt less than Fraxel?
A. It depends on the device, settings, area and anesthesia, and findings vary between studies. Painless treatment cannot be guaranteed for an individual.
Q. If a paper finds similar results, are the two procedures the same?
A. No. A nonsignificant difference in a small study does not establish equivalence across all devices and skin conditions.
Q. Do I need a scar laser if pores are my only concern?
A. Sebum, blockage, elasticity and actual depressed scars must be distinguished; scar treatment is not automatically necessary.
Consultation with the SEOLREIM clinic director and signature programs
SEOLREIM Clinic states its principles of physician-led consultations and procedures, genuine products, accurate quantities and attentive care. Consultation starts by distinguishing skin condition and goals, then checking the products and devices actually available, approved indications, dose or energy plans, recovery and risks. During the official pore and acne consultation, confirm the actual devices, fractional modes and scar shapes. This article does not mean SEOLREIM owns every device used in the studies. Check the separate components, evidence and recovery for Silky Pore, Juvelook and other programs rather than automatically treating them as equivalent to lasers.
Booking, languages, location and guidance for international visitors
Visitors searching for pore treatment Korea or acne scar laser Korea should prepare skin-texture photographs under different lighting and records of active acne and previous scar treatments. Skin tone and pigmentation risk are not inferred from nationality alone; also check important photography dates and access to medical care after returning home. SEOLREIM Clinic is on the 11th floor of the Gangnam8258 Building, approximately 1 minute from exit 3 of Gangnam Station. Book through the website’s KakaoTalk consultation, Naver booking or telephone channels. International visitors comparing dermatology clinics in Gangnam, Seoul, near Gangnam Station or elsewhere in Korea should prepare information on medications, allergies, recent procedures and departure dates. When booking, state your preferred language, such as Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Mongolian or Indonesian, and whether interpretation is needed, and confirm the actual scope and cost of support. Continuous consultation availability in each language and same-day procedures cannot be guaranteed. During consultation, also agree on how to contact the clinic about adverse reactions after returning home and the follow-up schedule.
Evidence sources and related articles
Qi et al., 2026-09-02 split-face trial of 755nm pico DLA and 1565nm nonablative fractional treatment: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13538186/ ; Sirithanabadeekul et al., 2021 split-face trial of pico fractional and CO2: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32910030/ ; AAD acne scar treatment: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment ; AAD pore care: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/treat-large-pores . Study images were not used, and effects or recovery are not guaranteed for individual patients. Evidence and official information checked: 2026-10-20.
Related article: Fractional laser treatment for acne scars: CO2 versus nonablative treatment and recovery https://www.sulskin.co.kr/pages/en/product-244 / Are pico toning and pico fractional treatment the same procedure? How to check the mode before booking for melasma or dark spots https://www.sulskin.co.kr/pages/en/product-369 / Fraxel vs RF microneedling: which scar treatment should you choose during a trip to Seoul? Comparing recovery and results https://www.sulskin.co.kr/pages/en/product-388
Authorship, review and dates
Author: SEOLREIM content editor / Medical professional review: completed / Review confirmed: 2026-10-23 / Published: 2026-10-20 / Updated: 2026-10-27. This is general medical information and does not replace individual diagnosis or a prescribed procedure plan.
SEOLREIM · GANGNAM, SEOUL
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