What is a Fractional CO2 Laser?

Fractional CO2 laser is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment available at The Heal Clinic Sinsa in Gangnam, designed to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and treat acne scars. This laser technology emits carbon dioxide (CO2) as infrared light to precisely remove damaged skin cells while stimulating collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation.

CO2 lasers have been widely used in dermatology for over 25 years to address fine lines, scars, pigmentation irregularities, and enlarged pores. However, traditional CO2 lasers required significant downtime, often leading to redness and irritation for several months.

To minimize recovery time while maintaining effective results, fractional CO2 laser technology was developed. Instead of treating the entire skin surface, this method delivers laser energy in microbeams, leaving portions of the skin intact to accelerate healing and reduce downtime.

Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser

At The Heal Clinic Sinsa, fractional CO2 laser treatments offer the following advantages:

✔ Visible results after the first session
✔ Minimal discomfort during treatment
✔ Rapid healing within 6 days
✔ Minimal disruption to daily life—patients can resume normal activities quickly

The fractional laser at The Heal Clinic Sinsa utilizes an advanced scanning system that evenly distributes microbeams across the skin, ensuring 60% to 85% of healthy skin remains unaffected. This allows for a faster and more comfortable recovery compared to traditional CO2 laser treatments.

Patients can choose between mild treatments requiring minimal downtime or a single intensive session for more dramatic results. Light fractional laser treatments allow patients to return to work with makeup after 3 days, while a deeper treatment may require about a week of recovery.

What Can Be Treated with Fractional CO2 Laser?

Fractional CO2 laser at The Heal Clinic Sinsa effectively addresses:

✅ Wrinkles & fine lines
✅ Skin laxity & actinic elastosis
✅ Pigmentation issues (such as age spots & sun damage)
✅ Acne scars & atrophic scars

Areas that can be treated:

Fractional CO2 laser is commonly used on the face, but can also be applied to the neck, décolleté, and hands to rejuvenate aging skin.

Who Should Avoid Fractional CO2 Laser?

Patients with the following conditions may not be suitable candidates for treatment:

❌ Hypersensitivity to light
❌ Use of medications that increase sun sensitivity
❌ Use of blood thinners
❌ Recent oral isotretinoin treatment (within the last 6 months)
❌ Tanned or recently sun-exposed skin
❌ Pregnancy
❌ History of hypertrophic scarring

How Does a Fractional CO2 Laser Work?

The laser works by vaporizing the superficial layers of skin, allowing collagen remodeling and new skin formation. The depth of laser penetration is carefully adjusted for precise skin resurfacing and customized treatment intensity.

At The Heal Clinic Sinsa, we take extra precautions for darker skin tones to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Preparing for Your Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

3-4 weeks before treatment:
✔ Avoid sun exposure & self-tanners
✔ Use a prescribed skincare routine to prepare the skin

1 week before treatment:
✔ Apply a moisturizer daily to hydrate the skin
✔ Take antiviral medication if prone to cold sores

On the day of treatment:
✔ Do not wear makeup
✔ Apply a thick layer of numbing cream (provided at the clinic)

What to Expect After Fractional CO2 Laser

Immediately after the procedure, the skin may appear red with a fine, mesh-like pattern due to the fractional laser impacts. Patients typically experience:

🔹 Mild swelling & warmth for the first 24 hours
🔹 Peeling similar to sunburn within 3-4 days
🔹 Ability to wear makeup by Day 5 or 6

For best results, broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF 50+) is required for at least 1 month post-treatment. A follow-up visit at 7 days and 1 month is recommended to ensure optimal healing.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The recommended treatment plan at The Heal Clinic Sinsa includes 2 to 4 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Noticeable improvements occur within 3 to 4 weeks, with full results developing over 6 months.

Possible Side Effects

While fractional CO2 laser is a safe procedure when performed by experienced dermatologists at The Heal Clinic Sinsa, some temporary side effects may occur:

⚠ Redness & swelling
⚠ Mild discomfort
⚠ Temporary hyperpigmentation (more common in darker skin types)
⚠ Herpetic or bacterial infections (rare, but preventive medication is prescribed when needed)

Pricing for Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment in Gangnam

At The Heal Clinic Sinsa, fractional CO2 laser treatments start at ₩700,000 per session. Pricing varies based on the area treated and treatment intensity.

To book a consultation for fractional CO2 laser treatment in Gangnam, contact The Heal Clinic Sinsa today!

📞 Call us now to schedule your consultation!