Pico Laser for Acne Scars in Seoul
the most advanced, effective options available in Korean dermatology clinics. This blog-style guide explains how Pico laser works, why it can be a strong choice for acne scars, what to look out for, and what to expect when you go to a Seoul clinic.
What is Pico Laser?
Pico laser (picosecond laser) uses ultra-short laser pulses (on the order of picoseconds) to deliver energy into the skin in a very controlled way, targeting scar tissue, pigmentation, and uneven texture without excessive heat damage.
Unlike older nanosecond or microsecond lasers, Pico laser is more precise and less traumatic to surrounding tissue, which means it can be safer and more comfortable for scar correction.
How it works for acne scars
For acne scarring (especially things like shallow boxcar, rolling scars, uneven texture, post-inflammatory changes):
- The Pico laser breaks up scarred and pigmented tissue and stimulates collagen production in the dermis. luna.clinic+1
- Because the energy is delivered so quickly, there’s less surface damage and less downtime compared to deep ablative lasers.
- In Korea, clinics often combine Pico laser with skin-boosters, topical treatments, or other modalities (microneedling, RF) to enhance results.
Why Seoul is a good place for Pico laser
- Seoul dermatology clinics are equipped with the latest laser devices and are highly experienced in treating diverse skin types and scar issues.
- Many clinics tailor their treatment for foreigners (language support, transparent pricing, international standards).
- Example: At YAAN Skin Clinic in Gangnam, Pico laser is advertised for acne scars, pigmentation, and textured skin, with pricing from ~₩150,000 to ₩400,000 per session.
- Also, clinics in Seoul publish pricing for services like “Pico Toning / Pore/Acne Scar Treatment” – e.g., one clinic lists “Pico Focus (1 session) ₩200,000” for pores/acne scars.
What to ask / check before treatment
Before you book a Pico laser for acne scars in Seoul, make sure you discuss:
- Which device will be used (brand, picosecond specification) and whether it’s suitable for your scar type.
- How many sessions are recommended for your level of scarring and skin condition.
- What the downtime and after-care are—some cases may still involve redness, peeling or slight downtime.
- Pricing: Is the quote per session? Is there a discount for multiple sessions? Are there any foreign-patient surcharges?
- What combination treatments might be needed (e.g., Pico laser + filler, Pico laser + microneedling) for better scar revision.
- The expertise of the dermatologist performing the treatment and prior examples (before & after photo gallery) of acne-scar cases.
- Post-treatment care instructions: e.g., strict sun protection, gentle skincare, avoiding heat or strong exfoliants until healed.
Typical cost & session expectations
- One reference price list in Seoul shows Pico toning/pore/acne scar treatments from ₩200,000 KRW (~USD $150-$170) for a session.
- Another article for YAAN Skin Clinic lists ₩150,000-₩400,000 KRW per session.
- Usually, 3-6 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart are advised for significant scar improvement (this number may vary depending on depth/type of scars).
- Downtime tends to be minimal compared to aggressive lasers; you may have redness/peeling but can resume most normal activities quickly.
Who is a good candidate / who needs caution
Good candidate if you have:
- Mild to moderate acne scarring (rolling, shallow boxcar, textured skin)
- Post-acne marks or pigmentation combined with scar texture
- Want relatively minimal downtime and a more “refreshed skin” result rather than aggressive resurfacing
Be cautious / may need alternative or combined treatments if:
- You have very deep ice-pick scars or tethered scars (those may require surgical subcision, punch excision, or implant fillers)
- You have very active acne that isn’t controlled yet (active inflammation may need treatment first)
- You have very melanin-rich or dark skin and the clinic is unable to adjust settings/devices to avoid risk of pigmentation changes—ensure the device and clinician are experienced.
- You’re expecting a “one session fix” – significant scar revision typically requires a realistic plan and multiple visits.
Summary
In Seoul, Pico laser stands out as a highly effective, lower-downtime option for treating acne scars and improving skin texture. The key benefits include precision energy delivery, less surface damage, and suitability for international patients when done by experienced clinics.
However, it's important to have realistic expectations: improvement (not perfect elimination) of scars, multiple sessions, and aftercare are part of the package.
If you’re looking at acne scar treatments in Korea, ask for a Pico laser option, make sure the clinic highlights it for scar use (not just pigmentation), check the pricing and doctor credentials, and compare a couple clinics before committing.

