Skin & Aesthetics · Ablative laser

Er:YAG Laser Resurfacing in Seoul: Precise Skin Renewal

Er:YAG laser resurfacing uses a 2,940 nm erbium laser to remove very thin, precise layers of skin with little surrounding heat, improving fine lines, rough texture, shallow scars and sun damage with a shorter recovery than CO2 laser. At Hommage Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Hwang Seonhwa sets the depth and pattern for your skin type, scar depth and the downtime you can allow.

Dr. Hwang Seonhwa
Medically reviewed by
, aesthetic physician
Last reviewed
Reception area at Hommage Clinic near Sinnonhyeon Station, Seoul

Quick answer

Er:YAG laser resurfacing uses a 2,940 nm erbium laser that is absorbed almost entirely by water in the skin, so it removes thin, precise layers with little surrounding heat. At Hommage Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Hwang Seonhwa uses it for fine lines, rough texture, shallow scars and mild sun damage, usually in 1–3 sessions, with about 3–5 days of downtime for light treatment and 5–10 days for deeper work.

Key takeaways

  • Er:YAG is the "precise, cooler" ablative laser; CO2 is the "deeper, hotter" one.
  • Depth is set pass by pass, so treatment can be light (peel-like) or deeper.
  • Healing is usually faster than CO2, but the tightening effect is smaller.
  • Asian skin can still darken temporarily; sun protection for 2–3 months is essential.
  • It does not lift sagging skin or treat melasma.

Infographic

Er:YAG laser in numbers

2,940 nm

Wavelength

At the peak of water absorption.

15–40 min

Laser time

After 30–60 minutes of numbing cream.

1–3

Sessions

Spaced about 4–8 weeks apart.

3–5 days

Light treatment

Redness and fine peeling.

5–10 days

Deeper treatment

Oozing and crusts, then pinkness for 2–6 weeks.

~3 mo

Texture keeps improving

As new collagen forms.

Typical figures for Er:YAG at Hommage Women's Clinic; your plan is set after a skin assessment.
✚ Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

Er:YAG laser resurfacing at a glance

Key fact Details
Laser type Ablative erbium:YAG laser (2,940 nm), used in fractional or full-surface mode
Treatment time About 15–40 minutes of laser time, after about 30–60 minutes of numbing
Comfort Numbing cream and cooling; usually a warm, stinging or tapping feeling
Sessions Typically 1–3 sessions, spaced about 4–8 weeks apart, depending on depth
Downtime Light treatments about 3–5 days; deeper treatments about 5–10 days
Results visible Fresher skin once healed; texture keeps improving over about 3 months
Performed by Dr. Hwang Seonhwa, physician for skin and aesthetic treatments

Er:YAG laser may suit you if you have

  • Fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth
  • Rough, uneven texture or mild sun damage
  • Shallow acne scars or other superficial scars
  • A need for a shorter recovery than CO2 laser usually allows

Wait or choose another option if you have

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding, or a fresh tan or sunburn
  • An active cold sore, skin infection or inflamed acne
  • Recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane) use, keloid scars or vitiligo
  • Deep wrinkles or deep scars that may need CO2 or a combination plan

What is Er:YAG laser resurfacing?

Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser resurfacing is an ablative treatment that vaporizes very thin layers of skin. Its 2,940 nm wavelength sits at the peak of water absorption, so almost all of the energy is used to remove tissue, leaving only a thin zone of heat behind.

This makes Er:YAG a precise, controllable tool. The doctor can remove a set depth of skin per pass, and the skin then regrows a smoother, more even surface. It can be used in fractional mode, treating microscopic columns, or as full-surface resurfacing for a lighter, even peel-like effect over an area.

Er:YAG vs CO2 laser: what is the difference?

Both lasers are ablative, but Er:YAG is the gentler, more precise of the two. CO2 laser resurfacing (10,600 nm) leaves much more heat in the skin, which tightens collagen and suits deeper scars and wrinkles, but extends recovery.

  • Precision: Er:YAG removes thin, predictable layers; CO2 produces a deeper, heat-driven effect.
  • Recovery: Er:YAG usually heals faster, with redness that settles sooner.
  • Tightening: CO2 gives more tightening per session; Er:YAG may need more sessions for a similar change in deeper lines.
  • Pigment risk: because of the lower heat, Er:YAG may carry a somewhat lower risk of prolonged redness and pigment change, which matters for Asian and darker skin. Both still carry real risks.
  • Bleeding: deeper Er:YAG passes can cause pinpoint bleeding, because the laser does not seal vessels the way CO2 does.

For a broader comparison that includes non-ablative lasers with only a few days of redness, see fractional laser resurfacing .

What can Er:YAG laser treat?

Er:YAG is well suited to concerns in the upper layers of the skin:

  • Fine lines and crepey skin, including around the eyes and mouth.
  • Rough texture, dullness and mild sun damage.
  • Shallow acne scars and surgical scars. Deeper or tethered scars usually need a combined plan; see rolling scar treatment .
  • Some raised benign growths, which can be precisely removed after a doctor's diagnosis.

It is not a lifting treatment and does not treat sagging. It also does not treat melasma, which can worsen with heat and inflammation; a separate melasma treatment plan is safer for that concern.

What happens during treatment?

Your skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied for about 30–60 minutes. With protective eye shields in place, the doctor treats each area in planned passes, adjusting depth for thinner areas such as the eyelids or neck. Most people feel warmth and a tapping or stinging sensation. Afterward, a soothing ointment or dressing is applied, and you receive written aftercare instructions before you leave.

How long does Er:YAG recovery take?

Recovery depends on depth. After light or fractional treatment, expect redness, mild swelling and fine peeling for about 3–5 days. After deeper treatment, the skin may ooze and crust for about 5–10 days, with pinkness that fades over 2–6 weeks.

  • Moisturize generously with the ointment or barrier cream you are given; healing skin should not dry out.
  • Do not pick or peel flakes and crusts, as this raises the risk of dark marks and scarring.
  • Strict sun protection: stay out of strong sun and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen once healed, for at least 2–3 months.
  • Pause retinoids, acids, scrubs, saunas and swimming until your doctor confirms you have healed.

Skin looks fresher once healed, and texture keeps improving for about 3 months as new collagen forms.

Risks and possible side effects

Er:YAG is generally well tolerated, but it is still an ablative laser, and Dr. Hwang will explain the risks before you agree to treatment:

  • Prolonged redness , more likely after deeper treatment.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): temporary darkening, more common in Asian and darker skin, usually fading over weeks to months with sun protection.
  • Infection: bacterial, viral or fungal while the skin is healing.
  • Cold sore reactivation: if you have a history of cold sores, an antiviral medicine is usually prescribed around treatment.
  • Pinpoint bleeding during deeper passes, acne flares and milia.
  • Rarely, scarring or lighter patches of skin.

Call the clinic if you develop increasing pain, pus, yellow crusts, clusters of small blisters, fever, or redness that spreads after the first few days.

Er:YAG laser resurfacing at Hommage Clinic

Hommage Clinic is a women's health and skin clinic in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. Resurfacing is planned by a doctor who sets depth and pattern after examining your skin, and who can combine laser with other options from ourskin and aestheticsservices when that suits your goals better.

Cost depends on the area, treatment depth, the number of sessions and any combined treatment. Cosmetic laser resurfacing is not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance. You receive a written quote before treatment, and walk-ins are welcome during opening hours.

Mechanism

How Er:YAG laser works: cold ablation vs CO2 heat

Both Er:YAG and CO2 lasers target water in the skin, but Er:YAG's 2,940 nm wavelength is absorbed much more strongly. Nearly all of its energy goes into vaporizing a very thin layer of tissue, which is why it is sometimes called "cold ablation". CO2 leaves a wider zone of heat around each treated spot; that heat tightens collagen but also lengthens recovery. The diagram compares the two side by side.

How Er:YAG laser works compared with CO2: ablation depth and heat zone, Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul Two skin cross-sections. Er:YAG 2,940 nm removes a thin layer with a very thin heat zone, giving faster healing. CO2 10,600 nm removes tissue with a wide heat zone, giving more tightening and longer recovery. ER:YAG VS CO2 · HEAT ZONE Er:YAG 2,940 nm CO2 10,600 nm Thin heat zone Wide heat zone Precise · faster healing More tightening · longer recovery HOMMAGE WOMEN'S CLINIC · GANGNAM, SEOUL
Er:YAG: precise, cooler Removes a set depth per pass with only a thin rim of heat. Good for fine lines, rough texture and shallow scars. Deeper passes can cause pinpoint bleeding because vessels are not sealed.
CO2: deeper, hotter The wider heat zone shrinks collagen and drives more remodeling, so it suits deeper scars and wrinkles, at the cost of a longer recovery. See CO2 laser resurfacing.
Original illustration by Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul. Simplified diagram, not to scale.
Your options

Light, fractional or deeper Er:YAG: which treatment fits your goal?

Er:YAG is flexible because the depth is set pass by pass. That means the same laser can give a light, peel-like refresh with a few days of flaking, a fractional treatment for texture and shallow scars, or a deeper resurfacing for more stubborn lines. The cards compare the three; Dr. Hwang Seonhwa chooses based on your concern, skin type and how much downtime you can take.

3–5 days

Light full-surface

A very thin, even layer is removed, like a controlled peel. For dullness and rough texture.
3–5 days

Fractional

Microscopic columns with skin bridges in between. For shallow scars, pores and texture.
5–10 days

Deeper passes

More depth for fine lines around the eyes and mouth; crusting and pinkness for 2–6 weeks.
✚ Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

Er:YAG for the eyes and mouth

Because depth can be controlled finely, Er:YAG is often used on thin skin around the eyes and lips, where fine lines are common and deeper heat is less welcome. Settings are reduced on delicate areas, and eye shields are always used. Deeper creases and heavy lids are not resurfacing problems; they may suit botox , fillers or surgery instead.

Fine lines around the eyes, a common reason for Er:YAG laser resurfacing at Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul Hommage · Gangnam Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

Fine lines on thin skin are a common reason to choose Er:YAG. Illustrative photo.

Aesthetic laser device prepared for Er:YAG laser resurfacing of the face, Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul Hommage · Gangnam Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

Depth and pattern are set for each facial area before treatment. Illustrative photo.

Plan ahead

Preparing for Er:YAG laser, and the alternatives

In the two weeks before treatment, avoid tanning and sunburn, and tell the clinic about cold sores, recent isotretinoin, blood thinners, keloid scarring or vitiligo. Retinoids and exfoliating acids are usually paused for a few days beforehand. Arrive without makeup if possible, so numbing cream can be applied straight away. If you have ever had cold sores, an antiviral is usually started before treatment.

Er:YAG or something else?

Er:YAG is one of several options for texture. If you want minimal downtime, a non-ablative fractional laser or RF microneedling may suit better, accepting more sessions. If your scars or wrinkles are deeper, CO2 laser gives more tightening per session. For surface dullness and uneven tone without much downtime, a chemical peel such as a Jessner peel can be enough. For pigment such as melasma, a melasma treatment plan is safer than resurfacing.

Healing

Er:YAG laser recovery timeline

Er:YAG recovery follows the depth of treatment. Light and fractional treatments usually settle within a working week; deeper treatment needs about a week and a half before the skin is fully closed. The timeline shows the typical milestones; the final texture result keeps improving for about three months.

Er:YAG laser recovery timeline, Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul Five milestones: day 0 treatment; days 1 to 2 redness and swelling; days 3 to 5 peeling, light treatments healed; days 5 to 10 deeper treatments crust and shed; around 3 months texture result. ER:YAG LASER RECOVERY Day 0 Days 1–2 Days 3–5 Days 5–10 ~3 months 1 2 3 4 5 Treatment Redness Light: healed Deep: healed Texture result Pinkness can last 2–6 weeks after deeper work HOMMAGE WOMEN'S CLINIC · GANGNAM, SEOUL
Day 0 Numbing, then 15–40 minutes of laser. Ointment or a dressing is applied.
Days 1–2 Redness, warmth and mild swelling; light oozing after deeper passes.
Days 3–5 Fine peeling; light and fractional treatments are usually healed.
Days 5–10 Deeper treatments crust and shed. Pinkness fades over the following 2–6 weeks.
~3 months New collagen refines texture; the result is reviewed and another session planned if needed.
Original illustration by Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul. Typical timeline; individual healing varies.
Gentle face washing with water during Er:YAG laser aftercare, Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul Hommage · Gangnam Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

Gentle rinsing and moist healing help the new surface form evenly. Illustrative photo.

Aftercare

Er:YAG laser aftercare: do's and don'ts

Good aftercare keeps the healing surface moist and protected, which lowers the risk of infection, dark marks and scarring. You receive written instructions and products before leaving, and you can message the clinic with photos while you heal.

Do

  • Rinse with cool water and pat dry gently
  • Keep skin moist with the ointment or barrier cream provided
  • Use cool compresses for warmth and swelling
  • Take antivirals as prescribed if you get cold sores
  • Use SPF 30+ once healed, for at least 2–3 months

Don't

  • Pick or peel flakes and crusts
  • Use retinoids, acids or scrubs until cleared
  • Go to saunas, pools or hot yoga while healing
  • Wear makeup before the skin has closed
  • Expose treated skin to strong sun
✚ Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Evidence

Does Er:YAG laser work? What the research says

Er:YAG is an established resurfacing laser, but direct, high-quality comparisons with other lasers are limited, especially in Asian skin. The research below shows that ablative lasers in general improve scars more than non-ablative ones, and that fractional treatment heals quickly because untreated skin surrounds each column. Studies comparing different erbium-type lasers with CO2 in Asian patients show that pigment risk varies by device and settings rather than by one laser type always being safer.

7 / 186

Ablative vs non-ablative

Meta-analysis: ablative lasers improved acne scars more; non-ablative lasers had less pain and shorter redness.

Ke et al., J Dtsch Dermatol Ges, 2025
~2 days

Fractional re-surfacing

Ablative fractional columns usually re-epithelialize within about 2 days, thanks to surrounding untreated skin.

Review, Semin Cutan Med Surg, vol 27
1–10%

Surface per pass

An early fractional Er:YAG prototype treated about 1–10% of the skin surface per session.

Review, Semin Cutan Med Surg, vol 27
66% vs 30%

Device matters

In 16 Japanese patients, a fractional 2,790 nm erbium-type laser caused more PIH than fractional CO2 at the settings used.

Kono et al., presented at ASLMS, 2010
38.4%

Temporary darkening after Er:YAG

In 190 Korean patients (skin type III+) after Er:YAG resurfacing, darkening began at about 3.5 weeks, lasted about 7 weeks on average and cleared within 16 weeks in 93.2% of cases.

Kim et al., Lasers Surg Med, 2005
4.7 months

Average redness after Er:YAG

All 218 Korean patients (skin types III–V) had redness after Er:YAG resurfacing; it resolved within 12 months in 98.2%. Longer redness was linked to more darkening.

Ko et al., Dermatol Surg, 2007
Limits of the evidence. Er:YAG studies are generally small and use many different devices, depths and patterns, so results cannot be compared directly. The 2010 comparison above used a 2,790 nm Er:YSGG laser, a close relative of Er:YAG, not Er:YAG itself, and was a conference presentation. The two Korean studies were retrospective chart reviews of older short-pulsed, variable-pulsed and dual-mode Er:YAG lasers, and their authors linked the pigment changes mainly to heat from longer pulses; today's fractional and lighter treatments are designed to reduce this. The idea that Er:YAG has less pigment risk than CO2 comes from its lower heat, but this has not been proven in large head-to-head trials in Asian skin. Dr. Hwang Seonhwa therefore plans conservative depth and strict sun protection for every patient.
✚ Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Traveling to Seoul

Er:YAG laser in Seoul for international patients

Er:YAG's shorter recovery makes it easier to fit into a trip than CO2, but the depth of treatment still decides how long you should stay. Hommage Women's Clinic is in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9 and Shinbundang Line).

How long to stay

  • Light or fractional: about 5 days lets peeling finish before you fly.
  • Deeper treatment: plan 7–10 days so crusts can shed and the skin can be checked.

Before you book

  • Send photos and your dates by WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or the contact form; ask for language support if needed.
  • Avoid sunburn and tanning for two weeks before your trip.
  • Bring your passport, a list of medicines, and any history of cold sores or isotretinoin.

After you fly home

Keep moisturizing on the flight, protect your skin from the sun for at least 2–3 months, and send a photo to the clinic if you notice darkening or anything unusual.

Er:YAG laser in Seoul: stay plan for international patients, Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam Day 1 skin assessment and Er:YAG laser; days 2 to 3 redness settles, rest indoors; days 4 to 5 peeling finishes and light treatments can fly home; days 6 to 10 deeper treatments heal, skin check, then fly home. ER:YAG IN SEOUL · STAY PLAN Day 1 Days 2–3 Days 4–5 Days 6–10 Assessment & laser Redness settles, rest indoors Light: peeling done, can fly Deep: check, then fly home 509 Gangnam-daero, Seoul Near Sinnonhyeon Stn · Line 9 / Shinbundang HOMMAGE WOMEN'S CLINIC · GANGNAM, SEOUL
Original illustration by Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul. Your dates are confirmed after the skin assessment.
Gangnam, Seoul at night for international patients visiting for Er:YAG laser resurfacing at Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul Hommage · Seoul Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

Gangnam, Seoul: the clinic is a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. Illustrative photo.

Consultation with a doctor to plan Er:YAG laser resurfacing, Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul Hommage · Gangnam Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

A consultation compares Er:YAG, CO2 and gentler options for your skin. Illustrative photo.

Choosing well

How to choose an Er:YAG laser clinic in Seoul

Use these questions at any consultation, including ours:

  • Is it true Er:YAG (2,940 nm)? Ask which laser and wavelength will be used.
  • Does a doctor set the depth? Especially for eyes and lips.
  • Are CO2 and gentler options offered too? So you get the right strength, not the only machine.
  • How is pigment risk managed? Settings, timing and sun protection plan.
  • Is follow-up included? And a way to send photos while healing.
  • Is the quote written? Including sessions and aftercare products.
✚ Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul

What affects Er:YAG laser cost in Seoul?

The cost depends on the area (full face, around the eyes or mouth, or a single scar), the depth and mode (light, fractional or deeper), the number of sessions, and any combined treatments such as a Jessner peel or skin boosters . Cosmetic laser resurfacing is not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance, and you receive a written quote before treatment.

Your visit

What to expect at your Er:YAG laser appointment

01

Skin assessment

Dr. Hwang reviews your concerns, skin type, cold-sore history and medications, and explains whether Er:YAG, CO2 or a gentler option fits better.

02

Preparation

Your skin is cleansed and numbed. An antiviral may be started if you are prone to cold sores.

03

Laser treatment

The doctor treats each area in planned passes, adjusting depth for delicate zones, with eye protection throughout.

04

Aftercare and review

You go home with written aftercare and a sun-protection plan, and a follow-up visit checks healing.

Dr. Hwang Seonhwa, physician for skin and aesthetic treatments at Hommage Clinic
Your doctor

Dr. Hwang Seonhwa

Physician · Skin & Aesthetic Treatments

Dr. Hwang uses Er:YAG when precise, shallower resurfacing fits your goal and schedule better than a deeper laser. For pigment-prone skin, Dr. Hwang favors conservative depth and spacing, combined with careful sun protection afterward.

Physician for face and skin procedures, including lifting, laser and skin-improvement treatments, planned around facial proportions and skin condition.

Read Dr. Hwang Seonhwa's profile →

Er:YAG laser resurfacing: frequently asked questions

  • Does Er:YAG laser resurfacing hurt?

    Most people feel warmth and a stinging or tapping sensation, which numbing cream and cooling keep manageable. Er:YAG usually feels less hot than CO2 laser because it leaves less heat in the skin. Deeper treatments are more uncomfortable, and the skin may feel sunburned for a day or two afterward.

  • How long is the downtime after Er:YAG laser?

    After light or fractional Er:YAG, most people have about 3–5 days of redness and peeling. Deeper treatment can need about 5–10 days for crusts to shed, with pinkness that fades over a few weeks. Your doctor will set the depth to match the recovery time you have available.

  • Is Er:YAG better than CO2 laser?

    Neither is better for everyone. Er:YAG is more precise, heals faster and may carry a slightly lower risk of pigment change, so it suits fine lines and shallow texture problems. CO2 gives more tightening and is often chosen for deeper scars and wrinkles. Your doctor recommends one after assessing your skin.

  • How many Er:YAG sessions will I need?

    Many people see a clear improvement in texture after one session, but fine lines or shallow scars often benefit from 2–3 sessions spaced about 4–8 weeks apart. Deeper concerns may need a combination with other treatments. Your doctor will suggest a number after examining your skin.

  • When can I wear makeup after Er:YAG laser?

    Wait until the skin has fully re-surfaced and any crusts have shed, usually about 3–5 days after light treatment and up to 7–10 days after deeper treatment. Start with gentle, fragrance-free products and clean brushes. If the skin stings when you apply makeup, it is not ready yet.

  • Can foreigners get Er:YAG laser resurfacing in Seoul?

    Yes. International patients and foreign residents can book an appointment at Hommage Clinic and should bring a passport for registration. Allow enough days in Seoul for initial healing and a follow-up check before you fly. Please contact us before your visit to arrange language support.

  • What does 2,940 nm mean, and why does it matter?

    It is the wavelength of the Er:YAG laser. At 2,940 nm, the light is absorbed very strongly by water in the skin, so the energy is used to remove a thin layer precisely, with little heat spreading to surrounding tissue. That is why Er:YAG usually heals faster than CO2 but tightens less.

  • Is Er:YAG laser safe for Asian skin?

    It can be, with careful settings and sun protection. Its lower heat is thought to reduce the risk of prolonged redness and darkening compared with CO2, but this has not been proven in large trials, and temporary darkening can still happen. Conservative depth, avoiding tanning and SPF 30+ for 2–3 months lower the risk.

  • Can Er:YAG treat fine lines around the eyes?

    Yes, it is often used for fine lines and crepey skin around the eyes and mouth because depth can be finely controlled on thin skin. Eye shields are always used. Deeper creases caused by muscle movement may respond better to botox, and heavy lids are not a resurfacing problem.

  • Does Er:YAG work for acne scars?

    It can improve shallow acne scars and rough texture. Deeper rolling or boxcar scars usually need a combined plan, for example with subcision, TCA CROSS or CO2 laser. Improvement is gradual and partial rather than complete.

  • How long do Er:YAG results last?

    Texture and scar improvements come from new collagen and are long-lasting, but skin continues to age and respond to sun. Daily sunscreen and good skincare help maintain the result, and some people choose an occasional lighter treatment later.

  • Will Er:YAG make my skin bleed?

    Light treatments rarely bleed. Deeper passes can cause pinpoint bleeding because, unlike CO2, Er:YAG does not seal small vessels as it works. This stops quickly with gentle pressure and is part of normal treatment.

  • What should I avoid before Er:YAG laser?

    Avoid tanning and sunburn for about two weeks, pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for a few days, and tell the clinic about cold sores, recent isotretinoin, blood thinners, keloids or vitiligo. An antiviral is usually prescribed if you have had cold sores.

References

Sources used for this page, reviewed by Dr. Hwang Seonhwa. Read our editorial and medical review policy.

  1. Ke R, Cai B, Ni X, et al. Efficacy and safety of non-ablative vs. ablative lasers for acne scarring: a meta-analysis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2025. doi:10.1111/ddg.15651
  2. Fractional photothermolysis: review of mechanism and clinical applications. Semin Cutan Med Surg. Vol 27(1). PDF
  3. Kono T, et al. Fractional 10,600 nm CO2 vs fractional 2,790 nm Er:YSGG laser for acne scars in Asian skin. Presented at the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery annual meeting, 2010. Report
  4. Manstein D, et al. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers Surg Med. 2004. PubMed
  5. Sowash M, Alster T. Review of laser treatments for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023;24:381–396. Springer
  6. Kim YJ, Lee HS, Son SW, Kim SN, Kye YC. Analysis of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation after Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing. Lasers Surg Med. 2005;36(1):47–51. doi:10.1002/lsm.20120
  7. Ko NY, Ahn HH, Kim SN, Kye YC. Analysis of erythema after Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing. Dermatol Surg. 2007;33(11):1322–1327. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33283.x

This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. Illustrations are original works of Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul; photos marked illustrative are not of patients.

Related resurfacing treatments

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Ablative laser with more heat and tightening for deeper scars and wrinkles.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers compared by depth and downtime.

Jessner Peel

A superficial-to-medium chemical peel for texture, acne marks and uneven tone.

Plan precise resurfacing with less downtime

Book a skin assessment with Dr. Hwang Seonhwa in Gangnam to see whether Er:YAG, CO2 or a gentler treatment fits your skin and schedule.

Hommage Clinic · 4F, Building A, 509 Gangnam-daero, Seoul (near Sinnonhyeon Station) · Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–15:00