JOULE ProFractional in Apgujeong, Gangnam, SeoulEr:YAG fractional scar laser · Sciton, USA
JOULE ProFractional is an Er:YAG fractional laser from Sciton in the USA. Its precisely controlled depth makes it suitable for acne scars, scars from surgery, injuries and burns, and enlarged pores. Pain and redness tend to be lower than with CO2 lasers.
Every scar has its own depth and shape. I set the laser depth separately for each one.
Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho Conference speaker on scar lasers- Results
- Gradual improvement
- Duration
- Lasts 6 months or more
- Comfort
- Mild discomfort
- Recovery
- 1–2 days of downtime
- Treatment time
- Around 30 minutes
- Treatment areas
- Face, neck and chest
Early changes from 3–5 days
6–12 months, according to manufacturer materials
Numbing cream
Makeup after 24 hours; full recovery around 1 week
No hospital stay
Areas with scars
Precise treatment
at the depth of each scar
with an erbium laser
ProFractional is used on Sciton's JOULE platform. The 2940 nm Er:YAG laser creates closely spaced microscopic channels in the skin. Treatment depth can be adjusted precisely from 25 μm to 1,500 μm to match each scar.
Precise, even removal of scar tissue stimulates dermal fibroblasts to produce more collagen and new skin tissue. Er:YAG energy is readily absorbed by water, limiting heat spread beyond the target. This tends to reduce discomfort, redness and the risk of pigmentation.
Acne scars, surgical scars, pores: what this laser improves
Acne Scars
Softens indented acne scars. Microscopic channels reach the scar's depth, then fill with new collagen to smooth the scar edges.
Surgical and injury scars
Blends scar lines from surgery or injuries into the surrounding skin. Research has reported improved texture, color and redness in surgical scars after 3 sessions at monthly intervals.
Burn scars
Evens out irregular burn-scar surfaces. Different depths are used for each area over a series of sessions.
Enlarged pores
Makes enlarged pores look tighter. Increased dermal collagen provides firmer support around each pore.
Texture and tone
Smooths rough, uneven texture and gives dull skin a brighter, more even tone.
Fine lines
Softens fine lines around the mouth, eyes and between the brows. Increased collagen production makes the skin firmer.
Scar treatment planned by your doctor
Treatment by a doctor who teaches scar laser therapy
Results depend on how treatment is planned and performed. We take time with every patient. A doctor handles your consultation and performs your treatment personally.
A separate depth for each scar
Acne, surgical and burn scars differ in depth and shape. Your doctor examines each scar and selects the laser depth and treatment density for that area.
Care from a doctor who lectures on scar lasers
Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho has lectured at ASLS conferences on scar treatment and aftercare following scar laser procedures. In 2019, a Sciton vice president and international instructor visited the clinic to discuss treatment programs.
Combining treatments for your scars
We also offer Sciton's HALO and BBL Forever, along with UltraPulse, Discovery PICO and Opus for scar treatment. Your doctor chooses a combination according to scar shape and skin condition.
Could a fractional scar laser help your scars?
Your doctor will assess whether it is right for you
- You want to improve indented acne scars
- Scars remaining after surgery bother you
- You have scars from an injury
- You want to improve burn scars
- You have keloid scars; your doctor first assesses whether treatment is appropriate for your skin's healing tendency
- You want to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
- Rough texture and fine lines are both concerns
ProFractional and CO2 lasers:
Wavelength affects discomfort and redness
ProFractional and the CO2 fractional lasers commonly used for scars operate at different wavelengths.
| Type | Wavelength | Water absorption | After treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional fractional CO2 laser | 10,600nm | Baseline | Heat tends to spread farther into surrounding tissue |
| JOULE ProFractional | 2,940nm | Around 10 times that of CO2 | Less surrounding thermal damage, with generally less pain and redness |
How the laser smooths scars
Your doctor explains how it works
How does the laser fill scars? The process of creating microscopic channels and filling them with new tissue has four stages. A doctor who teaches scar laser therapy selects the depth and density for each scar.
Setting the depth
Laser depth and treatment density are matched to the scar.
Microscopic channels
A computer-controlled scanner creates precise, evenly distributed channels.
Collagen renewal
Stimulated fibroblasts produce new collagen to fill the scar.
Faster healing
Healthy skin between the channels helps the treated areas heal quickly.
Treatment areas at Dong-An Joongsim Clinic
A plan for each treatment area
Even on the same face, depth varies by area and scar: for example, shallower on the forehead and deeper on the cheeks.
ForeheadCheeksNeckOther pigmentation and scar treatments
Results, comfort and recovery at a glance
Compare pigmentation and scar treatments side by side. The right choice varies from person to person, so your doctor will help you decide at your consultation.
| Treatment | Results | Duration | Comfort | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOULE ProFractional | Gradual improvement | Lasts 6 months or more | Mild discomfort | 1–2 days of downtime |
| Pico Laser | Gradual improvement | Lasts 6 months or more | Mild discomfort | No downtime |
| UltraPulse | Gradual improvement | Lasts 6 months or more | Mild discomfort | 6 days of downtime |
| Opus | Gradual improvement | Lasts around 6 months | Mild discomfort | 5–10 days of downtime |
| HALO | Gradual improvement | Lasts around 6 months | Mild discomfort | Usually settled by the next day |
Fractional Er:YAG results reported in research
These figures come from studies of fractional Er:YAG lasers, the same laser type used by ProFractional.
Shorter duration of redness than with CO2 lasers
2024 meta-analysis of 8 comparative acne scar studies
Patients who preferred fractional treatment for surgical scars
2016 split-scar comparison with fully ablative Er:YAG
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
34 Asian patients with acne scars after 1 session, 2011
Scar treatment before an important date
Treatment timed around your plans
From actors preparing for filming to patients planning a wedding or presentation, many people visit us ahead of an important date. Your doctor plans the timing and combination of treatments around your skin and schedule.
If your event is tomorrow
This laser needs recovery time before your event. If the date is very close, your doctor may recommend treatments with no downtime instead.
If your event is a month away
We work backward from your event date to plan a course of treatment around ProFractional. Our broad range of devices lets us choose a combination that suits your skin.
Your treatment day at Dong-An Joongsim Clinic
Your doctor oversees anesthesia and treatment
Your doctor handles both your consultation and treatment. A patient coordinator can help with pricing.
Doctor consultation
Your doctor discusses your scar concerns and the changes you hope to see.
Scar assessment
Scar type and depth guide laser depth and treatment density.
Numbing cream
Numbing cream helps reduce discomfort during treatment.
Laser treatment
The scanner creates evenly distributed microscopic channels in the scarred areas.
Recovery care
Soothing and recovery care help calm redness.
Finishing care
We explain home care, including moisturizing and sun protection.
Preparation and aftercare for scar laser treatment
Aftercare
- Let any scabs fall off naturally; do not pick them.
- Avoid outdoor exercise with prolonged sun exposure for the recommended period.
- Apply sunscreen carefully whenever you go outdoors for 4 weeks after treatment.
- Avoid hot environments such as saunas and steam rooms for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for the recommended period.
- Skin can become dry after larger treatment areas, so moisturize regularly.
Our doctors keep up with the latest scar laser research
Conference lectures on scar lasers and exchanges with Sciton representatives.
Combinations for scars with redness or pigmentation
Acne scars and pores: insights from our doctors
Our doctors explain skin concerns relevant to scar treatment in clear, practical terms.
Acne Scars: How Treatment Differs by Scar Type
Depressed acne scars fall into three main types: ice pick, rolling and boxcar. Each responds to a different combination of lasers and other treatments.
The doctors at Dong-An Joongsim Clinic
Enlarged Pores: How Much Can Treatment Help?
To reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, first identify the cause: excess oil, loss of firmness or the size of the hair follicles.
The doctors at Dong-An Joongsim Clinic
Stretch Marks: Do Red and White Marks Need Different Treatments?
Red stretch marks are an early stage with visible vessels and inflammation. White stretch marks are a later stage of thinned, scarred dermis, so treatment differs.
The doctors at Dong-An Joongsim ClinicScar laser treatment: results, downtime and sessions
Answers from our doctors
How do I choose a JOULE ProFractional clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul?
This laser requires depth and density to be adjusted for each scar, so treatment planning affects results. Check whether a doctor diagnoses the scars and performs treatment personally, and whether other scar treatments can be combined when needed. We take time with every patient, with a doctor leading both consultation and treatment.
Which scars can ProFractional improve?
It treats acne scars and scars from surgery, injuries and burns, while also addressing enlarged pores, rough texture and fine lines. As new collagen fills the microscopic channels, scars gradually become shallower. Manufacturer materials describe continued improvement for up to 6 months after treatment.
How does ProFractional differ from a fractional CO2 laser?
Both are ablative fractional lasers that create microscopic channels in the skin. ProFractional's 2940 nm wavelength is absorbed by water much more readily than CO2 energy, so less heat spreads beyond the target. Analyses combining comparative studies have also found lower pain scores and shorter-lasting redness with fractional Er:YAG lasers.
Does ProFractional hurt?
Numbing cream is applied first, so discomfort is usually manageable. Sedation can also be discussed when treating extensive, deep scars.
What are the downtime and side effects?
Skin may look red and feel hot, like sunburn, immediately afterward. Mild swelling or itching may appear the next day and usually settles within 3–5 days. Manufacturer materials state that makeup can be applied after 24 hours, usual activities can resume in 1–2 days, and full recovery takes around a week. Let any scabs fall off naturally.
How many sessions will I need, and how long do results last?
Manufacturer materials generally recommend 1–4 sessions and describe the best results with an initial series of 2–4. For acne scars, courses of 4–5 sessions about a month apart have been described. Early changes appear after 3–5 days, and results last 6–12 months. Your doctor selects the number and interval according to your scars.
Our JOULE ProFractional equipment
| Manufacturer | ScitonPalo Alto, California, USA |
|---|---|
| Platform | JOULEProFractional module |
| Wavelength | 2940nm Er:YAGAblative fractional Er:YAG |
| Treatment depth | 25–1,500µmDepth, density and coagulation adjusted separately |
| Spot size | 430µm |
| Scanning modes | Computer-controlled scannerSequential, offset and randomized patterns |
| Certifications | US FDA 510(k)K101916 |
Smoother scars, planned for your face by your doctor
We take time with every patient. Your doctor leads the consultation and performs the treatment, with a plan based on your face.
Sources
- Sciton: official ProFractional product page ↗
- Sciton: ProFractional patient information on recovery, sessions and duration ↗
- Sciton JOULE X platform brochure (PDF) ↗
- Sciton 「ProFractional for Acne Scarring」 (PDF) ↗
- US FDA 510(k) K101916: JOULE Multi-Platform System, including 2940 nm ProFractional ↗
- Cohen, J Drugs Dermatol 2013: fractional Er:YAG treatment of scars after skin cancer surgery (PubMed) ↗
- Hu et al., Dermatol Surg 2011: fractional Er:YAG treatment of acne scars in Asian patients (PubMed) ↗
- Tidwell et al., Lasers Surg Med 2016: split-scar comparison of fractional and fully ablative Er:YAG for surgical scars (PubMed) ↗
- Liu et al., J Cosmet Dermatol 2024: meta-analysis of fractional CO2 and Er:YAG for acne scars (PubMed) ↗