NEWVE Signature
UltraPulse Alpha CO2 Laser
Performed by Dr. Hyunhwa Kim, MD
Book via WhatsAppAt a Glance
- Best for
- Sun-damaged (photoaged) skin: fine lines, crepey or rough texture, enlarged pores and uneven tone across the whole face
- Treatment time
- About 20 minutes
- Downtime
- About 5–10 days of redness and flaking (varies with depth)
- Sessions
- Usually 1; deeper concerns may need 2–3, 3–6 months apart
- Price
- From KRW 900,000 (~$600), excl. 10% VAT
- Performed by
- Dr. Hyunhwa Kim, MD, medical director
- Where
- Newve Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul — 3 minutes from Nonhyeon Station (Line 7), Exit 1
UltraPulse Alpha is a fractional CO2 laser by Lumenis. At Newve Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Hyunhwa Kim uses it mainly for full-face resurfacing of sun-damaged (photoaged) skin: fine lines, crepey or rough texture, enlarged pores and uneven tone. Surface and deeper layers of the skin can be treated in the same session, with settings adjusted for each area of the face.
How It Works
The CO2 laser emits light at 10,600 nm, which is absorbed by water in the skin. It removes thousands of microscopic columns of aged tissue and leaves the skin between them intact, which helps healing. Over the following months, the treated areas are replaced with new collagen and a renewed skin surface.
UltraPulse Alpha delivers very short pulses with high peak power (up to 240 W peak, 60 W average). Short pulses help limit heat spreading into the surrounding skin. Dr. Kim chooses the mode, depth and density for each area of your face at the time of treatment.
Treatment Steps
Precautions & Aftercare
UltraPulse Alpha CO2 Laser: Patient Guide
What is full-face CO2 laser resurfacing?
Full-face CO2 laser resurfacing treats the whole face in one session to improve the signs of photoaging: fine lines, crepey or rough texture, enlarged pores, dullness and uneven tone caused by years of sun exposure. At Newve Clinic it is performed with the Lumenis UltraPulse Alpha, a fractional CO2 laser that can work on the skin surface and in the deeper dermis during the same treatment.
Unlike non-ablative lasers, which heat the skin without removing tissue, an ablative CO2 laser removes thin columns of aged skin. This means more downtime, but the skin often changes more in a single session.
Treatment modes Dr. Kim can combine
| Mode | What it does | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| ActiveFX | Superficial fractional resurfacing | Uneven tone, sun spots, fine lines, dull texture |
| DeepFX | Narrow, deep columns into the dermis | Wrinkles, crepey skin, acne scars |
| TotalFX | ActiveFX and DeepFX in one session | Full-face photoaging: tone, texture and wrinkles together |
| Alpha Air Brush | Even, gentle coverage of large areas | Full-face surface refresh |
Mode descriptions based on Lumenis UltraPulse Alpha product information. The mode, depth and density used for you are decided at consultation.
Who is it suitable for?
Full-face resurfacing is usually considered for adults with sun-damaged skin who can allow about a week of visible healing. It is usually not the first choice for melasma, active acne or infection, recently tanned skin, or skin that is still healing from another procedure. Asian skin can darken temporarily after laser treatment (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), so energy, density and aftercare are planned with this in mind. Whether you are a candidate is decided at an in-person consultation.
Recovery timeline
| Time after treatment | What patients commonly experience |
|---|---|
| Day 0–2 | Redness, warmth and swelling, similar to a strong sunburn |
| Day 2–7 | Fine bronze flaking and light crusting as treated skin sheds |
| Day 7–10 | Most flaking has finished; pinkness can often be covered with makeup |
| Week 2–6 | Pinkness gradually fades; strict sun protection is essential |
| Month 3–6 | Collagen remodelling continues and texture keeps changing |
Recovery varies with the depth of treatment and your skin. Deeper settings mean a longer recovery.
Planning your trip to Seoul
- Plan to stay in Seoul for at least 5–7 days after treatment so your healing can be checked.
- Book the treatment early in your trip and avoid long flights in the first 48 hours if possible.
- Keep the first week free of outdoor sightseeing in strong sun.
- After you return home, you can keep in touch with the clinic via WhatsApp.
Possible side effects
Expected effects include redness, swelling, flaking and temporary sensitivity. Less common effects include temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, acne flare-ups, prolonged redness, cold sore reactivation and infection. Scarring is rare. Dr. Kim explains the risks for your skin at consultation, and you can contact the clinic at any time during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downtime after UltraPulse Alpha full-face resurfacing?
Most patients have visible redness and flaking for about 5–10 days. Pinkness can last a few weeks, but it can often be covered with makeup after the first week. Deeper treatment means a longer recovery.
How many sessions will I need?
Many patients have one full-face session. Deeper wrinkles or scars may need 2–3 sessions, usually spaced 3–6 months apart. The plan is decided at consultation.
Does CO2 laser resurfacing hurt?
Numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most patients describe a hot, prickling sensation. A sunburn-like warmth continues for a few hours afterwards.
When will I see results?
Skin usually looks smoother once flaking has finished, around 1–2 weeks after treatment. Collagen remodelling continues for 3–6 months. Results vary between individuals.
Is CO2 laser resurfacing suitable for Asian skin?
It can be, with careful planning. Asian skin has a higher risk of temporary darkening after laser treatment, so Dr. Kim adjusts energy and density and explains pre- and post-treatment care.
How is UltraPulse Alpha different from Fraxel or other non-ablative lasers?
Non-ablative lasers heat the skin without removing tissue, so downtime is shorter but more sessions are usually needed. UltraPulse Alpha is ablative: it removes thin columns of aged skin, so downtime is longer and fewer sessions are often needed.
How long should I stay in Seoul after treatment?
We recommend at least 5–7 days. This allows a check-up and avoids travelling while your skin is most sensitive.
How much does UltraPulse Alpha full-face resurfacing cost at Newve Clinic?
Full-face TotalFX is listed in the pricing table on this page in Korean won, excluding 10% VAT. The final price is confirmed at consultation.
Pricing
| Option | KRW (excl. 10% VAT) | USD (reference only) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scar Sculpting (UltraPulse Alpha CPG) up to 10x10cm — 1 session | KRW 1,200,000 | ~$800 | +10% VAT |
| Scar Sculpting (UltraPulse Alpha CPG) up to 10x10cm — 2 sessions | KRW 2,400,000 | ~$1,600 | +10% VAT |
| Scar Sculpting (UltraPulse Alpha CPG) up to 10x10cm — 3 sessions | KRW 3,600,000 | ~$2,400 | +10% VAT |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha (Choose 1 Area) — 1 Session | KRW 900,000 | ~$600 | |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha (Choose 1 Area) — 3 Sessions | KRW 2,700,000 | ~$1,800 | |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha (Choose 2 Areas) — 1 Session | KRW 1,800,000 | ~$1,200 | |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha (Choose 2 Areas) — 3 Sessions | KRW 4,200,000 | ~$2,800 | |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha (Choose 3 Areas) — 1 Session | KRW 2,700,000 | ~$1,800 | |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha (Choose 3 Areas) — 3 Sessions | KRW 5,400,000 | ~$3,600 | |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha TotalFX Full Face — 1 Session | KRW 3,000,000 | ~$2,000 | |
| Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Improvement — UltraPulse Alpha TotalFX Full Face — 3 Sessions | KRW 9,000,000 | ~$6,000 |
USD prices are a reference estimate only (₩1,500 = $1) — all payments are made in Korean Won (KRW) at the clinic. Listed prices exclude 10% VAT (added at payment). Final pricing confirmed at consultation.
Visiting Newve Clinic in Gangnam
- Address: 4F, Gunwoo Building, 548 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06110
- Subway: Nonhyeon Station (Line 7), Exit 1 — about 3 minutes on foot
- Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10:00–18:30 (lunch 13:00–14:00) · Sat 10:00–15:00 · Closed Wed, Sun
- Language: Consultations in English and Korean
Message us on WhatsApp with your travel dates to arrange a consultation. Your treatment plan is confirmed after an in-person consultation with Dr. Kim.
