Micro plasma is not a laser. Legato II uses plasma (ionized gas) energy to open fine channels in the skin surface point by point, leaving the skin in between intact, and new collagen fills in as they heal. At COCO Clinic in Seoul it is used for shallow acne scars, enlarged pores and acne marks; deep scars tethered from below need subcision, often combined in stages. Expect 3–5 sessions at 1–2 month intervals and about 1–2 weeks of recovery after each.
Short Answer: Micro Plasma and Lasers Work Differently
Searches often group micro plasma with lasers, but they are different tools rather than stronger and weaker versions of the same thing, and COCO Clinic does not rank them. COCO Clinic's acne scar treatments are Legato II for the skin surface and subcision for scars pulled down from beneath. Which one fits — or whether both do — depends on the type of scar, and that is decided in person.
What Micro Plasma (Legato II) Is
Legato II is a micro-plasma device. It delivers plasma — ionized gas — energy to the skin point by point, creating very fine channels at the surface while the skin in between is left intact, which helps the area recover.
Three things follow:
- Fine vaporization at the surface clears dead keratin and inflamed tissue, refining texture and marks.
- Heat delivered to deeper layers starts collagen and elastin remodeling.
- As the channels heal, new collagen fills depressed scars and pores from underneath, gradually, over several weeks.
At COCO Clinic, an exosome preparation — Cytovesicle, which combines lactobacillus exosomes with human adipose-derived stem cell exosomes — is applied right after the channels open, to support soothing and recovery. It is applied to the skin, not injected, and it is not a stem cell treatment.
That is the difference from a laser in plain terms: a laser works with light, while Legato II works with plasma energy. The useful question is not which energy is stronger but which kind of scar you have.
Which Acne Scars It Suits
Depressed acne scars do not all have the same cause, so they do not all respond to the same method.
- Shallow scars, enlarged pores, and active or settled acne marks: Legato II, which works on the skin surface, is the main tool.
- Deeper rolling or boxcar scars pulled down by bands beneath the skin: these need Skin Subcision, which releases the bands from below. Surface treatment alone does not release that pull.
Many people have both. Then the two are combined in stages — subcision lifts the tethered scars and Legato II refines the surface — on separate visits rather than the same day, because each is a strong treatment on its own. Which type you have is checked in person.
Sessions and When Change Shows
Scars and pores are not finished in one session. Results are best with a series — typically 3–5 sessions at 1–2 month intervals — and the plan is set at the consultation according to your skin and scar type.
After each session, refined texture shows once the crusting and redness settle at 1–2 weeks. Depressed scars and pores keep improving over weeks to months as collagen fills in, and satisfaction is usually higher across a series than after one visit.
Collagen boosters such as Juveacell or Juvelook can follow once the area has recovered: on the same area, about four weeks after Legato II.
Procedure, Pain and Downtime
- Time: about 60 minutes, including numbing and soothing care.
- Numbing: anesthetic cream is applied first, with enough waiting time before treatment starts.
- Pain: on the higher side even with numbing; stinging and heat during treatment are common.
- Downtime: fine crusts form for 3–5 days and shed on their own; with redness and swelling, recovery takes roughly 1–2 weeks.
Aftercare:
- No cleansing on the day of treatment; use a mild cleanser from the next day.
- Moisturize well and use sun protection every day, to help prevent pigmentation.
- Make-up from day 3–5.
- Let the crusts fall off on their own — picking them can leave marks or pigmentation.
- For one week, avoid saunas and jjimjilbang, strenuous exercise and heavy drinking.
Side Effects and Who Should Wait
Most reactions are temporary:
- Common, settling within a few days to a week: redness, swelling, fine crusting, stinging or heat, and temporary dryness.
- Occasional: pigmentation after treatment, more likely with darker skin tones or sun exposure, and temporary sensitivity. Pigmentation usually fades over time, which is why sun protection matters during recovery.
At COCO Clinic, the intensity is adjusted to your skin condition and tone.
Tell the clinic beforehand if any of these apply — treatment may be postponed or need the doctor's review:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Infection or inflammation in the area, including active cold sores (herpes simplex)
- A tendency to keloids or raised scars
- Taking isotretinoin (e.g. Roaccutane): the doctor checks the dose; the low dose COCO Clinic prescribes does not need to be stopped
- A recent resurfacing, laser or peel on the same area, or a photosensitivity condition
Results vary with scar type, skin and aftercare, and no outcome can be promised.
Planning From Abroad and Cost
Legato II is ₩450,000 per session at COCO Clinic; the final cost is set after the consultation, depending on the area and skin condition. Treatment details are on the Legato II page.
Because results build over a series of sessions 1–2 months apart, scar treatment suits repeat visits to Seoul better than a single short trip. One session fits into a visit, but allow 1–2 weeks afterwards for crusting and redness to settle.
At COCO Clinic, a professional consultant provides a detailed one-on-one consultation, and the doctor may also conduct a brief assessment before the procedure. COCO Clinic is in Seoul; before booking flights, ask how many sessions and what spacing it would suggest for your scars.
Results vary between individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is micro plasma a laser?
No. Legato II uses plasma — ionized gas — energy rather than light. It opens fine channels in the skin surface point by point, and collagen fills in as they heal.
Is micro plasma better than CO2 laser for acne scars?
They are different tools, and COCO Clinic does not rank them. COCO Clinic's acne scar treatments are Legato II for the skin surface and subcision for scars pulled down from beneath; which fits depends on the type of scar, checked in person.
How many Legato II sessions will I need?
Usually 3–5 sessions at 1–2 month intervals. Scars and pores are not finished in one go; they improve over weeks to months as collagen fills in.
How much downtime is there?
Fine crusts form for 3–5 days and shed on their own; including redness and swelling, recovery takes roughly 1–2 weeks. Make-up can resume from day 3–5. Don't pick the crusts.
Can Legato II cause pigmentation?
Temporary pigmentation can occur, more often with darker skin tones or sun exposure, and it usually fades over time. The intensity is adjusted to your skin tone, and daily sun protection during recovery matters.
Does Legato II hurt?
Pain is on the higher side, so anesthetic cream is applied first, with enough waiting time. Stinging and heat during treatment are common.
Does COCO Clinic offer micro plasma for acne scars?
Yes. COCO Clinic in Seoul offers Legato II, followed by an applied exosome preparation (Cytovesicle), for shallow acne scars, pores and marks, and Skin Subcision for scars tethered from beneath.
References
- [1] Legato II — Micro-Plasma Acne Scar & Pore Treatment in Seoul — COCO Clinic