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Acne Scars Treatment in Seoul: Scar Renewal Technique

Quick answer

Acne scars improve best with a combination tailored to scar type: fractional CO2 laser and RF microneedling to remodel collagen, subcision for tethered scars, and boosters or filler for depressed areas. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, our Scar Renewal Technique combines these over several sessions. Scars usually improve significantly rather than disappear, downtime ranges from days to a week, and results vary. Send close-up photos on KakaoTalk for an assessment.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026

Close-up of cheek skin before acne scar treatment in Seoul
Best options

CO2 + Potenza + subcision

Sessions

3–6

Downtime

2–7 days

Timeline

3–6 months

What types of acne scars are there?

Acne scars form when deep inflammation damages collagen. Dermatologists classify them by shape, because each responds to different treatments:

  • Ice pick scars: narrow, deep holes.
  • Boxcar scars: wider depressions with sharp edges.
  • Rolling scars: wavy, shallow depressions caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down.
  • Raised scars: hypertrophic or keloid scars, more common on the jaw, chest and back.

Most people have a mix of types, which is why combination treatment works best. Red or brown marks are not true scars and are treated differently. A clear diagnosis guides every step.

How a dermatologist assesses your scars

Dr. Yang examines your skin under angled light to see the depth and pattern of each scar type, and gently stretches the skin to identify tethered rolling scars that benefit from subcision. She checks for active acne, which should be controlled before scar treatment, and considers your skin tone, since darker skin needs adjusted laser settings to reduce pigmentation risk. Your downtime tolerance, travel plans and expectations are discussed openly, because scar treatment is a staged process measured in months, not a single session. Photos under consistent lighting document your scars so progress can be measured fairly between sessions.

Treatment options at The Heal, ranked by suitability

  1. Fractional CO2 laser: CO2 fractional laser resurfaces and remodels boxcar and shallow scars.
  2. RF microneedling: Potenza and Secret RF rebuild collagen under scars with shorter downtime.
  3. Subcision: releases fibrous bands under rolling scars so they can lift.
  4. Boosters and filler: Rejuran or Juvelook improve skin quality; small amounts of filler can lift selected depressions.
  5. Combined program: our acne scar treatment follows the Scar Renewal Technique, layering these methods.

Laser and RF microneedling rank first because they remodel collagen across many scar types, while subcision and boosters target specific scars. Sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart, and methods are rotated so each visit builds on the last.

Home care during scar treatment

Protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, as UV exposure can darken treated areas and slow healing. Follow aftercare instructions closely: gentle cleansing, moisturizer and no picking at crusts. Avoid strong acids or retinoids for several days after laser or microneedling unless advised. Once healed, a retinoid can support ongoing collagen remodeling. Keep active acne under control, because new breakouts can create new scars. Patience matters: collagen continues to improve for months after each session. Gentle consistency gives the best long-term outcome.

Downtime, safety and when to see a doctor

CO2 laser usually causes redness and fine crusting for five to seven days, while RF microneedling downtime is typically two to three days. Temporary darkening can occur, especially in darker skin, and is minimized by conservative settings and sun protection. Treatment is postponed with active acne flares, cold sores, during pregnancy, or within months of isotretinoin. For travelers, timing is the key objection: schedule stronger sessions early in your stay, or choose RF microneedling for faster recovery. Book a scar consultation and read CO2 laser downtime . Results vary between individuals.

The Heal approach

Our Scar Renewal Technique maps each scar type and layers laser, RF microneedling and subcision so each method treats what it does best.

Expert review

Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa

Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · Seoul National University College of Medicine

Written for international patients and reviewed for medical accuracy. Individual results vary; your plan is decided in person after a skin assessment. Our review policy

Visit us

The Heal Dermatology Clinic Jamsil
4F, 329 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 8), Exit 9

Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00
Tue–Thu 10:00–19:30
Sat 09:30–16:00 · Sun & holidays closed

+82 2-417-1102

International patients

Visiting Seoul? Get your plan before you fly.

English consultations with a board-certified dermatologist, 5 minutes from Jamsil Station. Treatments are scheduled around your downtime and flights. International patient guide

1

Message us

Concerns, optional photos and travel dates via form or KakaoTalk.

2

Get your plan

Suggested treatments and timing around your flights.

3

Consult & treat

In-person assessment with Dr. Yang in English, then treatment.

Frequently asked

Acne Scars: your questions answered

  • Can acne scars be removed completely?

    Complete removal is rarely possible, but meaningful improvement is realistic. Many patients see their scars become shallower and less noticeable after a series of combined treatments. Results vary with scar type and skin.

  • How many sessions do acne scars need?

    Most patients need three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on scar depth and type. Collagen remodeling continues for months after the final session. Results vary between individuals.

  • Can I treat acne scars on a short trip to Seoul?

    Yes, with planning. A single RF microneedling session or a combined session early in your trip is possible, allowing several days for recovery. Additional sessions can be scheduled on later visits.

  • Is acne scar treatment painful?

    Numbing cream is applied before laser and microneedling, so most patients describe the sensation as heat and pressure. Subcision is performed under local anesthesia. Discomfort usually settles within a day.

English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul

Smoother skin with a scar plan built around your trip

Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.