Home  /  Treatments  /  Acne, Scars & Pores  /  Acne Scar Treatment

Acne, Scars & Pores

Acne Scar Treatment in Seoul: Scar Renewal Technique

Quick answer

Acne scars are best treated with a combination plan matched to each scar type, because icepick, boxcar and rolling scars respond to different methods. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, our Scar Renewal Technique combines scar typing, subcision, fractional CO2 laser, Secret RF microneedling and skin boosters. Improvement is gradual over several sessions, and results vary with scar depth and skin type.

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

Smoother skin texture after acne scar treatment at The Heal Dermatology, Jamsil, Seoul
Procedure time

30–60 min

Downtime

3–7 days, method-dependent

Sessions

Usually 3–5+

Spacing

About 4–6 weeks

Why scar typing comes first

Indented (atrophic) acne scars form when inflammation destroys collagen in the dermis. They do not all look alike, and the treatment that helps one type can do little for another:

  • Icepick scars: narrow, deep, pinpoint holes
  • Boxcar scars: wider depressions with sharp edges
  • Rolling scars: broad, wave-like dips caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin downward

Most people have a mix. The first step in our Scar Renewal Technique is a careful examination under angled light to map which types appear in each area. That map determines which tools are used, in what order, and how many sessions are realistic. You can read more about how scars form on our acne scars concern page.

The tools in our Scar Renewal Technique

  • Subcision: a fine needle releases the fibrous bands under rolling scars so the skin can lift back up
  • Fractional CO2 laser: creates microscopic columns of controlled injury to remodel scar edges and texture — see CO2 fractional laser
  • Secret RF microneedling: delivers radiofrequency heat beneath the surface to stimulate collagen with less surface disruption — see Secret RF
  • Focused techniques for icepick scars , chosen by the doctor based on depth and width
  • Collagen-supporting boosters such as Juvelook or Rejuran to improve overall skin quality between sessions

Each session usually combines two or more methods so different scar types are addressed at the same time.

Who is a good candidate?

The best time to treat scars is once active acne is under control, because new breakouts can create new scars and inflamed skin heals less predictably. If you still have frequent breakouts, the doctor may start with acne treatment first.

Scar treatment may be postponed if you have an active infection or cold sore in the area, recently used oral isotretinoin, or are pregnant. Darker skin tones can be treated, but settings are chosen conservatively to lower the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Tell the doctor if you form raised (keloid) scars easily, as this changes the plan.

Recovery and what to expect

Downtime depends on the methods used in a session. After RF microneedling, redness and pinpoint marks usually settle within a few days. After fractional CO2, expect redness, swelling and fine crusting for about five to seven days. Subcision can leave bruising that fades over one to two weeks.

Collagen remodelling continues for months, so improvement builds gradually after each session. Most patients need several treatments spaced around four to six weeks apart. Scars typically become shallower and softer rather than disappearing entirely, and results vary with scar depth, type and skin healing. Strict sun protection is essential while skin recovers.

Planning scar treatment around travel

Because scar treatment is a series, international patients usually plan either one intensive session per trip or a combined visit with follow-ups at home. Ideally, allow at least five to seven days in Seoul after a CO2-based session so the doctor can check healing before you fly. RF-only sessions are easier to fit into a shorter stay.

Our guide to aftercare while traveling explains how to protect healing skin on the move, and the acne scar sessions FAQ covers how many visits most people need. If your schedule is tight, tell us your dates when booking so the plan fits your stay.

The Heal approach

Every Scar Renewal Technique session starts with a fresh scar map, so the combination of subcision, laser and RF changes as your scars respond.

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 Scar Treatment: your questions answered

  • Can acne scars be removed completely?

    Most indented scars can be improved significantly, but complete removal is rarely realistic. The aim is to make scars shallower and smoother so skin looks more even in normal light. Results vary with scar type, depth and healing.

  • Which scar type is hardest to treat?

    Icepick scars are often the most stubborn because they are narrow and deep. They usually need focused techniques in addition to lasers or RF. Rolling scars often respond well once subcision releases the tethering bands.

  • Is acne scar treatment painful?

    We use topical numbing cream before laser and RF microneedling, and local anesthetic for subcision when needed. Most patients describe a prickling or heat sensation that is manageable, with tenderness for a day or two.

  • Can I treat scars while I still get breakouts?

    Mild occasional breakouts do not always prevent treatment, but frequent active acne should be controlled first. Otherwise new lesions may form new scars and inflamed areas heal less predictably.

  • How long should I wait between sessions?

    Usually about four to six weeks, which gives collagen time to remodel and skin time to recover fully. The doctor adjusts spacing depending on the methods used and how your skin healed.

English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul

Get your acne scars mapped by a dermatologist

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