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Acne, Scars & Pores Treatment in Seoul, Korea
Quick answer
Acne, acne scars and enlarged pores are treated best by first controlling active breakouts, then remodeling scars and texture. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist combines medical acne care with RF microneedling such as Potenza and Secret RF, CO2 lasers and targeted marks treatment. Improvement is gradual over several sessions, and results vary.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
Sessions
Usually a series
Downtime
1–7 days by method
Results
Build over months
Approach
Scar type first
Treating active acne first
Scars are easier to prevent than to repair, so active acne comes first. Depending on severity, a dermatologist may combine topical or oral medication, gentle extraction, peels, RF microneedling and calming treatments such as LDM. Adult acne often has hormonal or lifestyle triggers that are discussed at consultation. Controlling inflammation early also reduces the chance of new scars and dark marks forming. Some medications require monitoring, so the doctor will discuss what is practical if you are only visiting Seoul briefly.
- Acne Treatment — medical and procedural care for breakouts
- Post-Acne Marks Treatment — red and brown marks left after spots heal
Acne scar treatment by scar type
Acne scars are not all the same. Narrow icepick scars, box-shaped boxcar scars and wave-like rolling scars sit at different depths and respond to different tools. Our Scar Renewal Technique starts by mapping your scars, then combines methods in the right order while limiting barrier damage. Tethered rolling scars may first need subcision to release the bands pulling the skin down, while deep icepick scars may need focused treatment before broader resurfacing. Improvement continues for months as collagen remodels.
- Acne Scar Treatment — subcision, lasers, RF and boosters combined
- CO2 Fractional Laser — Enpulse and Upulse resurfacing, with about 5 to 7 days of downtime
RF microneedling for scars, pores and texture
RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy through fine needles to remodel collagen beneath the surface, with less surface damage than ablative lasers. It suits scars, enlarged pores, rough texture and, in some modes, active acne. Recovery is usually a day or two of redness and small marks, which makes RF microneedling practical during a short trip. Several sessions spaced about four weeks apart are typical.
- Potenza RF Microneedling — multi-mode RF for acne, pores and scars
- Secret RF Microneedling — adjustable-depth RF for pores and scars
- Pore Tightening Treatment — combining skin Botox, RF microneedling and lasers
Planning scar treatment around travel
Scar treatment usually needs several sessions spaced a few weeks apart, and some methods cause visible redness, crusting or swelling for several days. Sun protection afterwards is essential to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially in darker skin types. Treatments are postponed with active infection, recent isotretinoin use as advised by the doctor, or during pregnancy for certain procedures.
See How many sessions for acne scars? and CO2 laser downtime , or send photos of your scars for a realistic plan.
The Heal approach
We type every scar before treating it, because an icepick scar and a rolling scar need different tools, and treating them the same wastes sessions.
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
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 & Pores: your questions answered
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Most scars can be improved significantly, but complete removal is uncommon. The goal is smoother texture and less visible scarring. Improvement depends on scar type, depth and how many sessions you can do.
Which is better for scars: CO2 laser or RF microneedling?
Each has strengths. CO2 laser resurfaces more aggressively with longer downtime, while RF microneedling remodels deeper with less surface injury. Combining them, with subcision for tethered scars, is often most effective.
Can enlarged pores be made smaller?
Pores cannot be permanently shrunk, but their appearance can be reduced by controlling oil, improving collagen around them and smoothing texture. Skin Botox and RF microneedling are commonly combined.
Should I treat active acne before scars?
Yes, ideally. Treating scars while acne is still active can be less effective and may irritate the skin. The doctor will usually stabilize breakouts first, then start scar work.
Keep exploring
Related treatments & guides
English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul
Get a scar plan matched to your scar type
Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.