Home  /  Treatments  /  Acne, Scars & Pores  /  Secret RF Microneedling

Acne, Scars & Pores

Secret RF Microneedling in Seoul for Pores and Scars

Quick answer

Secret RF is a fractional radiofrequency microneedling treatment that heats the dermis through fine needles to rebuild collagen, making enlarged pores look smaller and acne scars shallower. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, the doctor adjusts needle depth and energy zone by zone. Expect two to four days of redness. Send us photos on KakaoTalk for a personal plan before you fly.

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

Secret RF microneedling for pores and acne scars at The Heal Dermatology Jamsil, Seoul
Procedure time

30–45 min incl. numbing

Downtime

2–4 days of redness

Results visible

1–3 months

Sessions

Usually 3–5

How Secret RF works

Secret RF uses a grid of fine microneedles that penetrate to a programmed depth and deliver radiofrequency energy inside the skin. Each needle creates a tiny zone of heat surrounded by untouched tissue, which is why it is called fractional. Those untouched areas help skin heal quickly while the heated zones stimulate new collagen.

Because most of the energy is released beneath the surface rather than on it, the outer layer is disrupted less than with ablative lasers. Depth can be varied in a single session, so thin areas near the eyes and thicker cheeks can be treated with different settings.

Pores, scars and texture

Secret RF is mainly used for three goals:

  • Enlarged pores: collagen remodelling around follicles makes pores look tighter over time — see enlarged pores
  • Acne scars: rolling and shallow boxcar scars soften as new collagen fills the dermis; it is one tool in our Scar Renewal Technique
  • Crepey or rough texture: gradual firming of fine lines and uneven surface

Secret RF works best for these quality-of-skin concerns. It is not designed to treat active inflamed acne, pigmentation or redness on its own. The doctor will point you to the right treatment if one of these is your main concern.

Who is a good candidate?

Adults with visible pores, mild to moderate atrophic scarring or rough texture who prefer a shorter recovery than resurfacing lasers are typical candidates. Secret RF is often considered for medium to darker skin tones because there is less heat on the surface, though conservative settings are still important.

It is not suitable during pregnancy, over active infection, cold sores or open wounds, or for people with pacemakers or implanted electronic devices. Let the doctor know about recent isotretinoin use, a tendency to keloid scarring, bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication. Avoid retinoids and exfoliating acids for several days before treatment.

What recovery looks like

After numbing, treatment takes around 15 to 25 minutes for the face. Expect redness, warmth and mild swelling for the first day, and possibly tiny pinpoint marks for two to four days. Light makeup is usually fine after 24 hours if the doctor agrees.

Keep skin hydrated, use sunscreen daily and avoid saunas, alcohol-heavy evenings and strong actives for a few days. Collagen continues to remodel for months, so most people notice gradual change from about four weeks onward. A series of three to five sessions is common for scars, and results vary from person to person. There is no open wound, so flying a day or two later is usually fine; ideally book treatment near the start of your trip. You can request a consultation online before you arrive.

Combining Secret RF with other treatments

Secret RF is rarely the only step in a pore or scar plan. The doctor may pair it with skin Botox to reduce oil and refine pore appearance, with subcision for tethered rolling scars, or with collagen-stimulating boosters between sessions.

For deeper scarring that needs more resurfacing, sessions may alternate with CO2 fractional laser . If you are unsure whether Secret RF or Potenza suits you better, the consultation will compare both for your skin. Your plan is reviewed at each visit, and settings are adjusted as your skin responds.

The Heal approach

We vary Secret RF depth across your face instead of using one setting, focusing energy on scarred and pore-heavy zones while protecting thinner skin.

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

Secret RF Microneedling: your questions answered

  • Is Secret RF better than a CO2 laser for scars?

    They work differently. CO2 resurfaces the surface and dermis with more downtime, while Secret RF heats beneath the surface with shorter recovery. Many scar plans use both at different stages.

  • Can Secret RF shrink pores permanently?

    Pore size is influenced by genetics, oil and aging, so pores cannot be permanently changed. Secret RF can make them look smaller and tighter, and maintenance sessions help keep the improvement.

  • Is Secret RF safe for darker skin?

    It is often considered for darker skin because less heat reaches the surface, but any energy treatment carries a pigmentation risk. The doctor uses conservative settings and may recommend a test area.

  • How soon will I see results?

    Skin may look smoother within a week as swelling settles, but collagen-driven change develops gradually over one to three months. Results vary, and a series typically gives a better outcome.

  • Can I fly home right after Secret RF?

    Usually yes. There is no open wound, so flying a day or two later is generally fine, though skin may look pink and feel dry. Moisturize often during the flight and use sunscreen on arrival.

English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul

Smaller-looking pores and softer scars, planned around your stay

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