Acne Scar Treatment in Seoul
Type-specific combination therapy for depressed scars
Type-specific combination therapy for depressed scars
Severe acne inflammation destroys collagen in the dermal layer. Even after inflammation subsides, if destroyed collagen fibers don't fully repair, spaces form in the dermis and the skin surface becomes depressed. Over time, the boundary with surrounding skin becomes more distinct and dermal adhesions worsen, making simple pigment treatment ineffective. Acne scars are not just color—they're structural damage.
Acne scars are classified into three major types based on size, depth, and shape. Rolling scars occur when dermal fibrosis bands pull skin downward, creating gentle groove patterns. Boxcar scars have sharp, angular depressions as if vertically cut. Ice pick scars are the deepest and narrowest, resembling punctures from an ice pick. Most patients have a mixture of all three types, and optimal treatment differs for each.
At ABLE Dermatology, we combine subcision (dermal adhesion release) with Potenza RF for rolling scars, breaking adhesions and regenerating collagen. Boxcar scars receive fractional CO₂ laser to soften angular edges, followed by Potenza for deep collagen building. Ice pick scars receive TCA cross (chemical peel) combined with fractional laser to fill narrow depressions. Type-specific combination therapy strategically applied is the only way to achieve overall skin texture improvement.
Rolling scars (gentle depressions): Dermal fibrosis causes tethering. Subcision releases adhesions, then Potenza RF microneedling fills the released space with new collagen. Effective for broad areas.
Boxcar scars (angular depressions): Sharp edges and deep walls require fractional CO₂ laser to gradually smooth edges, then Potenza for deep regeneration. Often requires more sessions than rolling scars.
Ice pick scars (deep, narrow punctures): Deepest and narrowest type. TCA cross (high-concentration chemical agent) is injected directly into scars to stimulate internal healing, combined with fractional laser for surrounding improvement. Complex approach essential.
Mixed scars (most patients): Most patients have rolling, boxcar, and ice pick scars distributed together. ABLE Dermatology performs ultrasound assessment and precise palpation to identify type ratios, then customizes treatment sequence and energy intensity for each patient.
Precise clinical examination identifies scar morphology. Ultrasound and palpation determine rolling vs boxcar vs ice pick composition. Accurate classification is essential because treatment protocols differ fundamentally.
Rolling scars receive subcision plus Potenza RF. Boxcar scars receive fractional CO₂ plus Potenza. Ice pick scars receive TCA cross plus fractional laser. Energy intensity and sequencing are individualized based on scar severity and skin type.
Post-treatment collagen remodeling continues 3-6 months per session. Maintenance and refinement treatments address remaining depressions. Long-term skincare and lifestyle optimization maintain scar improvement.
Treatment duration varies by scar severity, but typically 5-10 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Collagen remodeling continues for 3-6 months after each session, so total timeline (treatment plus healing) is usually 6-12 months. ABLE Dermatology customizes the schedule based on individual scar severity.
Yes. Rolling scars have gentle sloping depressions with dermal fibrosis; subcision releases adhesions, then Potenza RF rebuilds collagen. Boxcar scars have sharp angular edges and rough surfaces; fractional CO₂ smooths edges, then Potenza stimulates deep regeneration. Ice pick scars require TCA cross combined with fractional laser.
Active acne inflammation can worsen during scar treatment or create new scars. Clear acne first through appropriate skincare, acne PDT, or medication (2-3 months minimum), then wait for full inflammation resolution before intensive scar therapy. ABLE Dermatology plans a comprehensive two-phase timeline for safety and efficacy.
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This page constitutes medical advertising in accordance with Article 56 of the Korean Medical Service Act, and treatment results may vary by individual.
