Scar Treatment in Seoul: Acne, Surgical & Trauma Scars
Restore smooth skin texture with professional scar treatment
Restore smooth skin texture with professional scar treatment
Uneven, bumpy skin texture left behind by acne, scars that become more noticeable under certain lighting, and depressed marks that cannot be hidden by foundation. These scars are not simple pigmentation issues but involve structural damage deep within the dermis, making topical skin care alone insufficient for improvement.
Scars left after acne, or those resulting from trauma or surgery, are caused by structural damage to the dermis and deeper layers. The treatment approach varies completely depending on scar depth, shape (ice pick, boxcar, rolling), distribution range, and skin thickness. Repeating a single laser treatment is insufficient for adequate improvement. When deep ice pick scars and wide rolling scars are mixed, the main problem differs from scar to scar, so the treatments each scar needs are combined to suit it.
At ABLE Dermatology, after looking at the main problem of each scar (the scar wall, the dermal defect or the downward pull), we induce dermal collagen regeneration with Potenza RF microneedling, realign skin surface with U-Pulse CO₂ fractional laser, and release deep adhesions with TriFill Pro CO₂ subcision, combining these to suit each scar. After treatment, we use SynerJet Pro microjet medication delivery or LDM ultrasound management to promote collagen synthesis and shorten recovery time.
Even the same acne scar shows greatly different treatment outcomes for each patient. At ABLE Dermatology, we always evaluate five prognostic variables before treatment: ① Scar depth (shallow vs deep), ② Dermal adhesion degree (whether subcision is needed), ③ Skin thickness (thin skin limits aggressive treatment), ④ Mixed ratio of scar types, ⑤ Previous treatment history (dermal fibrosis from repeated fractional laser).
In particular, Potenza RF microneedling is effective for shallow and wide boxcar and rolling scars, while deep ice pick scars are treated mainly with point treatments such as TCA CROSS and pinhole. When dermis has fibrosed from 10+ fractional laser sessions, we consider switching strategy to subcision and collagen boosters before repeating the same procedure.
Acne scars are broadly divided into ice pick (narrow and deep), boxcar (angular), and rolling (wide and gradual) types, but even within one type, the way each scar is tethered and shaped differs. So rather than going by the scar's name, we look at which is the main problem — the scar wall (edge), the dermal defect (depth) or the downward pull (tethering) — and combine subcision, fractional laser, Potenza, TCA cross, pinhole and others to suit each scar. Repeating a single treatment often improves only the part it works on and leaves the rest as it was.
At ABLE Dermatology, we look at the main problem of each scar and combine TriFill Pro subcision (adhesion release), U-Pulse fractional laser, Potenza RF microneedling, and collagen boosters to suit it. Potenza features four tip modes, allowing precise energy delivery adjustment based on scar depth and area. While complete removal is difficult, professional combination therapy can bring meaningful improvement; the degree varies with scar type, depth and skin condition.
Ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars each require different energy depths and types. ABLE Dermatology first classifies scars, then strategically combines subcision (adhesion release), fractional laser, and RF to provide treatment matched to each scar type.
Even among ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars, the way each scar is tethered and shaped differs, so rather than matching a treatment to the scar’s name, Dr. Jeong Kyungmuk first looks at what the main problem of that scar is. He looks at three things: the scar wall, the dermal defect and the downward pull.
| What we look at | What you may notice | What it needs, with example approaches | Where repeating only this falls short |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scar wall (edge, sharp borders) | The depression suddenly stands out when light falls at an angle | Soften the edge — fractional and pinhole lasers used on “points” | Repeating subcision alone |
| Dermal defect (depth: narrow and deep) | Small, deep, narrow dots | Fill or rebuild the depth — TCA CROSS, ablative laser, combined treatment | Repeating needle RF alone |
| Downward pull (tethering) | The scar spreads out when you stretch the skin sideways with your fingers | Release the attached fibrous bands — subcision, air subcision | Repeating laser alone |
This table is not an answer key; it is a reference point for the consultation. Repeating a single treatment often improves only the part it works on and leaves the rest as it was.
In older scars whose fibrous bands have hardened, subcision first releases the bands, and energy devices such as laser and RF are combined afterwards.
Deep inflammatory acne that progresses without treatment can damage the dermis, leaving scars.
Abnormal collagen reformation after trauma or surgery creates depressed or raised scars.
Depending on constitution, excessive collagen proliferation at scar sites can form hypertrophic scars or keloids.
Analyze scar type and depth. Differentiate keloids and hypertrophic scars for treatment planning.
Subcision releases adhesions; laser and RF promote regeneration. Combining them addresses several problems of the scar together.
SkinBooster and collagen stimulators maximize production. 3-6 months makes scars noticeably shallower.
Customized treatment based on scar type and depth
| Treatment | Application | Mechanism | Duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potenza (RF Microneedling) | Shallow to moderate scars | RF energy and fine needles stimulate collagen regeneration | 30-45 min | 2-3 days |
| TriFill Pro (CO₂ Subcision) | Deep depressed scars | Separates fibrous bands beneath the skin to improve depression | 20-40 min | 1-2 weeks (bruising, swelling) |
| U-Pulse (CO₂ Fractional) | Moderate to severe scars | CO₂ laser promotes skin remodeling | 20-50 min | 5-10 days |
| SynerJet Pro (Needle-Free) | Shallow to moderate scars | Microjet + low-frequency stimulation + plasma delivers medications | 20-30 min | 1-2 days |
| Skin Boosters | Shallow scars, adjunctive therapy | Hydrating and regenerative agents delivered into the dermis Skin Vive · Aqua Glow · Re2O · Juvelook · Ultracol |
20 min | 1 to a few days |
| Collagen Stimulators | Deep scars, volume restoration | Induces endogenous collagen synthesis for dermal regeneration Juvelook Volume · Sculptra · Radiesse · GOURI |
30 min | 1-2 days |
Performing scar treatment while active acne is present can worsen inflammation or create new scars. The safe and effective approach is to first stabilize acne inflammation through acne treatment, then begin scar treatment.
Subcision is a procedure that uses a special needle to break up the fibrotic adhesion tissue beneath scars. It is particularly effective for rolling type or wide scars, and as the adhesion releases, the dermis naturally fills in. When combined with fractional laser, it produces a synergistic effect.
This depends on the depth and scope of the scar, but generally we perform 3~10 sessions at 1~3 month intervals, with the number set at consultation based on your scars. Each session provides progressive improvement, and after 3~6 months of collagen remodeling, patients experience additional improvement.
Complete removal is realistically difficult, but professional combination treatments can significantly reduce the depth and scope of scars. The degree of improvement varies with scar type, depth and skin condition; many patients reach a level that can be easily covered with makeup.
Duration varies by scar type and depth, but typically 3-10 sessions at 1-3 month intervals. Collagen remodeling continues for 3-6 months after each session, so the whole course usually takes 6 months or longer.
Scar treatment doesn't erase scars completely, but significantly reduces visibility. Post-treatment collagen remodeling fills in scar depressions, making them blend naturally with surrounding skin. Results depend on initial scar severity and treatment adherence.
It depends on the treatment: recovery takes about 2-3 days for Potenza RF and 5-10 days for CO₂ fractional; after subcision you can return to daily activities right away, though bruising and swelling may take 1-2 weeks to settle. ABLE Dermatology adjusts intensity based on your lifestyle and schedule.
Yes, newer scars (less than 1-2 years old) are generally more responsive to treatment as collagen remodeling is still active. Old scars require longer treatment periods and more sessions, but significant improvement is still achievable with proper treatment protocols.
Be able to trust the logic behind every treatment.
We only recommend treatments explained by evidence and data.
For each paper, the note lists only what it supports among the statements on this page. Studies that used the same principle with a device other than ours are marked in the note. Study results come from the people studied; results differ from person to person.
This page constitutes medical advertising in accordance with Article 56 of the Korean Medical Service Act, and treatment results may vary by individual.
