How does acne scar treatment differ by scar type?
Director Kim Serim ·
Acne scars are treated differently depending on their shape. Wide, sunken rolling scars usually call for subcision, which releases the fibers pulling the scar down. Boxcar and shallow scars are mainly treated with microneedle radiofrequency such as Potenza. Narrow, deep ice pick scars are handled with methods that treat each scar individually, used alongside the others.
At a glance
- Main treatments
- Potenza (microneedle RF), subcision, regenerative injections, Fraxel
- Procedure time
- 30–40 min (plus numbing time)
- Anesthesia
- Numbing cream
- Recovery
- Redness and swelling for 2–3 days
- When changes appear
- Gradual over about 3 months as collagen regenerates
- Price
- Potenza pumping tip + Juvelook Skin 3cc 389,000 KRW (as of the October 2026 menu)
Scars come in three shapes
The deeper the inflammation was, the more the dermis is damaged. As it heals, tissue is pulled downward and a scar remains. Most faces have a mix of all three types, so a single device rarely solves everything.
Old scars can still be treated. But older scars tend to have firmer, hardened tissue. So we split the work across several methods, and it is safer to build up gradually over sessions rather than push too hard at once.
- Rolling: broad, gently sloped depressions that look wavy
- Boxcar: angular edges with a flat, sunken base
- Ice pick: a narrow opening that looks deeply punched in
Which scars is Potenza used for?
Potenza inserts fine needles into the skin and delivers radiofrequency heat from the needle tips. It stimulates collagen regeneration in the dermis and is used to improve boxcar scars, shallow scars, and enlarged pores together.
Needle depth and energy are set differently by area according to scar depth. With the pumping tip, regenerative ingredients such as Juvelook or Rejuran can be delivered at the same time.
The pumping tip pushes regenerative ingredients through the channels the needles create. This lets you combine the regenerative response from RF heat with the effect of the injected ingredient in one session. It is a combination we often use for people concerned with both pores and scars.
When other methods are combined
For rolling scars, doing subcision first, which cuts the fibers tethering the base with a needle, helps the next treatments respond better. When deep scars are spread over a wide area, we may also plan Fraxel laser.
Scar treatment often doesn't finish in one session. It is usually split into several sessions at least 4 weeks apart. We decide the number of sessions and the combination at consultation, based on your skin.
Recovery and precautions
For 2–3 days after treatment, you may have redness and swelling, and small needle marks may be visible. Sun protection and moisturizing are especially important during this time. Please avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and harsh skincare products.
Changes appear gradually as collagen regenerates, so it's best to judge results after about 3 months. If you still have active acne, we treat the inflammation first or at the same time.
Prices (as of the October 2026 menu)
| Potenza pore N tip / scar I tip (1 session) | 182,000 KRW |
|---|---|
| Potenza pumping tip + Juvelook Skin 3cc (1 session / 3 sessions) | 389,000 KRW / 1,050,000 KRW |
| Potenza pumping tip + Rejuran Healer 2cc (1 session / 3 sessions) | 399,000 KRW / 1,100,000 KRW |
| Airtoxin · scar subcision, butterfly zone | 109,000 KRW |
| Airtoxin · scar subcision, full face | 186,000 KRW |
| One-Day Scar (Pico Fraxel + Mirajet + Rejuran Healer 2cc + LDM) | 799,000 KRW |
The combination depends on your scars, so we give you an exact plan after consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will my scars disappear completely?
The goal is not to erase scars completely but to reduce their depth and shadow so they are less noticeable. The degree of improvement varies by scar type and skin condition.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on scar depth and extent, but treatment is usually split into several sessions at least 4 weeks apart.
Can I get scar treatment while I'm still breaking out?
If inflammation is severe, we first stabilize it with acne treatment. In mild cases, both may be done together. We decide after examining your skin.
This article is general medical information. Results and how long they last vary from person to person. Any treatment can cause side effects such as redness, swelling or pain, so please decide after a consultation.