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Acne Scar Treatment
Rebuilding the collagen acne took away — with fractional laser and microneedling radiofrequency, matched to the kind of scar.
Book a consultationWhat is Acne Scar Treatment
Most acne scars are atrophic — small dents where inflammation destroyed collagen and the skin healed short. They are not stains; they are a change in the structure underneath, which is why creams cannot lift them.
The two tools we rely on both work by controlled injury that triggers new collagen: fractional laser, which resurfaces in tiny columns, and microneedling radiofrequency, which delivers heat deeper through fine needles with less disturbance to the surface. Which one, or which combination, depends on your scar type and skin.
It is honest to say this is improvement, not erasure, and it works over a course with the change building for months after each session.
Fractional laser vs Microneedling RF
Compare Treatment Guide
Both remodel collagen and both improve atrophic scars — trials find them broadly comparable. The difference is how the energy is delivered, which matters for downtime and for pigment-prone skin.
Fractional laser
How
Light resurfaces the skin in microscopic columns
Strength
Surface texture and tone, alongside remodelling
Downtime
Redness and flaking for several days with ablative settings
Consider
Settings chosen carefully on darker skin to protect pigment
Microneedling RF
How
Fine needles deliver radiofrequency heat into the dermis
Strength
Deeper remodelling with less surface disruption
Downtime
Usually shorter; pinpoint marks and redness that settle
Consider
Often preferred where the skin pigments easily
Deep, tethered or ice-pick scars often need adding to this — subcision to release a scar, or focal treatment of individual pits — and the two device approaches are frequently combined. The plan is built after your scars are examined.
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Treatment Process
Scar types it addresses
During the visit
- The scars are examined and typed, and the right tool — laser, microneedling RF, or a combination — is chosen.
- Numbing cream is applied and given time to work, as this is more involved than a surface treatment.
- The device is passed over the area, delivering energy in a controlled pattern. Deeper scars may also be released or treated individually.
- Soothing and sun protection are applied. Aftercare is explained before you leave.
Afterwards
- Redness, warmth and mild swelling are expected, with some flaking after laser. This settles over several days.
- Strict sun protection matters, especially for skin that pigments easily.
- New collagen builds over the weeks and months between sessions; the result is judged across the course.
02
Before you decide
It may suit you if
It may not be the right treatment if
If breakouts are still the main issue, that comes first — see Acne Treatment. Where post-acne marks are brown or red rather than indented, laser toning may be the better tool.
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What to expect
Timing. A course of sessions spaced weeks apart, with collagen remodelling continuing for months after each. Patience is part of the treatment.
Degree. Meaningful smoothing and softening of scars, not a perfectly flat surface. Most scarring is improved rather than removed, and honest expectations are set at consultation.
Duration. New collagen is lasting, but skin continues to age, so occasional maintenance may be suggested.
Risks. Redness, swelling and flaking are expected. Temporary darkening (post-inflammatory pigmentation) is the main concern in darker skin and is managed with careful settings and sun protection. Infection or new scarring is uncommon and discussed before you consent.
Results differ from person to person. Nothing on this page is a prediction of your own outcome, and it does not replace a consultation. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Acne scar treatment in Seoul: what visitors usually want to know
Scars improve over a series of treatments, and there is some downtime. Planning around both makes a trip to Seoul worthwhile.
Combination, not one machine Korean clinics usually combine methods according to scar type: subcision to release tethered scars, fractional laser or RF microneedling to rebuild collagen, and spot treatments for narrow, deep scars. The mix is decided after looking at your skin.
Sessions are spaced out Collagen needs time to rebuild, so sessions are usually about a month apart. On one trip you can start; the visible improvement keeps developing for months afterwards.
Plan for downtime Expect redness, and sometimes swelling or fine crusting, for several days depending on the treatment. Have it at the start of your stay and keep the following days free of strong sun.
Darker skin and pigmentation Some skin types are more prone to dark marks after treatment. Settings and choice of device are adjusted for this, so tell us if you have had pigmentation after past treatments.
Flying and price Flying a few days later is generally fine once the skin has settled. The cost depends on the methods and number of sessions, so you get a clear quote after the consultation.
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FAQ
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream is used and given time to work. You feel heat and prickling during treatment; most people manage it well, and comfort is checked throughout.
How many sessions will I need?
Scars respond to a course, commonly several sessions spaced weeks apart. The number depends on scar type and depth, and is agreed after assessment.
Laser or microneedling RF — which is better?
Trials find them broadly comparable for atrophic scars. The choice comes down to your scar type, downtime tolerance and how easily your skin pigments — and the two are often combined.
Will my scars disappear completely?
Honestly, no — the realistic goal is significant improvement, not a flawless surface. We would rather set that expectation than oversell it.
What about downtime?
Expect redness, swelling and some flaking for several days, more with ablative laser and less with microneedling RF. Sun protection afterwards is essential.
Do I need to sort out active acne first?
Yes. Resurfacing skin that is still breaking out is counterproductive, so active acne is brought under control first — see Acne Treatment.
What do Korean clinics use for acne scars?
Usually a combination: subcision, fractional laser, RF microneedling and targeted treatments for deep, narrow scars, chosen by scar type.
Can I fit acne scar treatment into one trip?
You can start it. Most scars need several sessions about a month apart, and the result keeps improving after you are home.
How much does acne scar treatment cost in Korea?
It depends on the methods and the number of sessions. We give you a quote after the consultation.
Can I fly after laser for acne scars?
Yes, generally after a few days, once any crusting has settled. Keep the skin moisturised and protected from sun.
Is it safe for darker skin?
Yes, with the right settings. Darker skin carries a higher risk of temporary dark marks, so the plan is adjusted and spacing may be longer.
05
Evidence
The papers behind the statements on this page, with what each covers and where it stops short.
Fractional CO2 laser versus microneedle radiofrequency for acne scars: a randomized, single treatment, split-face trial. Hendel K, Karmisholt K, Hedelund L, et al. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2023;55(4):335–343. PubMed 36934435
A head-to-head split-face trial: both fractional CO2 laser and microneedling radiofrequency improved acne scars, supporting the use of either. What it does not show: a single-treatment study in a small group; it does not settle the ideal number of sessions.
Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling as a Monotherapy in Acne Scar Management: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence. Niaz G, Ajeebi Y, Alshamrani HM, et al. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2025;18:19–29. PubMed 39781098
A review concluding that microneedling radiofrequency is likely effective for acne scarring on its own. What it does not show: it notes that more randomised trials are needed to fix the best settings.
Combined Fractional Treatment of Acne Scars Involving Non-ablative 1,550-nm Erbium-glass Laser and Micro-needling Radiofrequency: A 16-week Prospective, Randomized Split-face Study. Kwon HH, Park HY, Choi SC, et al. Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2017;97(8):947–951. PubMed 28512669
Supports combining the two approaches: the combined side improved more than laser alone, which is why we often plan them together. What it does not show: one product combination in one study; individual results vary.
Device availability and naming differ by country. The full list of our doctors’ own publications is on our Journal Articles page. Links checked 22 September 2026.
From our channels
YouTube · from our channel
When BTX Met Energy, episode 4: choosing the right toxin for EBD treatments
YouTube episode on choosing the right botulinum toxin for energy-device treatments
Watch on YouTube →
Instagram · from our channel
Aiming for results that do not look done
Instagram reel about natural, inconspicuous treatment results
Watch on Instagram →Not sure which approach your scars need?
That is what the consultation is for. We will type your scars and set out a plan — laser, microneedling RF, subcision, or a combination — and be honest about how much change to expect.
Book a consultation
General information, not medical advice for your individual case. Device availability and naming differ by country. See our Medical Disclaimer and Medical Review Process.
Medically reviewed by Hyoung Moon Kim, MD, PhD on 22 September 2026.
Maylin Apgujeong is a doctor-led skin clinic in Gangnam: the doctor who examines you plans and carries out the treatment. More in About Maylin Clinic Apgujeong.