Acne scars usually need a planned series of treatments, so cost depends on the method and the number of sessions. This guide compares laser and RF microneedling prices in Seoul and helps you choose a plan that fits your scars and your trip.
In Seoul, acne scar treatment is usually priced per session or as a course. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, CO2 fractional laser costs ₩199,000 per full-face session or ₩549,000 for three; pico fractional costs ₩149,000 per session or ₩399,000 for three; and Potenza RF microneedling costs ₩299,000 per session or ₩799,000 for three (KRW, excluding 10% VAT). CO2 is the most intensive, with 5–7 days of downtime; Potenza has 2–4 days and pico fractional 1–3 days. Most scars need two to four sessions, and a doctor matches the method to your scar type.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
How much does acne scar treatment cost in Seoul?
Acne scar treatment in Seoul is rarely a single visit. Most scars improve gradually over a series of two to four sessions, so the total cost depends on which method your doctor recommends, how many sessions you need and whether treatments are combined. Below are 2026 prices at Dernia Clinic Myeongdong for the three main scar-focused options.
| Treatment | Single session | 3-session course | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 fractional laser | ₩199,000 | ₩549,000 | 5–7 days of redness and crusting |
| CO2 fractional with recovery booster | ₩279,000 | — | 5–7 days |
| Pico fractional | ₩149,000 | ₩399,000 | 1–3 days of redness |
| Potenza RF microneedling | ₩299,000 | ₩799,000 | 2–4 days of redness |
| Potenza with booster | ₩399,000 | — | 2–4 days |
Prices are for the full face, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed at consultation. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026; see payment and tax. See the CO2 fractional laser and Potenza price pages.
What types of acne scars are there?
The type of scar matters more than any other factor in choosing a treatment. A doctor examines your skin in angled light to identify them.
- Rolling scars: broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges. Often respond well to RF microneedling.
- Boxcar scars: wider depressions with sharper edges. Fractional lasers and RF microneedling are commonly used.
- Icepick scars: narrow, deep pits. These are harder to treat and may need targeted techniques alongside resurfacing.
- Post-acne marks: flat red or brown marks that are not true scars. They respond to vascular lasers or toning rather than resurfacing.
See acne scar treatments and post-acne mark treatments.
CO2 fractional laser for acne scars
CO2 fractional laser is an ablative resurfacing laser. It uses a 10,600 nm beam split into thousands of tiny columns that remove microscopic cores of skin, leaving healthy skin between them to speed healing. As the skin repairs, it builds new collagen, which can soften deeper scars and rough texture more than gentler lasers. The trade-off is downtime: expect 5–7 days of redness and crusting. Most people need two to four sessions, one to three months apart.
Potenza RF microneedling for acne scars
Potenza uses fine needles that release radiofrequency energy at a set depth, heating the deeper skin to stimulate collagen while the surface stays largely intact. It is particularly useful for rolling scars, enlarged pores and texture, and is often considered gentler on pigment for darker skin types than ablative lasers. Downtime is usually two to four days of redness. Most people plan about three sessions four to six weeks apart.
Pico fractional for shallow scars and texture
Pico fractional uses a picosecond laser with a fractional handpiece to create micro-zones of remodeling under the surface. It is suited to shallow acne scars, pores and fine texture, with only one to three days of redness. It is less powerful for deep scars than CO2, but it is a practical option for visitors with limited time. Most people need three to five sessions about four weeks apart.
Sample acne scar plans
To make budgeting easier, here is how plans commonly look. They are examples only; your doctor recommends the actual plan after examining your scars.
- Short trip, mild texture and shallow scars: one pico fractional session at ₩149,000, possibly continued on later visits.
- Rolling scars, limited downtime: a Potenza course of three sessions at ₩799,000, spaced four to six weeks apart.
- Deeper boxcar scars, longer stay: a CO2 fractional course of three sessions at ₩549,000, one to three months apart.
- Mixed scars: a combination of methods across visits, with the order set by the doctor.
Courses only save money if you complete them. If you are unsure when you can return to Seoul, paying per session is usually the safer choice, and the doctor can give you a written record of settings to share with a dermatologist at home.
Laser vs RF microneedling: which is better value?
| Point | CO2 fractional laser | Potenza RF microneedling | Pico fractional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Deeper scars, rough texture | Rolling scars, pores, texture | Shallow scars, pores |
| Intensity | Highest | Moderate | Lower |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 2–4 days | 1–3 days |
| Pigment risk in darker skin | Higher | Lower | Lower |
| 3-session course | ₩549,000 | ₩799,000 | ₩399,000 |
Value is not only about price. CO2 may achieve more per session for deep scars, while Potenza or pico fractional fit better if you cannot take a week of downtime. Many doctors combine methods over a plan. Compare them in CO2 fractional laser vs Potenza and pico fractional vs CO2 fractional laser.
Who is a good candidate for acne scar treatment?
Usually a good fit
- Rolling, boxcar or mixed acne scars
- Acne that is mostly under control
- Realistic expectations of improvement, not erasure
- Time to allow downtime and a series of sessions
Talk to the doctor first
- Active, inflamed acne, which is usually treated first
- Isotretinoin use within the past several months
- A history of keloids or pigment darkening after procedures
- A recent tan, pregnancy or active infection
If you still have active breakouts, the Acne Clinic Program may come first.
Acne scar results: what to expect and when
Scar treatments work by triggering new collagen, which takes time. Immediately after a session, skin looks red and may feel swollen, so it is not a good time to judge results. Texture often starts to look smoother around four to six weeks, and improvement continues for several months after the final session. Taking photos in the same side lighting before each session is the most reliable way to track progress, because day-to-day changes are hard to see in the mirror.
Expect improvement rather than perfection. Many people see scars become shallower and less noticeable under normal lighting, while some deeper scars remain visible in strong side light. Your doctor will be honest about what is realistic for your scar types.
Side effects and safety
All scar treatments cause temporary redness and swelling. CO2 also causes crusting and peeling for about a week. Common risks include temporary darkening of pigment (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), especially in darker skin, and acne flares. Rare risks include infection, prolonged redness, burns and new scarring. A doctor tailors depth and density to your skin to reduce these risks. See aftercare after laser treatment.
Flying home? After CO2 fractional, allow at least a week before a long flight if you can, as skin is still healing. After Potenza or pico fractional, a day or two is usually enough. Our aftercare guide explains how to protect healing skin on the plane.
Planning acne scar treatment around your Seoul trip
- Match the method to your stay. Short trips suit pico fractional or Potenza; CO2 suits stays of a week or more.
- Treat early. Book in the first days of your trip so downtime passes before you leave.
- Avoid your arrival day. Book for day two or later.
- Book ahead. Send photos of your scars in side lighting and your dates through our consultation form.
- Getting here. Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Frequently asked questions
How much does acne scar treatment cost in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, full-face sessions cost ₩149,000 for pico fractional, ₩199,000 for CO2 fractional laser and ₩299,000 for Potenza, excluding VAT. Three-session courses lower the per-session price.
Is laser or RF microneedling better for acne scars?
It depends on scar type, skin type and downtime. CO2 laser is more intensive for deeper scars, while Potenza suits rolling scars and darker skin with less downtime.
How many sessions do acne scars need?
Most people need two to four sessions, spaced one to three months apart depending on the method.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Treatments can significantly soften scars, but complete removal is uncommon. Expect gradual improvement over months.
What is the downtime for CO2 laser?
Expect five to seven days of redness and crusting after each full-face session.
Can I treat acne scars on a short trip?
Yes, with lower-downtime options such as pico fractional or Potenza. CO2 is better suited to stays of a week or more.
Planning acne scar treatment in Seoul?
Send us photos of your scars and your travel dates. A doctor will identify your scar types, recommend a method and session plan, and confirm the price before treatment.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.