Potenza vs Agnes at a glance

Both treatments deliver radiofrequency energy through microneedles, but they are designed for different jobs. Potenza treats broad areas to remodel collagen for scars, pores and texture. Agnes RF uses insulated needles to place energy at a precise point, targeting specific structures such as oil glands or small fat pockets while sparing the skin above.

Feature	Potenza RF Microneedling	Agnes RF
Technology	RF microneedling with monopolar and bipolar modes (Cynosure)	Insulated-needle RF (Agnes Medical, Korea)
How it works / target depth	Needle arrays heat the dermis across the treated area to remodel collagen	Needles are insulated except at the tip, so heat is released only at the target
Best for	Acne scars, enlarged pores, rough texture	Persistent acne from overactive oil glands; fat behind under-eye bags
Comfort	Numbing cream; warmth and pressure	Numbing, sometimes local anesthetic; precise needle placement
Downtime	2–4 days of redness	Swelling for 2–5 days
Sessions	Usually 3, about 4–6 weeks apart	1–3, depending on the target
Results appear	Gradual improvement after each session	Acne improves over weeks; eye-bag change appears as swelling settles
Results last	Long-lasting after a series	Long-lasting; treated glands and fat cells do not regrow easily
Price from at Dernia	₩299,000 (full face)	₩249,000 (per area)

How Potenza works

Potenza, from Cynosure, uses an array of fine needles that enter the skin to a chosen depth and release radiofrequency energy there. The heat triggers collagen remodeling across the treated zone, gradually lifting depressed scars, tightening pores and smoothing texture. Monopolar and bipolar modes let the doctor adjust depth and intensity, and some settings help calm active acne as well. Because the surface stays largely intact, it is suitable for most skin types.

How Agnes works

Agnes, made by Agnes Medical in Korea, uses very fine needles coated with insulation along their length. Only the tip delivers RF energy, so the doctor can heat a precise target, such as an overactive oil gland, while protecting the skin above. For persistent acne, this can reduce breakouts in the treated areas over the long term. Under the eyes, Agnes can shrink the small fat pocket that causes under-eye bags without surgery, in suitable candidates.

Choose Potenza if…

Your main concern is acne scars, pores or overall texture
You want to treat the whole face evenly
Your acne is mostly controlled and you want to repair the aftermath
You would like to pair microneedling with a collagen booster

Choose Agnes if…

You have stubborn acne that keeps returning in the same areas
Other acne treatments have not given lasting control
You have mild under-eye bags from fat and want a non-surgical option
You want to treat a specific area rather than the full face

Can you combine them?

Yes, often in sequence. A common plan uses Agnes first to reduce active acne at its source, then Potenza once breakouts are controlled to remodel the scars left behind. Your doctor may also include our acne treatment program for day-to-day control. Our acne scar treatment plan guide explains how sessions are staged.

Cost comparison

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, Agnes RF starts from ₩249,000 per area and Potenza from ₩299,000 for the full face. Agnes is priced by area and often needs one to three sessions; a typical Potenza course of three sessions starts from ₩897,000. See current plans on the Potenza price page and the Agnes price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.

How our doctors decide

Your doctor looks at whether your main problem is active acne, the scars it has left, or under-eye fat. Active, recurring acne points to Agnes; scars, pores and texture point to Potenza. For under-eye bags, your doctor assesses whether the bulge is fat that Agnes can treat, or skin laxity and hollowing that need a different approach. Under the eyes, the fat pocket is mapped and marked carefully before treatment. On a short trip, Agnes for acne can often be done in one visit, while a Potenza course for scars usually spans several months.

Both are postponed with active infection or cold sores in the area and after recent isotretinoin use, and are not done during pregnancy. RF is not used if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device. Browse more comparisons, or book a consultation and a licensed doctor will recommend the right RF microneedling plan.

Is Agnes better than Potenza for acne?

For active, recurring acne, Agnes is often more targeted because it treats the oil glands that drive breakouts. Potenza is better suited to scars, pores and texture. Many plans use Agnes first and Potenza later.

Can Agnes really treat under-eye bags without surgery?

In suitable candidates with mild to moderate fat bulging, Agnes can reduce under-eye bags by shrinking the fat pocket. Larger bags or significant skin laxity may still need surgery, and your doctor will tell you honestly.

How much downtime does Agnes have?

Swelling for two to five days is common, especially under the eyes, and small marks may be visible for a few days. Plan sessions away from events.

How many Potenza sessions do I need?

Most people have about three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Deeper scars may need more, sometimes combined with other treatments.

Are these suitable for darker skin?

Both disrupt relatively little of the skin surface, so they are generally suitable for a wide range of skin tones. Your doctor will adjust settings to your skin.

Treatments compared

Potenza RF microneedling — remodels scars and pores
Agnes RF — targets oil glands and under-eye fat
Acne program — ongoing acne control

Price, results and reviews

Potenza price in Seoul — full-face pricing
Agnes price in Seoul — per-area pricing
Potenza results — session-by-session timeline
Agnes review — our medical team's verdict

Concerns and packages

Acne scars — all treatment options
Acne Reset Package — acne care, exosomes and soothing

More comparisons

CO2 fractional laser vs Potenza — laser vs RF for scars
Under-eye filler vs Rejuran Eye — other under-eye options

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Potenza vs Agnes: Which Is Right for You?