What causes acne scars?

Acne scars form when deep inflammation damages the collagen beneath a breakout. As the skin heals, it either makes too little collagen, leaving a depression, or too much, leaving a raised scar. The risk is highest with deep, painful cysts and nodules, with picking or squeezing, and with acne that goes untreated for a long time. Genetics also matter: some people scar easily, even from moderate acne. Scars are different from the flat red or brown marks that breakouts leave behind, which usually fade; see post-acne marks.

How acne scars are assessed

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor examines your skin under angled light to map each scar type:

Ice pick: narrow, deep pits
Boxcar: wider depressions with sharp edges
Rolling: soft, wave-like dips caused by bands under the skin
Raised: hypertrophic or keloid scars, more common on the jaw, chest and back

Most people have a mix, which is why a plan uses more than one treatment. Your doctor also checks for active acne, which should be controlled first, and your skin type, which affects the risk of temporary darkening after laser. Our guide to building an acne scar treatment plan walks through the process.

Treatment options for acne scars

CO2 Fractional Laser

The CO2 fractional laser removes tiny columns of skin to trigger strong collagen remodeling. Your doctor chooses it for deeper boxcar and mixed scars when you can allow 5–7 days of redness and crusting. Two to four sessions are typical. It is used cautiously in darker skin because of the risk of temporary darkening.

Potenza RF Microneedling

Potenza delivers radiofrequency through fine needles to remodel collagen beneath scars with less surface injury. It is chosen for rolling and boxcar scars, and often for medium or darker skin, where the risk of pigment change matters. Expect 2–4 days of redness.

Pico Fractional

Pico fractional uses picosecond energy to stimulate collagen in tiny zones. It suits shallow scars and texture, with only 1–3 days of redness, which makes it practical for busy schedules. Several sessions are needed for a visible change.

Juvelook

Juvelook combines PDLLA and hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen under depressed scars and refine texture. Your doctor often pairs it with Potenza, and results build over 2–3 months.

Rejuran Healer

Rejuran Healer is a polynucleotide booster that supports skin repair and thickness. It is added after laser or needling to help healing and improve overall skin quality. It can also help calm redness after more intensive sessions.

Comparing your options

Treatment	Best when	Downtime	From price
CO2 Fractional Laser	Deep boxcar or mixed scars	5–7 days of redness and crusting	₩199,000 (full face)
Potenza RF Microneedling	Rolling scars or darker skin	2–4 days of redness	₩299,000 (full face)
Pico Fractional	Shallow scars, short downtime	1–3 days of redness	₩149,000 (full face)
Juvelook	Depressed scars need collagen	Small bumps for 1–3 days	₩299,000 (2cc)
Rejuran Healer	Support healing between sessions	Small bumps for 1–3 days	₩259,000 (2cc, full face)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. You can compare every treatment on our price list.

Combination plans

Combining treatments addresses different scar types at once. A common plan is Potenza or CO2 laser with Juvelook or Rejuran in between sessions. Our Collagen Rebuild package pairs Juvelook with Potenza. Results build gradually, with the most change visible a few months after the series ends. Compare options in CO2 laser vs Potenza and Rejuran vs Juvelook.

At-home care and prevention

Keep acne under control, avoid picking, and use SPF 50 daily, because sun darkens scars and healing skin. After resurfacing, follow your doctor's aftercare closely; see aftercare after laser treatment.

Planning treatment during a trip to Seoul

Scar treatment is a series, usually 3–5 sessions four to six weeks apart, so most visitors start in Seoul and continue later. CO2 laser needs about a week of downtime, so schedule it early in your stay and let the skin settle before you fly home. Book a consultation to plan sessions around your travel.

Safety and when to see a doctor

Resurfacing is usually postponed if you have taken isotretinoin recently, have active acne or a cold sore, or are tanned. People prone to keloids need a careful plan, as ablative lasers can worsen raised scars. Pregnancy is another reason to wait. Any wound that becomes painful, hot or weeps after treatment needs prompt review.

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Usually not, but they can be softened significantly. Most people see a clear improvement in depth and texture after a full series, which makes scars much less noticeable.

How many sessions do acne scars need?

Most plans involve 3–5 sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Deeper scars may need more, and collagen keeps improving for months after the last session.

Which is better for acne scars, CO2 laser or Potenza?

CO2 laser is more powerful for deep scars but has about a week of downtime. Potenza has shorter downtime and suits darker skin. Many plans use both at different stages.

Can I treat scars while I still have acne?

Active acne should be controlled first, because new breakouts create new scars and some treatments can irritate inflamed skin. Your doctor may treat both in stages.

Does Juvelook cause lumps?

Lumps are uncommon when it is placed correctly at the right depth. Read does Juvelook cause lumps for details.

Related treatments

CO2 fractional laser — deep resurfacing
Potenza RF microneedling — remodels scars
Pico fractional — shallow scars and texture
Juvelook — collagen under scars

Prices and results

CO2 fractional laser price — cost per session
CO2 fractional laser results — healing and results timeline
Potenza results — what to expect

Compare and guides

Pico fractional vs CO2 — depth and downtime
Acne scar treatment plan — how plans are built

Related concerns

Acne and breakouts — control acne first
Rough skin texture — smoother skin overall

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Acne Scar Treatment in Seoul