Start by naming the scar types

The phrase acne scars covers several very different problems, and most faces have a mix. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor examines your skin under angled light, because shadows reveal depth, and identifies which types you have. The plan follows from that.

Type	What it looks like	Options that usually help
Icepick	Narrow, deep pits	CO2 fractional laser
Boxcar	Wider pits with sharp edges	CO2 or pico fractional, Potenza
Rolling	Soft, wavy shadows across the cheek	Potenza, Juvelook
Red marks	Flat pink or red spots after breakouts	Excel V laser, time, sun protection
Brown marks	Flat brown spots after inflammation	Pico toning, sun protection
Raised scars	Firm bumps, often on the jaw or chest	Medical assessment first

Flat red and brown marks are not true scars and usually fade with the right care. See post-acne marks for that side of the plan.

Step 1: calm active acne

Resurfacing skin that is still breaking out creates new marks as fast as old ones fade. If you have active acne, the first phase is control. The Acne Clinic Program combines medical extraction, a calming peel and LED therapy, and Agnes RF can target the oil glands behind persistent breakouts. If you take isotretinoin or stopped it recently, say so; many doctors wait several months after finishing before laser or RF microneedling.

Step 2: choose the resurfacing tool

CO2 fractional laser

CO2 fractional laser is ablative. It creates tiny columns of controlled injury that heal with new collagen. It is the strongest option for deeper boxcar and icepick scars, but it means 5–7 days of redness and crusting. It is less suitable if you scar easily or tend to form keloids.

Potenza RF microneedling

Potenza delivers radiofrequency through fine needles, remodeling collagen under the scar with less surface damage. Expect 2–4 days of redness. It suits rolling scars and enlarged pores, and it is often preferred for darker skin types, where strong surface heat carries more risk of pigment change.

Pico fractional

Pico fractional uses picosecond pulses to stimulate collagen with 1–3 days of redness. It suits shallow scars and texture, or anyone who cannot take much downtime.

Compare CO2 fractional vs Potenza and pico fractional vs CO2.

Step 3: add collagen support

Resurfacing breaks up scar tissue; boosters help rebuild what sits beneath it. Juvelook(PDLLA with hyaluronic acid) stimulates collagen gradually over 2–3 months and works well for shallow, rolling scars. Rejuran Healer(polynucleotides) supports repair and calms the skin between laser sessions. The Collagen Rebuild Package pairs Juvelook with Potenza from ₩549,000.

Red marks respond to Excel V laser, which targets the dilated vessels behind them, while brown marks fade with pico toning and strict sun protection.

A sample plan over six months

Month 0: consultation, acne control if needed, then the first resurfacing session, often with a booster.
Months 1–2: second resurfacing session; red or brown marks treated alongside.
Month 3: third session and a progress review using photos taken in the same light.
Months 4–6: further sessions if needed, then maintenance.

The honest goal is smoother, less shadowed skin, not complete erasure.

Why results vary from person to person

Two people with similar-looking scars can respond differently. Scar depth and type matter most, but so do skin thickness, age, skin tone, how consistently you protect your skin from the sun, and whether new breakouts keep appearing. Collagen responds slowly, so judge results months, not days, after each session. Take your own photos before treatment and every month afterward, in the same spot and light, to see the real trend.

Between sessions, use daily SPF 50, a gentle cleanser and a barrier-repair moisturizer, and never pick crusts. See our aftercare page and your skincare routine after treatments.

Planning scar treatment across trips

Scar plans need repeat sessions. If you live abroad, two approaches work:

Return trips: one session per visit, every 1–3 months.
One trip, then home care: a single session plus a booster, then continuing with a dermatologist at home. Ask for a written summary of what was done.

If you choose CO2 laser, schedule it early in your stay so crusting has settled before you fly, and read aftercare after laser treatment. If a series cannot be finished in one stay, see what happens if you can't finish a series.

Prices, safety and next steps

Indicative starting prices per session: pico fractional from ₩149,000, CO2 fractional from ₩199,000, Potenza from ₩299,000 and Juvelook from ₩299,000. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. An active skin infection, cold sore or recent heavy tan in the area usually means postponing, and pregnancy rules out several options. To get a plan matched to your scar types, book a consultation, or browse every option under acne scar treatment.

How many sessions do acne scars need?

Most people need 3–5 resurfacing sessions about 4–6 weeks apart, sometimes combined with collagen boosters. Deeper scars may need more. Your doctor gives you a realistic range after seeing your scar types.

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Usually not completely. Treatment can make scars noticeably shallower and less visible, but some texture often remains. A realistic plan aims for smoother, more even skin in everyday light.

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

CO2 fractional is stronger for deep boxcar and icepick scars but has 5–7 days of downtime. Potenza has less surface downtime and suits rolling scars and darker skin types. Many plans use both at different stages.

Can I treat acne scars while I still get breakouts?

It is better to calm active acne first. Treating scars during a flare can create new marks and irritation. A short acne control phase usually comes before resurfacing.

Can I fly home right after acne scar treatment?

After Potenza or pico fractional, flying the next day is usually fine with good moisturizing. After CO2 laser, plan a few more days in Seoul if you can, so the doctor can check how your skin is healing.

Is acne scar treatment painful?

Numbing cream is applied before CO2 laser and Potenza, and most people describe the sensation as prickly heat rather than sharp pain. Comfort varies by area and settings, and your doctor can adjust the energy and pace if needed.

Scar treatments

CO2 fractional laser — the strongest resurfacing for deep scars
Potenza RF microneedling — collagen remodeling with less surface downtime
Juvelook — collagen booster for shallow scars
Pico fractional — a gentler option for texture

Results and comparisons

CO2 fractional laser results — healing and improvement timeline
Potenza results — what changes after each session
CO2 fractional vs Potenza — which to choose

Related concerns

Acne scars — all treatment options
Acne and breakouts — control active acne first
Rough skin texture — refine what remains

Packages

Collagen Rebuild Package — Juvelook with Potenza
Acne Reset Package — calm breakouts before scar work

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Building an Acne Scar Treatment Plan in Seoul