Subcision
A fine needle releases the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars downwards, letting the skin rise and new collagen fill the space.
Acne & Skin Texture
Acne Scar Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
A staged acne scar program at Nest Clinic — subcision, fractional CO2 and Potenza microneedling, combined by our women doctors according to the type and depth of each scar to smooth texture gradually and safely.
3–5
sessions for visible smoothing
A
What is the most effective treatment for acne scars?
Most acne scars improve with a combination of treatments matched to scar type. At Nest Clinic we release tethered rolling scars with subcision, resurface boxcar and icepick scars with fractional CO2 laser or focal peels, and remodel collagen with Potenza RF microneedling. Most patients need 3–5 sessions about 4–6 weeks apart. Scars typically soften and become less visible rather than disappearing, and results vary with skin type and scar depth.
- Sessions
- 3–5, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Interval
- Every 4–6 weeks
- Downtime
- 3–7 days of redness or fine crusting
- Treatment time
- About 45–60 minutes incl. numbing
- Results
- Build over 3–6 months as collagen remodels
- Anaesthesia
- Topical numbing cream; local for subcision
Understanding acne scars
Why acne leaves a mark
Acne scars form when deep, inflamed breakouts damage the collagen beneath the skin. As the wound heals, the body either produces too little collagen, leaving a depression (atrophic scars such as icepick, boxcar and rolling scars), or too much, creating a raised scar. Picking, delayed treatment and cystic acne all increase the risk.
True scars are different from flat brown or red marks left after a spot, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which fade with toning rather than resurfacing. Most faces show a mix, so we map each scar type before planning.
Signs you have textural scars
- Small, deep pits that look like pinpricks (icepick scars)
- Box-shaped depressions with sharp edges (boxcar scars)
- Wave-like, sloping dips that show in side lighting (rolling scars)
- Texture that makeup settles into rather than covers
- Raised, firm bumps where breakouts used to be
Still breaking out? We treat active acne
first, because new inflammation can undo scar work and create fresh marks.
Our approach
Matched to every scar type
No single device treats all acne scars. Your doctor combines these methods according to the scars on your face and your skin tone.
Fractional CO2 laser
Microscopic columns of resurfacing stimulate collagen and soften boxcar and shallow scars — energy is adjusted carefully for darker skin tones.
Potenza RF microneedling
Radiofrequency delivered through fine needles remodels collagen deep in the dermis with less surface downtime, and suits skin prone to pigmentation.
Focal peels for icepick scars
A precise, doctor-applied chemical peel inside narrow icepick scars encourages them to fill from the base upwards.
Rejuran & exosome healing
Regenerative boosters after resurfacing support repair, calm redness and help the skin recover faster between sessions.
Smoothing the surface
Once deeper scars improve, gentler care for enlarged pores and overall texture refines the finish.
What to expect
Smoother texture, step by step
Drag the handle to compare. Acne scars soften gradually as new collagen forms over several months.
↔
Before
After 3 sessions
Illustration for explanation only — not a patient photograph. Individual results vary; real case photos are shown during your consultation.
Is it right for you?
Good candidates
- Rolling, boxcar or icepick scars from past acne
- Acne that is now controlled or mostly settled
- Texture that has not improved with skincare alone
- All skin tones, with settings tailored to pigment risk
- Visitors who can return for follow-up or continue care at home
If you can only visit once, a single combined session can still make a visible start; your doctor will tell you honestly what to expect.
Safety first
Possible side effects
Redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding and fine crusting for several days are expected after resurfacing and microneedling, and subcision can leave bruising for 1–2 weeks. Uncommon risks include post-inflammatory darkening (more likely in darker skin), prolonged redness, infection, cold-sore reactivation and, rarely, new scarring.
We reduce these risks with conservative energy settings, staged sessions, sterile technique, pigment-prevention care and clear aftercare instructions in English.
We postpone treatment during active infection, pregnancy, or within 6 months of oral isotretinoin, and take extra care if you form keloids.
Your visit
How treatment works at Nest Clinic
Scar mapping
Angled lighting and imaging to classify each scar type.
Doctor plan
Methods and session order chosen for your scars.
Numbing
Topical anaesthetic for about 30–40 minutes.
Treatment
Subcision, laser or microneedling as planned.
Recovery care
Calming boosters, sunscreen and aftercare guidance.
Medical reviewer · Medical Doctor
Dr. Hee-in Song
Dr. Song graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine and is a member of Korean societies for laser, skin and hair medicine and aesthetic medicine. She focuses on skin-quality treatments — lasers, acne and pigmentation care. Nest Clinic is led entirely by women doctors, with one-to-one consultations.
Seoul National Univ. College of Medicine
Korean Society for Laser, Skin & Hair
Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery
Korean Academy of Facial Filler
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Hee-in Song in October 2026. It is for general information and does not replace an in-person diagnosis.
FAQ
Acne Scars questions, answered
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Acne scars can be clearly improved but rarely erased. Most patients see their scars become shallower and less noticeable in normal light, with results building for several months after each session. Results vary with scar type, depth and skin type.
How much downtime should I plan for?
Expect 3–7 days of redness and fine crusting after fractional CO2, and 1–3 days of redness after Potenza. If you have subcision, bruising may last up to two weeks. Many visitors schedule treatment early in their trip.
Can I fly home after treatment?
Yes, flying is generally fine after a day or two. Cabin air is dry, so keep the skin moisturised, avoid touching crusts and use sunscreen. Your doctor will give you a written aftercare and follow-up summary.
Is acne scar treatment safe for darker skin?
Yes, with the right choices. For Fitzpatrick IV–VI we favour Potenza and lower-density laser settings, add pigment-prevention care, and space sessions further apart to reduce the risk of darkening.
Does it hurt?
Treatments are done under numbing cream, so most patients feel heat, pressure or prickling rather than sharp pain. Subcision is done with a small local anaesthetic injection.
What about the red or brown marks left by spots?
Flat marks are not true scars. Brown marks respond to gentle toning such as Dual Toning, and lingering redness often responds to vascular care — see our facial redness
page.
Related treatments
Explore acne and texture care
Consultation
Start your acne scar plan
Send a photo on WhatsApp for a first opinion in English, then book a scar assessment with our doctors.
Nest Clinic Gangnam · 4F–5F Seocho Building, 453 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 7 · Gangnam Station Exit 10
Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun closed
Results differ from person to person. All medical procedures carry potential risks and side effects; a doctor will explain them before treatment. Information on this page is educational and not a substitute for a personal medical consultation.
