Acne scars can remain after active acne has healed, creating uneven texture, depressions, or changes in skin appearance. At Cheongdam JCELL Dermatology Clinic, acne scar treatment is planned by a dermatologist according to the type, depth, location, and severity of each patient's scars as well as their overall skin condition.

Because ice-pick, boxcar, rolling, and raised scars have different structures, the same procedure may not provide the same results for every patient. A detailed skin assessment helps determine whether laser treatment, microneedling, subcision, other procedures, or a combination approach may be appropriate.

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars are changes in the skin that remain after an acne lesion has healed. They are more likely to develop after deep or severe inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin.

The most common acne scars include:

• Ice-pick scars
• Boxcar scars
• Rolling scars
• Depressed scars
• Hypertrophic scars

Not every mark left after acne is a true scar. Red or brown discoloration may be post-inflammatory redness or hyperpigmentation rather than structural scarring. Distinguishing between these concerns is an important part of treatment planning.

Different Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars can differ significantly in shape, depth, and structure, which is why treatment needs to be individualized.

Ice-Pick Scars

These are narrow, deep scars that extend further into the skin. Because of their depth and small opening, they may require targeted scar treatments rather than surface-level procedures alone.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars create wider depressions with relatively defined edges. Their depth can vary, and treatment is selected according to the structure and severity of the individual scars.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars create a wavy or uneven appearance because fibrous bands beneath the skin pull the surface downward. Treatments that address the underlying tethering may be considered for suitable patients.

Raised Acne Scars

Hypertrophic scars and keloids develop when excessive scar tissue forms. These require a different treatment strategy from depressed acne scars and may involve injections, laser treatment, or other medical approaches.

Acne Scar Treatment by a Dermatologist

An acne scar treatment plan should begin with an evaluation of the scars rather than choosing a procedure based only on the patient's preferred treatment.

The dermatologist may assess:

• Scar type
• Scar depth
• Number and distribution of scars
• Skin texture
• Skin tone
• Active acne
• Post-acne pigmentation
• Skin sensitivity
• Previous procedures
• Previous acne medications

This assessment helps determine which treatment or combination of treatments is most appropriate. Dermatologists may use more than one treatment when different types of scars are present.

Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

Laser treatment can be used to improve the appearance of certain acne scars by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen production during the healing process.

Depending on the scar type and skin condition, a dermatologist may consider different laser technologies and treatment intensities. Some patients may require a series of treatments rather than a single session.

Laser treatment cannot completely erase a scar, but it may make the scar less noticeable and improve overall skin texture. The appropriate laser and treatment settings should be selected after evaluating the patient's skin type and scar characteristics.

Microneedling for Acne Scars

Microneedling uses very small needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body's collagen production as the skin heals.

It may be considered for certain depressed acne scars and uneven skin texture. Radiofrequency microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy and may provide an additional collagen-stimulating effect.

Microneedling is minimally invasive and can be used across different skin tones, but it is not appropriate for every patient or every stage of acne. Patients with active, painful, pus-filled, or deeply inflamed pimples may need to control their acne before undergoing microneedling.

Subcision for Rolling Acne Scars

Rolling scars may be associated with fibrous bands that pull the skin downward and create an uneven or wavy surface.

Subcision is a procedure in which a needle or similar instrument is used beneath the skin to release selected fibrous attachments. This can allow the depressed area to rise and may be combined with another treatment when additional texture improvement is needed.

Because rolling scars differ in depth and structure, subcision is not appropriate for every acne scar. A dermatologist should determine whether tethering is contributing to the appearance of the scar before recommending this approach.

Acne Scar Treatment & Combination Procedures

Many patients have more than one type of acne scar, making combination treatment a useful consideration.

Depending on the individual condition, a dermatologist may combine procedures such as:

• Laser resurfacing
• Microneedling
• Radiofrequency microneedling
• Subcision
• Chemical peels
• Scar surgery
• Injectable treatments

For example, a patient may have rolling scars together with boxcar or ice-pick scars, requiring different techniques for different areas. Dermatologists may therefore use multiple treatments to address separate structural problems rather than applying one procedure across the entire face.

Acne Scar Treatment for Active Acne

Acne scar treatment is generally planned after active acne has been sufficiently controlled.

Continuing to develop new inflammatory acne can lead to additional scars, so controlling breakouts remains an important part of long-term scar management. A dermatologist may therefore address active acne first before beginning certain scar procedures.

Patients should also inform their dermatologist about current and previous acne medications because some procedures may need to be delayed depending on the medication and individual circumstances.

Acne Scars & Post-Acne Marks

Not every visible mark after acne is an acne scar.

Post-acne marks can include:

• Red discoloration
• Brown or dark spots
• Uneven skin tone
• Depressed scars
• Raised scars

Redness or pigmentation does not necessarily require the same treatment as a structural acne scar. A dermatologist can identify the main concern and determine whether the treatment should focus on pigmentation, inflammation, texture, or deeper scar remodeling.

Acne Scar Treatment Process in Seoul

A dermatologist-led acne scar treatment generally begins with a detailed consultation and skin evaluation.

1. Scar Evaluation

The dermatologist examines the type, depth, distribution, and severity of the acne scars as well as any remaining active acne or pigmentation.

2. Treatment Planning

Based on the evaluation, the dermatologist determines whether laser treatment, microneedling, subcision, another procedure, or a combination approach may be appropriate.

3. Personalized Treatment

The selected treatment is performed according to the patient's scar structure and skin condition. Treatment intensity and technique can be adjusted for different areas of the face.

4. Follow-Up

Acne scar improvement is generally gradual, so follow-up can help evaluate the response and determine whether additional sessions or another treatment approach would be beneficial. Many scar treatments require multiple sessions to achieve the desired improvement.

Acne Scar Treatment Results & Recovery

Acne scar treatment is designed to make scars less noticeable and improve the overall texture of the skin rather than completely erase every scar.

Results develop gradually as the skin heals and produces new collagen. Depending on the procedure, temporary redness, swelling, sensitivity, peeling, or discoloration may occur after treatment.

The amount of downtime depends on the treatment used. Following the dermatologist's aftercare instructions and protecting the treated skin from excessive sun exposure can support recovery and help reduce the risk of unwanted pigmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for acne scars?

There is no single best treatment for every acne scar. The appropriate procedure depends on whether the scars are ice-pick, boxcar, rolling, depressed, or raised, as well as their depth and the patient's skin condition.

Can acne scars be completely removed?

Acne scar treatments can make scars less noticeable and improve skin texture, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Results depend on scar type, severity, treatment method, and individual response.

Is laser treatment effective for acne scars?

Laser treatment can improve the appearance of certain acne scars by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen production. Some patients require a series of treatments, and the appropriate laser depends on the individual scar and skin type.

Is microneedling good for acne scars?

Microneedling can improve certain depressed acne scars and uneven skin texture by stimulating collagen production. It may also be combined with radiofrequency or other treatments when appropriate.

What is the difference between subcision and laser treatment?

Subcision is designed to release fibrous attachments beneath selected depressed scars, while laser treatment primarily resurfaces or remodels the skin. Depending on the scar structure, the two approaches may sometimes be combined.

Can I treat acne scars while I still have active acne?

Active acne is generally addressed before scar-focused procedures because new breakouts can create additional scars. The timing depends on the severity of the active acne and the treatment being considered.

How many acne scar treatments will I need?

The number of sessions depends on scar type, depth, treatment method, and individual response. Many acne scar treatments require multiple sessions rather than a single procedure.

Is there downtime after acne scar treatment?

Downtime varies by procedure. Laser treatments, microneedling, and other procedures may cause temporary redness, swelling, sensitivity, peeling, or discoloration during recovery.

Can foreigners receive acne scar treatment in Seoul?

Yes. International patients can seek dermatologist-led acne scar evaluation and treatment in Seoul. Providing information about previous acne treatments, medications, procedures, allergies, and skincare products can help with treatment planning.

Acne Scar Treatment in Seoul, Korea

Acne scar treatment in Seoul, Korea can be customized according to scar type, depth, skin condition, and previous treatment history. Cheongdam JCELL Dermatology Clinic provides dermatologist-led evaluation for depressed acne scars, rolling scars, boxcar scars, ice-pick scars, raised scars, and related post-acne concerns.

Rather than treating every acne scar with the same procedure, a personalized approach can identify the structural characteristics of each scar and determine whether laser treatment, microneedling, subcision, or combination therapy may be appropriate.

For patients searching for Acne Scar Treatment in Seoul, Acne Scar Dermatologist in Korea, or Acne Scar Clinic in Cheongdam, a personalized dermatological consultation can help determine an appropriate treatment strategy for smoother and more even-looking skin.