Table of contents

• What Is Acne Scar Treatment?
• Best Clinics in Korea for Acne Scar Treatment
• Acne Scar Treatment in Korea
• Alternatives to Acne Scar Treatment
• Pros & Cons of Acne Scar Treatment
• Conclusion

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Ever felt that the battle against acne scars seems never-ending? You're not alone, and the good news is that South Korea has taken the lead in offering innovative solutions to tackle these stubborn skin imperfections. In this article, we explore the best that Korean clinics have to offer, from pioneering laser therapies to holistic aftercare, guiding you toward achieving smoother, more confident skin.

What Is Acne Scar Treatment?

Acne scar treatment encompasses a range of medical procedures aimed at reducing or removing the visibility of scars left behind by acne. In Korea, treatment plans are highly personalized and often combine technologies to rebuild collagen, smooth irregularities, and refine skin texture. Protocols can include resurfacing lasers, RF microneedling, subcision, targeted chemical methods like TCA CROSS, biologic skin boosters (e.g., Rejuran Healer skin), and supportive facials such as aqua peel to optimize the canvas before/after procedures.

Who Can Benefit from Acne Scar Treatment?

Anyone suffering from acne scars, regardless of their age or gender, can potentially benefit from acne scar treatment. This includes:

• Teenagers and Young Adults: Often the most affected demographic due to the common onset of acne during puberty. Maintenance options like aqua peel (hydradermabrasion) can help keep pores clear and support texture between medical sessions.

• Adults: Individuals who have persistent acne scars from their younger years or experience adult acne. Combination approaches (e.g., subcision + RF microneedling + Rejuran Healer skin boosters) can address long-standing atrophic scars.

• People with Darker Skin: Special care and specific settings are used to minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Non-ablative lasers, RF energy devices, and gentle peels are favored. For beard-area breakouts or folliculitis, adjunct laser hair removal may reduce flare-ups that worsen scarring.

Types of Acne Scar Treatment

There are various types of acne scar treatments available, each with its own specific benefits and suitable use cases:

1. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy targets the scarred area with focused light, either removing the outer layer of skin (ablative lasers) or stimulating collagen production underneath the skin (non-ablative lasers). Korea commonly combines fractional CO₂/Er:YAG with picosecond lasers for textural remodeling and pigment blending.

Pros:

• Effective for various scar types (boxcar, rolling; selective protocols for icepick with TCA CROSS)

• Stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture

Cons:

• Can be expensive and requires multiple sessions

• Temporary redness/irritation; PIH risk if aftercare/sun care lapses

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing it to exfoliate and peel off. Beyond standard AHA/BHA peels, Korean clinics may perform focal TCA CROSS for icepick scars and use aqua peel devices to deep-clean and hydrate as pre- or post-care.

Pros:

• Helpful for superficial scars and dyschromia

• Scalable from mild aqua peel maintenance to deeper TCA options

Cons:

• Temporary redness and peeling

• Hyperpigmentation risk without strict UV protection

3. Microneedling

Microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting the body’s natural healing process and collagen production. RF-assisted microneedling adds heat to improve tightening and scar remodeling. It’s often paired with biologics such as PRP, exosomes, or Rejuran Healer skin boosters to enhance repair.

Pros:

• Minimally invasive with broad skin-type compatibility

• Synergizes with PRP/exosomes/Rejuran Healer skin for texture gains

Cons:

• Multiple sessions needed

• Temporary swelling/redness; strict hygiene required

4. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers (commonly hyaluronic acid) are injected to lift depressed scars and can be combined with subcision for rolling scars. In Korea, careful micro-droplet placement reduces shadowing that makes scars appear deeper.

Pros:

• Immediate improvement in contour

• Minimally invasive with adjustable outcomes

Cons:

• Temporary results; touch-ups needed

• Rare risks include vascular occlusion; must be performed by experts

5. Subcision

Subcision involves inserting a needle below the scar to break up fibrous bands tethering the skin. It is frequently paired with fillers, RF microneedling, or Rejuran Healer skin to prevent re-tethering and stimulate remodeling.

Pros:

• Highly effective for rolling scars

• Long-lasting structural improvement

Cons:

• Bruising and swelling possible

• Often done in a series for optimal outcomes

6. Excision and Punch Techniques

For deeper, more severe acne scars, surgical methods like excision or punch techniques can be used to physically remove the scar tissue, followed by resurfacing for blend.

Pros:

• Targeted solution for refractory scars (e.g., icepick, deep boxcar)

• Permanent removal of the worst lesions

Cons:

• Invasive and requires downtime

• Post-surgical care needed to minimize new marks

Best Clinics in Korea for Acne Scar Treatment

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for acne scar treatment:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Three Wishes Clinic – Myeongdong Website	Combines personalized, advanced medical beauty care with a clear commitment to safety and patient satisfaction; located in the heart of Myeongdong; acne-scar–focused options including CO2 laser resurfacing to smooth uneven texture and stimulate collagen, along with supportive skin therapies such as Rejuran Healer for skin regeneration, facial peels for controlled exfoliation, and customized skin care treatments tailored to your condition; PDT acne treatment targets acne-causing bacteria and inflammation to help stabilize the skin while pursuing texture improvement; well-rounded approach designed to deliver visible, confidence-boosting results with attentive care at every step.	CO2 laser resurfacing; Rejuran Healer; facial peels; customized skin care treatments; PDT acne treatment
Hev Clinic Website	Hev Dermatology Clinic (Hev Clinic) in Sinsa is a dermatologist-led clinic specializing in advanced skin lifting and regenerative dermatology, with a strong focus on safe, natural-looking skin rejuvenation and long-term skin health. Led by board-certified dermatologists who actively participate in domestic and international academic societies, Hev Clinic delivers acne scar treatment through precise skin analysis and expert consultation, then builds a personalized plan using evidence-based modalities such as fractional lasers, RF microneedling, scar revision techniques, and regenerative options. Importantly, every procedure is performed responsibly by the same attending dermatologist from consultation through completion, ensuring consistent technique, careful risk control, and a higher level of trust—key advantages when treating complex acne scarring that requires staging, fine adjustments, and close monitoring.	Dermatologist-led, board-certified care with academically active physicians for up-to-date, safety-first acne scar treatment approaches; One-doctor continuity: the same attending dermatologist manages your case from consultation to procedure completion for consistency and safer outcomes; Precise skin analysis and individualized scar mapping; Comprehensive acne scar toolbox for texture remodeling, including Fraxel (fractional non-ablative), CO2 fractional laser, microneedling, and RF microneedling; Advanced scar revision combinations (lasers, microneedling, subcision, and fillers); Regenerative support options, including PRP, skin boosters, and stem cell therapy with hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Integrated acne and oil-control care (acne laser/toning, LED light therapy, and professional extraction/care); Broad aesthetic dermatology expertise (injectables, skin boosters, lifting devices such as Ultherapy/Thermage/InMode)
All Clinic Website	All Clinic in Myeongdong combines experienced medical staff with truly personalized, non-surgical treatment planning that targets scars from multiple angles—texture, pores, redness, and overall skin quality—rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. For scar remodeling, the clinic offers Potenza RF microneedling, where needle depth and RF energy can be adjusted by area to stimulate collagen and refine uneven texture with precision, and it can be paired with a custom laser program to address lingering discoloration and post-acne marks in a carefully sequenced roadmap after diagnosis. Recovery and skin resilience are prioritized through supportive options like Rejuran Healer, exosome skin boosters, and hydrating hyaluronic acid skin boosters, which can help calm skin after procedures and improve elasticity and smoothness over a series of sessions. With this combination of tailored energy-based treatments and regenerative skin support—delivered by trained professionals focused on natural-looking improvement—All Clinic provides a comprehensive, clinic-guided path to clearer, more even skin for patients seeking acne scar treatment without surgery.	Potenza RF microneedling (adjustable needle depth and RF energy); custom laser program for discoloration and post-acne marks; Rejuran Healer; exosome skin boosters; hydrating hyaluronic acid skin boosters

Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong

Three Wishes Clinic – Myeongdong stands out as a top choice for acne scar treatment in Korea because it combines personalized, advanced medical beauty care with a clear commitment to safety and patient satisfaction—two essentials when treating scarred, sensitive skin. Located in the heart of Myeongdong, the clinic offers acne-scar–focused options such as CO2 laser resurfacing to smooth uneven texture and stimulate collagen, along with supportive skin therapies that help improve overall skin quality and recovery, including Rejuran Healer for skin regeneration, facial peels for controlled exfoliation, and customized skin care treatments tailored to your condition. For patients who also struggle with ongoing breakouts that can worsen scarring, PDT acne treatment targets acne-causing bacteria and inflammation to help stabilize the skin while pursuing texture improvement. By thoughtfully combining corrective procedures with skin-healing and maintenance treatments, Three Wishes Clinic provides a well-rounded approach designed to deliver visible, confidence-boosting results with attentive care at every step.

You can check out their website here: Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong Website

Hev Clinic

Hev Dermatology Clinic (Hev Clinic) in Sinsa is a dermatologist-led clinic specializing in advanced skin lifting and regenerative dermatology, with a strong focus on safe, natural-looking skin rejuvenation and long-term skin health. Led by board-certified dermatologists who actively participate in domestic and international academic societies, Hev Clinic delivers acne scar treatment through precise skin analysis and expert consultation, then builds a personalized plan using evidence-based modalities such as fractional lasers, RF microneedling, scar revision techniques, and regenerative options. Importantly, every procedure is performed responsibly by the same attending dermatologist from consultation through completion, ensuring consistent technique, careful risk control, and a higher level of trust—key advantages when treating complex acne scarring that requires staging, fine adjustments, and close monitoring.

• Dermatologist-led, board-certified care with academically active physicians for up-to-date, safety-first acne scar treatment approaches
• One-doctor continuity: the same attending dermatologist manages your case from consultation to procedure completion for consistency and safer outcomes
• Precise skin analysis and individualized scar mapping to match treatment intensity to scar type, skin thickness, and downtime tolerance
• Comprehensive acne scar toolbox for texture remodeling, including Fraxel (fractional non-ablative), CO2 fractional laser, microneedling, and RF microneedling to stimulate collagen and smooth uneven texture
• Advanced scar revision combinations (lasers, microneedling, subcision, and fillers) to target depressed scars with staged, natural-looking improvement
• Regenerative support options, including PRP, skin boosters, and stem cell therapy with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help optimize healing and collagen recovery
• Integrated acne and oil-control care (acne laser/toning, LED light therapy, and professional extraction/care) to reduce active inflammation and help prevent new scars while treating existing ones
• Broad aesthetic dermatology expertise (injectables, skin boosters, lifting devices such as Ultherapy/Thermage/InMode) to refine overall skin quality and facial balance when acne scarring coexists with laxity or volume loss

You can check out their website here: Hev Clinic Website

All Clinic

All Clinic in Myeongdong stands out as the best choice for acne scar treatment in Korea because it combines experienced medical staff with truly personalized, non-surgical treatment planning that targets scars from multiple angles—texture, pores, redness, and overall skin quality—rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. For scar remodeling, the clinic offers Potenza RF microneedling, where needle depth and RF energy can be adjusted by area to stimulate collagen and refine uneven texture with precision, and it can be paired with a custom laser program to address lingering discoloration and post-acne marks in a carefully sequenced roadmap after diagnosis. Recovery and skin resilience are also prioritized through supportive options like Rejuran Healer, exosome skin boosters, and hydrating hyaluronic acid skin boosters, which can help calm skin after procedures and improve elasticity and smoothness over a series of sessions. With this combination of tailored energy-based treatments and regenerative skin support—delivered by trained professionals focused on natural-looking improvement—All Clinic provides a comprehensive, clinic-guided path to clearer, more even skin for patients seeking acne scar treatment without surgery.

Find more about this clinic here: All Clinic Website

Acne Scar Treatment in Korea

When it comes to acne scar treatment, South Korea has emerged as a global hub, attracting numerous international patients looking for advanced, combination-based solutions. Clinics emphasize protocols that sequence decongestion (e.g., aqua peel) → collagen induction (RF microneedling/lasers) → biologic boosters (PRP, exosomes, Rejuran Healer skin) to steadily restore skin texture.

Initial Consultation

Your visit begins with a high-resolution skin analysis (texture depth maps, pigment/erythema imaging) and a scar-type charting (icepick, boxcar, rolling). Plans also screen for ongoing acne; in beard or jawline breakouts, adjunct laser hair removal may be recommended to reduce ingrown hairs and folliculitis that can aggravate scarring. Pre-care typically includes SPF optimization and, if needed, gentle aqua peel to clear pores.

Treatment Options

Korean dermatology clinics offer a wide range of advanced acne scar treatments. Depending on scar type and downtime tolerance, your dermatologist may recommend one or more of the following:

1. Laser Treatments: Fractional CO₂/Er:YAG for resurfacing; picosecond lasers for pigment and micro-texturing; cautious parameters for darker skin to limit PIH.
2. Microneedling/RF Microneedling: Mechanical + thermal collagen induction; often combined with PRP/exosomes/Rejuran Healer skin for enhanced remodeling.
3. Chemical Methods: Focal TCA CROSS for icepick scars; broader peels for tone/texture; aqua peel for maintenance and pre-laser prep.
4. Subcision + Fillers: Releases tethers, then lifts the plane to reduce shadowing; staged across sessions.
5. Biologic/Regenerative Adjuncts: PRP and exosome serums; Rejuran Healer skin boosters (polynucleotides) to support matrix repair.
6. Targeted Surgery: Punch excision/grafting for deep, narrow scars followed by blending laser.

Note: Body contouring options like fat dissolving injection (a fat dissolving approach under the chin) are not scar treatments but are sometimes requested alongside facial procedures in Korea for profile refinement. They do not treat scars directly but can improve overall facial contours.

Advanced Technology

Clinics emphasize calibrated energy delivery (stacking passes, spacing sessions 4–8 weeks) and cooling/insulation technologies to reduce downtime. Emerging regenerative care may reference stem cell–derived exosomes (topical or micro-channeled) as an adjunct to support recovery; these are used as cosmetic adjuvants rather than standalone cures.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Post-procedure care focuses on barrier repair (ceramides, panthenol), sun avoidance (SPF 50+), and pigment control if needed. Gentle cleansing, temporary activity limits, and scheduled aqua peel maintenance can keep pores clear while your collagen remodels. For those with beard-area irritation, spacing laser hair removal sessions around resurfacing helps avoid overlap irritation.

Medical Tourism Support

Many clinics offer interpreter support, itinerary coordination, and bundled treatment packages. Expect clear consent forms, photos for progress tracking, and options for tele-follow-ups after you return home.

Cultural Experience

Between sessions, visitors enjoy Korea’s design-forward clinics, efficient transit, and skincare-savvy retail—making the journey both restorative and convenient.

Alternatives to Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scars can be resistant, and not everyone is ready for procedural care. Consider these evidence-based alternatives or complements:

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels (superficial to medium) can gradually blend tone and soften minor texture. As a low-downtime complement, aqua peel supports decongestion and hydration between stronger sessions, helping maintain smoother skin texture.

Laser Treatment

If you’re not ready for ablative resurfacing, non-ablative lasers and picosecond devices can incrementally improve texture and pigment with less downtime. Remember: procedures like laser hair removal are not scar treatments but can reduce folliculitis-related breakouts that worsen scarring along the jawline/neck.

Microneedling

Microneedling—with or without RF—offers steady remodeling over multiple visits. Pairing with PRP/exosomes or Rejuran Healer skin can enhance glow and elasticity. These combinations are popular in Korea for scar care and overall texture refinement.

Pros & Cons of Acne Scar Treatment

Pros:

• Noticeable improvement in skin texture and scar depth with staged, combination care
• Personalized protocols (e.g., subcision + RF + Rejuran Healer skin) for stubborn atrophic scars
• Mature ecosystem for maintenance (e.g., aqua peel) and adjuncts (PRP/exosomes)

Cons:

• Multi-session commitment; results build gradually over months
• Costs can add up, especially with combination therapies and biologic add-ons
• Potential side effects (erythema, swelling, PIH); strict SPF/aftercare is essential
• Not all scars respond equally; surgery may still be needed for the deepest lesions

By understanding these options and expectations, patients can choose a plan that aligns with downtime, budget, and goals.

Conclusion

South Korea leads in acne scar management by sequencing decongestion, collagen induction, and regenerative support to rebuild skin texture methodically. Protocols often blend fractional lasers or RF microneedling with subcision, selective chemical methods, and biologic boosters like PRP, exosomes, or Rejuran Healer skin, while maintenance steps such as aqua peel keep the canvas clear between sessions. Adjacent procedures—like laser hair removal for folliculitis or aesthetic add-ons such as fat dissolving injection for jawline contour—may complement, but do not replace, scar-focused care.

If you’re considering treatment, seek a clinic that matches scar types to modalities, sets realistic timelines (usually multiple sessions), and provides diligent aftercare. With a thoughtful Korean-style plan and consistent follow-up, most people see steady, confidence-building improvements in tone, clarity, and overall texture.