Table of contents

• A Review of Leading Acne Scar Treatments
• Stem Cell Therapy: An Innovative Solution
• Best Clinics in Korea for Rolling Acne Scars
• Navigating Acne Scar Treatment as a Medical Tourist in South Korea
• Comparing Treatment Costs: South Korea vs. Other Countries
• Patient Results and Satisfaction
• Conclusion
• References

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Rolling acne scars are among the most prevalent types of acne scars, showing up as shallow indents or wave-like depressions across the skin. Their hallmark is a smooth but undulating texture, which often gives the skin a rippled appearance. These scars can span several millimeters in width but don’t always match the size of the acne that caused them—much depends on how each individual’s skin heals. Rolling scars are most commonly seen where the skin is thicker, such as on the lower cheeks or jawline.

The reason rolling scars form lies beneath the surface. When deep acne lesions heal, bands of fibrous tissue can develop in the subcutaneous layer, pulling the skin down and creating visible dips on the surface. This anchoring effect is why effective treatment for rolling acne scars must work to release these underlying tethers for meaningful improvement.

Classifying Atrophic Scars

Dermatologists classify acne scars to determine the best treatment strategies. Rolling scars fall into the group of atrophic scars, which are identified by indented or sunken features because of tissue loss. This is the opposite of hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are actually raised due to excess collagen.

Other atrophic scar types include:

• Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow pitted scars similar in shape to a sharp object’s puncture.
• Boxcar Scars: Round or oval, with sharp, defined vertical edges—often likened to chickenpox scars.

Knowing exactly which kind of atrophic scar you have matters, as each responds optimally to different procedures. For example, while subcision is ideal for rolling scars, punch techniques are better suited for ice pick and boxcar scars. Accurate identification also helps patients understand why a combination of therapies is often needed to get the best results.

A Review of Leading Acne Scar Treatments

Why Combination Therapy Works Best

Treating rolling acne scars is rarely a one-step process. The prevailing best practice is combination therapy—layering different modalities to address every level of skin affected by scarring. Clinics—especially in South Korea—typically start by releasing deep fibrous bands, then follow with treatments that stimulate collagen and refine the skin surface. Below, we break down these cornerstone treatments and how they work together.

Subcision

Subcision is a widely used, minimally invasive surgical procedure that directly targets the fibrous strands holding down rolling scars. Performed under local anesthesia, a fine or Nokor needle is inserted under the scar and swept back-and-forth to cut the tethers pulling the skin downward.

This immediately helps the skin lift and level out with the surrounding surface. The minor internal bruising that occurs also encourages natural collagen production, which helps prevent the scar from reforming. Subcision is a go-to first-line treatment for rolling scars, setting the stage for further improvement with complementary procedures.

Microneedling and Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling

Microneedling, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, is a gentle approach that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates new collagen and elastin—key ingredients for supple, smooth skin. Over a series of treatments, the new tissue helps fill in depressed scars.

RF microneedling takes this a step further by delivering radiofrequency energy via the needles, which heats the deeper layers and encourages even stronger collagen production. It’s a powerful option for atrophic scars like rolling scars, and typical treatment plans often pair microneedling or RF microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for added healing support.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers provide immediate improvement for depressed scars by restoring lost volume. Substances like hyaluronic acid (HA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), or polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) are injected beneath a scar’s surface, plumping the area for a smoother look.

Fillers work especially well after subcision—once the fibrous bands are released, adding a filler helps keep the scar from re-tethering and elevates the area right away. HA-based fillers typically last 6 to 18 months, while newer options like Sculptra can last up to two years. Bellafill offers an FDA-approved option for longer-term results.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a central part of modern scar revision, particularly in South Korea. There are two main types:

Ablative Lasers: Devices like carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium YAG lasers remove outer skin layers, prompting robust healing and collagen production. Results can be significant for severe scars, but recovery may last two weeks to several months, with a higher risk of redness or pigmentation issues.

Non-Ablative Lasers: Fractional lasers (like certain Pico or Fraxel systems) heat the lower layers of the skin without removing the surface. This means little to no downtime, though several sessions may be needed and results are more modest—particularly for deeper scars. Pico lasers are especially suitable for those with darker skin tones due to a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Table 1: Key Treatments for Rolling Acne Scars

Treatment	Key Mechanism	Suitability for Rolling Scars	Typical Sessions Required	Average Downtime/Recovery
Subcision	Releases fibrous bands pulling down scars	Highly effective for flattening depressions	3-6 treatments	2-3 days swelling, 7-10 days bruising
Microneedling	Stimulates collagen via micro-injuries	Smooths and reduces depth	3-6 treatments	Few days redness/swelling
Dermal Fillers	Adds volume beneath depressions	Immediate lift post-subcision	Immediate; repeat every 6-24 months	Minimal to none
Ablative Lasers	Resurfaces skin by removing outer layers	Excellent for severe/textured scarring	1 treatment	2 weeks to 3 months
Non-Ablative Lasers	Boosts deep collagen production without removing skin	Good for mild-to-moderate scarring	3-5 sessions	Little to none

Stem Cell Therapy: An Innovative Solution

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

Stem cell therapy for acne scars represents a new frontier in regenerative medicine. Instead of merely resurfacing skin or adding filler, this technique aims to rebuild scarred tissue at the cellular level. It utilizes stem cells—most commonly those from fat tissue (adipose-derived stem cells, ADSCs) or bone marrow—to encourage the growth of new, healthy skin cells like fibroblasts, which make collagen and elastin.

Directly injecting concentrated stem cells into scarred areas jumpstarts collagen production and helps organize tissue remodeling. The treatment also fights inflammation and supports new blood vessel growth, enhancing both the visual improvement of scars and the skin’s strength and resilience. Early research suggests that stem cell therapy can produce significant benefits, especially for severe atrophic scars.

What the Procedure Involves

Stem cell therapy usually follows three basic steps, especially when using your own cells:

1. Cell Harvesting: Fat (or sometimes bone marrow) is collected through a minimally invasive technique designed to isolate the most stem-cell-rich portions, termed “nano fat.”
2. Laboratory Processing: The collected material is processed in a lab to purify and concentrate the stem cells—sometimes cultured over several weeks.
3. Injection: These concentrated stem cells (with or without a bit of fat for volume) are carefully injected into the targeted scarred areas with fine needles.

Patients typically see results develop gradually over weeks to months as new tissue grows and repairs the damaged areas.

Best Clinics in Korea for Rolling Acne Scars

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for rolling acne scars:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
All Clinic	Personalized, non-surgical care delivered by experienced medical staff; tailored plans to skin type, scar pattern, and goals; protocols emphasize safe, efficient collagen remodeling and tone correction for smoother, more even-looking skin.	Potenza RF Microneedling; Custom Laser Program (multi-device sequencing for pigmentation, redness, and texture); Pico Laser Toning; skin boosters (hyaluronic acid, Rejuran Healer, exosome-rich formulations) to support recovery and optimize results.
Muse Clinic - Myeongdong	Premier destination for aesthetic enhancement with extensive case experience and a patient-first philosophy; professional kindness and transparent, honest treatment practices; genuine products in correct quantities; ongoing events and competitive pricing benefits; comprehensive acne management.	Venus Viva, Pico Focus, Fraxel, Pore Injection; Focus Dual, Duet Thermage, Thread Lifting; Skin Regeneration Injection (salmon injection, Premium Exoheal) and Oxygen/O2Derm Therapy; Laser Toning, Synergy Genesis Laser, Pico toning; pumpkin/pink/green/milk peels; facial fillers; doctor-prescribed acne medication.
Smile Dermatology Clinic	True 1:1, personalized care with a comprehensive, scar-focused treatment toolkit; tailored plans combining laser treatments, microneedling, and medical-grade chemical peels; individualized acne treatment to control breakouts and help prevent new scars; steps aligned to skin type, goals, and downtime preferences.	Laser therapy; microneedling; medical-grade chemical peels.

All Clinic

All Clinic in Myeongdong provides personalized, non-surgical care for rolling acne scars, delivered by experienced medical staff who tailor each plan to your skin type, scar pattern, and goals. After careful diagnosis, the team designs protocols that emphasize safe, efficient collagen remodeling and tone correction to reveal smoother, more even-looking skin.

Core options for rolling acne scars include Potenza RF Microneedling, which combines microneedles and radiofrequency to refine pores, texture, and acne scars with depth and energy adjusted per area, a Custom Laser Program that sequences multiple devices to target pigmentation, redness, and texture in one roadmap, and Pico Laser Toning to brighten discoloration with minimal downtime. To support recovery and optimize results, skin boosters such as hyaluronic acid, Rejuran Healer, and exosome-rich formulations can hydrate the dermis, improve elasticity, and promote calmness after procedures, complementing lasers for a refined, natural-looking outcome.

Find more about this clinic here: All Clinic Website

Muse Clinic - Myeongdong

Muse Clinic – Myeongdong is a premier destination for aesthetic enhancement and skincare, renowned for exceptional surgical skill backed by extensive case experience and a patient-first philosophy. The clinic prioritizes high quality, customer satisfaction, and a broad portfolio of treatments that can be tailored to complex concerns like rolling acne scars. What sets Muse Clinic apart is its professional kindness, transparent and honest treatment practices, and commitment to using genuine products in correct quantities—principles that build trust and deliver consistent, natural-looking outcomes. With ongoing events and competitive pricing benefits, Muse Clinic has become a favored choice for those seeking superior, reliable care in the heart of Myeongdong.

• Scar-focused technologies for smoother texture: Venus Viva, Pico Focus, Fraxel, and Pore Injection are used to target pores, scars, and overall skin texture—key for softening the undulating surface of rolling acne scars.
• Collagen remodeling and tightening: Focus Dual and Duet Thermage provide lifting and collagen stimulation, while Thread Lifting activates collagen for elasticity—an effective combination for improving skin laxity that can accentuate rolling contours.
• Regenerative support for better outcomes: Skin Regeneration Injection (including salmon injection and Premium Exoheal) and Oxygen/O2Derm Therapy help support skin repair and recovery after energy-based treatments.
• Tone and refinement synergy: Laser Toning, Synergy Genesis Laser, and Pico toning address lingering spots and scars; pumpkin, pink, green, and milk peels offer controlled exfoliation and nourishment to optimize texture between laser sessions.
• Precision volume correction when appropriate: Facial fillers add subtle, natural volume to shallow depressions common in rolling scars, applied with Muse Clinic’s honest dosing approach (no retouches; excess discarded) for safety and authenticity.
• Proven expertise with transparent care: Extensive case experience, friendly and professional medical staff, and a strict commitment to genuine products and fair, clearly explained treatment plans.
• Comprehensive acne management: Doctor-prescribed acne medication to control breakouts alongside scar treatments, helping protect results and reduce future textural change.
• Patient-centered value: A wide range of services, ongoing events, and competitive pricing benefits make high-level scar care more accessible without compromising quality.

Find more about this clinic here: Muse Clinic - Myeongdong Website

Smile Dermatology Clinic

Smile Dermatology Clinic in Gyeongsan is the best choice in Korea for rolling acne scars because it delivers true 1:1, personalized care and a comprehensive, scar-focused treatment toolkit that targets both the cause and the cosmetic impact of scarring. Patients receive tailored plans that can combine laser treatments to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate scarred skin, microneedling to improve texture and tone by promoting new collagen, and medical-grade chemical peels to exfoliate and smooth uneven surfaces—an evidence-based combination ideal for soft, depressed rolling scars. The clinic also offers individualized acne treatment to control breakouts and help prevent new scars, ensuring results that are both corrective and preventive. With dedicated scar treatment options that include laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels, Smile Dermatology Clinic aligns each step to your skin type, goals, and downtime preferences. To schedule a consultation, call 053-243-7575. Hours: Mon–Thu 09:30–19:00, Fri 09:30–20:00, Sat 09:30–15:00; closed Sundays and public holidays.

Find more about this clinic here: Smile Dermatology Clinic Website

Navigating Acne Scar Treatment as a Medical Tourist in South Korea

What to Expect: From Consultation to Aftercare

Thanks to its reputation for advanced technology and skilled practitioners, South Korea has become a key destination for global dermatology. Medical tourists benefit from structured, supportive experiences including:

• Virtual Consultations: Patients start with online photos and discussions to outline goals and receive a preliminary plan. Clinics provide translation and support to simplify the process.
• Personalized In-Person Evaluations: Upon arrival, an in-person exam—with advanced 3D imaging—is conducted to map out the scars in detail and finalize a treatment protocol.
• Procedure Day: Treatments are performed under topical anesthesia, usually taking one to two hours per session.
• Recovery: Patients experience redness, swelling, and mild sensitivity for a week or less, before gradual skin improvement. Aftercare kits and ongoing instructions are standard.
• Long-Term Support: Many clinics offer continued remote follow-up to monitor healing and answer questions once patients return home.

The Korean Approach: Custom Combination Protocols

Korean clinics stand out for their emphasis on multi-modal protocols. For rolling scars, a typical sequence involves subcision to sever tethers, dermal fillers to restore volume, and repeated sessions of laser resurfacing or RF microneedling to overhaul the skin’s texture. This highly tailored approach tackles both the cause and visible effect of scars and is a hallmark of Korea’s international reputation in cosmetic dermatology.

Comparing Treatment Costs: South Korea vs. Other Countries

Price Guide for Acne Scar Therapy in South Korea

Treatment fees vary with procedure choice, clinic quality, and whether treatments are bundled. Most cases require multiple sessions.

• Single Sessions:
  • Fractional Laser CO₂/Fraxel: $150–$450
  • RF Microneedling: $225–$525
  • Subcision with Filler: $225–$600
• All-Inclusive Packages: Typically $1,500–$3,500 for combined therapies over several visits.
• Stem Cell Therapy: $3,000–$6,000 per treatment.

It’s important to confirm whether costs include anesthesia, aftercare, and translation to avoid surprises.

International Price Comparison

The cost advantage of getting acne scar treatment in South Korea is striking, with typical savings of 30-60% compared to the US or Europe. Here’s a side-by-side look:

Table 2: Sample International Costs (USD)

Procedure Type	South Korea	USA	UK	Mexico	Turkey
Acne Scar Treatment (General)	$30-$991/session	$550-$2,500/session	$820-$3,240/session	$2,500-$3,500/package	$200/package
Stem Cell Therapy	$3,000-$6,000	$5,000-$10,000	$5,500-$11,000	$2,500-$3,500/package	$540-$1,620/session

Even after accounting for travel and lodging, many find South Korea to offer greater value and equal or better quality.

Patient Results and Satisfaction

Most patients who pursue comprehensive rolling acne scar treatments report visible improvements—not just in their skin, but in their overall confidence and well-being. Testimonials often mention dramatic reductions in scar visibility, increased self-esteem, and renewed comfort with their appearance.

One patient described feeling “less self-conscious” and “able to smile again,” while another reported over 80% visible improvement after stem cell therapy. While these treatments can greatly enhance skin appearance, it’s important to remember that scars may not disappear entirely. The best outcomes come to those with realistic expectations and patience, as skin remodeling can take several months through multiple sessions.

Conclusion

Treating rolling acne scars is most successful with a multi-layered strategy, combining key procedures like subcision, microneedling, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing, or even stem cell therapy. South Korea’s innovative, cost-effective approach and comprehensive patient care have made it a standout destination for medical tourists. While dramatic improvement is well within reach, realistic expectations and adherence to aftercare are essential for truly satisfying outcomes.

References

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