Table of contents

• Best Clinics in Korea for Facial Scar Depressions
• A Medical Tourist's Guide to Facial Fillers in Korea (South Korea)
• Defining Atrophic Scars and Their Nomenclature
• Etiology: The Root Causes of Atrophic Scar Formation
• The Science of Dermal Fillers for Scar Revision
• Cost Analysis and Comparative Value
• Patient Outcomes and the Psychological Impact
• Conclusion
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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This article serves as a comprehensive guide for patients and medical tourists exploring solutions for facial scar depressions, known as atrophic scars. It explains the causes of these scars, how dermal filler treatments work, what to expect when getting fillers in South Korea, cost factors, and patient outcomes. Though atrophic scars are permanent, dermal fillers offer a safe and effective way to restore lost volume and improve skin texture, with South Korea emerging as a global leader in these advanced procedures. The psychological boost of increased confidence is highlighted alongside the physical improvements.

Best Clinics in Korea for Facial Scar Depressions

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for facial scar depressions:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as a top choice in Korea for treating facial scar depressions because its care is built around sincerity, precision, and truly individualized treatment planning rather than one-size-fits-all procedures. Guided by a team of specialized professionals, including a renowned female plastic surgeon with extensive experience, the clinic approaches depressed scars as part of a broader aesthetic and functional concern—listening carefully to each patient’s goals and designing a tailored path to improvement. This strength is reinforced by the clinic’s dedicated Special Clinic services, including its Scar Clinic and Keloid Clinic, where scar concerns are evaluated thoroughly and addressed with appropriate, patient-specific strategies. In addition, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic offers complementary options that can be relevant to depressed scar correction and overall facial refinement, such as fat grafting for volume enhancement, Botox/filler treatments, and targeted pores/acne/scars skincare programs—allowing patients to receive comprehensive, coordinated care in one place with a focus on natural-looking transformation.	Scar Clinic; Keloid Clinic; fat grafting for volume enhancement; Botox/filler treatments; targeted pores/acne/scars skincare programs.
Modelo clinic	Modelo Clinic approaches facial scar depressions in Korea with a philosophy that does not chase trends. Instead, the clinic focuses on achieving beauty that maximizes your values over time, centering every plan on “your beautiful individuality” rather than copying someone else’s features. This individualized perspective is reflected in how treatments are selected and balanced to support natural-looking harmony, especially for Asian skin and facial structures. Alongside scar-focused care, Modelo Clinic offers a full range of aesthetic procedures that can complement overall facial balance: Wrinkle Botox for smoother, more youthful-looking skin and Contour Botox for refined definition; Fullface Filler for immediate, volumizing enhancement across multiple areas and Baby Filler to brighten and soften the under-eye for a refreshed “baby face” impression. Skin programs include tailored Lifting for firmer contours and Whitening treatments using laser and combination approaches to improve tone, freckles, blemishes, and melasma. Additional options such as Comfort Thermage (radiofrequency tightening), Thread Lifting (collagen-stimulating lift), and Bodytoxin (contouring and smoothing for body lines) help round out a personalized, long-term approach to aesthetic improvement.	Wrinkle Botox; Contour Botox; Fullface Filler; Baby Filler; Lifting; Whitening treatments using laser and combination approaches to improve tone, freckles, blemishes, and melasma; Comfort Thermage; Thread Lifting; Bodytoxin.
id Hospital Korea	ID Hospital Korea is an ideal choice for treating facial scar depressions in Korea because it is a clinic focused on facial treatments with the goal of delivering safe and beautiful plastic surgery, supported by a patient safety–oriented approach and systematic post-care. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, ID Hospital emphasizes customized plastic surgery plans, which is important for depressed scars because correction often needs to be tailored to the scar’s depth, location, and surrounding facial balance. In addition to specialized facial procedures such as orthognathic surgery, facial contouring, and eye and nose plastic surgery, ID Hospital also offers lifting, a dedicated skin clinic, petit plastic surgery, dentistry, and other treatment items, allowing patients to receive coordinated care within one system from consultation through recovery.	Orthognathic surgery; facial contouring; eye and nose plastic surgery; lifting; dedicated skin clinic; petit plastic surgery; dentistry; and other treatment items.

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as a top choice in Korea for treating facial scar depressions because its care is built around sincerity, precision, and truly individualized treatment planning rather than one-size-fits-all procedures. Guided by a team of specialized professionals, including a renowned female plastic surgeon with extensive experience, the clinic approaches depressed scars as part of a broader aesthetic and functional concern—listening carefully to each patient’s goals and designing a tailored path to improvement. This strength is reinforced by the clinic’s dedicated Special Clinic services, including its Scar Clinic and Keloid Clinic, where scar concerns are evaluated thoroughly and addressed with appropriate, patient-specific strategies. In addition, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic offers complementary options that can be relevant to depressed scar correction and overall facial refinement, such as fat grafting for volume enhancement, Botox/filler treatments, and targeted pores/acne/scars skincare programs—allowing patients to receive comprehensive, coordinated care in one place with a focus on natural-looking transformation.

Find more about this clinic here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Modelo clinic

Modelo Clinic approaches facial scar depressions in Korea with a philosophy that does not chase trends. Instead, the clinic focuses on achieving beauty that maximizes your values over time, centering every plan on “your beautiful individuality” rather than copying someone else’s features. This individualized perspective is reflected in how treatments are selected and balanced to support natural-looking harmony, especially for Asian skin and facial structures.

Alongside scar-focused care, Modelo Clinic offers a full range of aesthetic procedures that can complement overall facial balance: Wrinkle Botox for smoother, more youthful-looking skin and Contour Botox for refined definition; Fullface Filler for immediate, volumizing enhancement across multiple areas and Baby Filler to brighten and soften the under-eye for a refreshed “baby face” impression. Skin programs include tailored Lifting for firmer contours and Whitening treatments using laser and combination approaches to improve tone, freckles, blemishes, and melasma. Additional options such as Comfort Thermage (radiofrequency tightening), Thread Lifting (collagen-stimulating lift), and Bodytoxin (contouring and smoothing for body lines) help round out a personalized, long-term approach to aesthetic improvement.

Find more about this clinic here: Modelo clinic Website

id Hospital Korea

ID Hospital Korea is an ideal choice for treating facial scar depressions in Korea because it is a clinic focused on facial treatments with the goal of delivering safe and beautiful plastic surgery, supported by a patient safety–oriented approach and systematic post-care. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, ID Hospital emphasizes customized plastic surgery plans, which is important for depressed scars because correction often needs to be tailored to the scar’s depth, location, and surrounding facial balance. In addition to specialized facial procedures such as orthognathic surgery, facial contouring, and eye and nose plastic surgery, ID Hospital also offers lifting, a dedicated skin clinic, petit plastic surgery, dentistry, and other treatment items, allowing patients to receive coordinated care within one system from consultation through recovery.

Find more about this clinic here: id Hospital Korea Website

A Medical Tourist's Guide to Facial Fillers in Korea (South Korea)

Why South Korea is a Global Leader

South Korea is renowned for its cosmetic procedures, welcoming hundreds of thousands of medical tourists each year. Here’s why it stands out:

• Expert Medical Professionals: Korean doctors use cutting-edge technology and are skilled in advanced filler techniques.
• Government Support: Licensed clinics and agencies are regulated, adding a layer of safety and trust for international patients.
• Culture of Excellence: A competitive and beauty-focused market drives innovation, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Top-Notch Products: Korean clinics use both global brands and safe, cost-effective local options.

The Step-by-Step Procedure for a Medical Tourist

Getting fillers in Korea is straightforward:

• Planning and Consultation: Many start with a medical tourism agency, which helps with online consultations, travel, and matching you to reputable clinics. Direct clinic contacts are also possible.
• In-Clinic Procedure: After arrival, detailed consultations are followed by the cleansing of treatment areas, numbing, and precision marking. Fillers are injected with care, with the whole process usually taking under an hour.
• Aftercare and Follow-Ups: Swelling or redness usually fades in a few days. Patients receive instructions for care, and follow-ups within two weeks ensure optimal results and adjustments if needed.

Key Considerations for Travel and Safety

Careful planning is vital. Using licensed medical tourism agencies helps overcome language and logistical barriers, while government-endorsed providers add peace of mind. Checking clinic reviews and licenses ensures you’re in good hands.

Defining Atrophic Scars and Their Nomenclature

Facial scar depressions, medically known as atrophic scars, are a frequent skin concern that appear as sunken areas or pitted marks. These develop when the skin can’t regenerate enough tissue after an injury or inflammation. Unlike hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are raised, atrophic scars are characterized by the loss of collagen and fat beneath the skin, creating visible indentations.

There are several types of atrophic scars, commonly referred to by their appearance:

• Ice Pick Scars: These look like deep, narrow punctures and are tough to treat with fillers alone due to their depth.
• Boxcar Scars: These round or oval depressions with defined edges look like shallow craters and respond well to fillers, especially when not too deep.
• Rolling Scars: These are broad depressions with sloping edges, giving the skin a wavy texture. They result from fibers pulling the skin down beneath the surface and often improve with treatments that address this tethering effect.

Etiology: The Root Causes of Atrophic Scar Formation

Atrophic scars form as a direct consequence of the body's inflammatory response to injury, which can destroy collagen and fat below the surface. Without this support, the skin can't return to its normal smooth state.

Primary factors leading to atrophic scars include:

• Acne: Severe or cystic acne is the leading cause, with most patients experiencing some form of atrophic scarring.
• Burns: Deep burns often damage the deeper skin structures, leading to scarring that appears sunken.
• Surgical Procedures: Cosmetic surgeries and accidental trauma that disrupt healing can cause these scars if tissue regeneration is compromised.
• Physical Trauma and Chickenpox: Other injuries and chickenpox can leave behind depressions when collagen fails to rebuild fully.

Because atrophic scars are related to the deeper loss of tissue and not just surface irregularities, superficial treatments usually aren’t effective. Dermal fillers address this by physically replacing the lost volume.

Table 1: Atrophic Scar Subtypes and Their Characteristics

Scar Subtype	Appearance	Underlying Cause	General Response to Fillers
Ice Pick	Small, deep, narrow holes	Deep focal collagen loss	Less responsive, may need punch excision
Boxcar	Round depressions with sharp edges	Loss of underlying tissue	Very responsive for shallow to medium depth
Rolling	Broad depressions with sloping edges	Fibrous bands pulling skin down	Highly effective, especially if combined with subcision

The Science of Dermal Fillers for Scar Revision

Mechanism of Action: The Dual-Benefit Approach

Dermal fillers are injectables that work through two main mechanisms. First, they instantly replace lost volume by lifting depressed scars to the level of the surrounding skin, leading to immediate improvement. Second, some fillers stimulate the body’s collagen production, gradually boosting the skin’s structural support and extending the benefits well after the filler itself is absorbed.

A Spectrum of Dermal Fillers

The best filler choice depends on the scar type, area, and how long you want results to last:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: These provide immediate volume, hydration, and can be dissolved if needed. Results last 6–18 months, making them a good option for first-time patients.
• Biostimulatory Fillers:
  • Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA, e.g., Sculptra): Works by stimulating slow, gradual collagen buildup over several months, with effects lasting up to two years.
  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA, e.g., Radiesse): Used for deeper lines, triggers longer-term collagen synthesis.
• Permanent Fillers: Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA, e.g., Bellafill): FDA-approved for acne scars and provides immediate and lasting support, but isn’t typically used on new patients due to its permanence.
• Fat Grafting: Patient’s own fat is transferred to fill depressions, but with less predictable results.

Temporary fillers (like HA) offer flexibility and reversibility, while biostimulatory and permanent fillers provide longer-lasting solutions. HA fillers are especially well-supported by clinical evidence for both safety and efficacy.

Table 2: Key Dermal Filler Types and Their Applications for Scars

Filler Type	Brand Examples	Mechanism of Action	Longevity	Ideal Scar Type/Application
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)	Juvéderm, Restylane	Volume replacement, some collagen boost	6–18 months	All atrophic scars, especially rolling and shallow boxcar
Biostimulatory (PLLA, CaHA)	Sculptra, Radiesse	Collagen stimulation	Up to 2 years	Volume loss, rolling scars
Permanent (PMMA)	Bellafill	Immediate and lasting support	Permanent	Cheek acne scars, not for new patients

The Power of Combination Therapies

Combining treatments often yields the best results, particularly for stubborn or complex scars. Subcision, which uses a needle to break up the scar’s tethering bands, is frequently paired with dermal fillers. Once the bands are released, filler is injected to support the skin and prevent re-tethering. Other approaches include fillers plus microneedling, lasers, or chemical peels, allowing for a more tailored treatment plan.

Cost Analysis and Comparative Value

The Cost of Facial Fillers in South Korea

Facial filler costs in Korea are very competitive, varying by filler type, treatment area, and clinic reputation.

• Average Price Range: ₩200,000–₩900,000 KRW ($150–$700 USD) per syringe, with local fillers like Neuramis and Yvoire starting at $130/cc and global brands (Juvéderm, Restylane) costing $350–$600/cc.
• Value Proposition: The wealth of high-quality, lower-priced local options makes Korea attractive. Having a reputable professional do the procedure is key to safety and effectiveness.

Cost-Effectiveness from a Medical Tourist's Perspective

One of Korea’s main draws for medical tourists is savings of 40–60% compared to Western prices. Even with travel and accommodation, the cost remains favorable.

• South Korea: Starting from $200 USD
• Turkey: From $400 USD
• The USA: From $500 USD and up

Added expenses, like travel and lodging ($2,000–$4,000), still leave Korea as a cost-effective option for quality care.

Table 3: Estimated Cost Comparison of Facial Fillers (South Korea vs. Western Countries)

Country	Estimated Price Range (USD)	Key Contributing Factors
South Korea	from $200	Competitive market, lower living costs, government support
Turkey	from $400	Competitive regional pricing
The USA	from $500	Higher costs and overhead

Patient Outcomes and the Psychological Impact

Clinical Efficacy and Safety

Extensive research supports the effectiveness of dermal fillers for atrophic scars, with hyaluronic acid fillers especially showing high rates of significant improvement in clinical studies. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, including swelling and redness, but serious complications are rare and underscore the importance of choosing experienced practitioners.

Real-World Patient Experiences: From Indentation to Confidence

Testimonies consistently report a substantial psychological uplift following dermal filler treatment for atrophic scars. Many describe regaining confidence and no longer feeling the need to conceal their scars, pointing to a direct link between improved appearance and self-esteem.

Expected Results and Longevity

Most patients notice improvement immediately after treatment. For temporary fillers, effects last 6–18 months, with repeat sessions needed to maintain the look. Biostimulatory fillers can offer longer-lasting results, sometimes up to two years.

Table 4: Summary of Clinical Study Findings on Filler Efficacy

Study	Filler Type	Number of Patients	Key Findings	Reported Adverse Events
Dierickx et al. (2018)	HA (Restylane)	12	Most improved scar severity and self-esteem	Redness, swelling, bumps, pain, bruising (all temporary)
Hasson and Romero (2010)	HA (Esthelis)	12	57% good, 17% excellent improvement	Minimal, with only minor issues reported
Systemic Review	HA (Various)	1121	Favorable outcomes in all trials, with up to 96% improvement in some cases	Mostly mild, temporary side effects; rare serious events

Conclusion

Facial scar depressions, especially those caused by acne, trauma, or surgery, present both cosmetic and emotional challenges. Dermal fillers are a proven, safe, and effective option for restoring volume and improving scar appearance. South Korea offers world-class expertise and value, making it a top destination for medical tourists seeking scar revision. By effectively blending physical improvement with enhanced confidence, dermal fillers represent a truly transformative solution.

References

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