What is a scar?

A scar is a structural change in the skin that occurs when damage reaches the dermis — from acne, inflammation, or injury — and collagen fails to rebuild normally.

Acne scars are classified by shape into ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars — each differing in depth and form, and therefore in how they are treated. New-Skin Regeneration Needling applies fine stimulation to the dermis of the scarred area to induce new collagen synthesis, and releases the fibrous adhesions beneath depressed areas, aiming to gradually lift and smooth the sunken skin (results vary).

A woman's face with depressed acne scars on the cheeks (ice-pick, boxcar and rolling)

In scar treatment, it is important to comprehensively assess the depth, shape,
degree of adhesion, and skin condition, then adjust the intensity of stimulation and the interval between sessions.

Older or deeper scars tend to improve gradually over multiple sessions.
At each stage of treatment, we check how the skin is recovering and finely adjust the intensity and interval,
aiming for steady scar improvement.

Main Causes of Scars

  1. Deep inflammatory acne

  2. Forceful squeezing and repeated irritation

  3. Recurrent inflammation and a weakened skin barrier

  4. Scars from injury, surgery, or burns

RI& New-Skin Regeneration Needling

Treatment Process for Depressed Scars

Types of scars

Acne scars

  • Ice pick

    Deep, narrow pits
  • Boxcar

    Square-shaped depressions with sharp edges
  • Rolling (round)

    Round depressions with soft edges
  • Pore-type

    Small, dense pits that look like enlarged pores
  • Mixed

    A combination of the types above

Types of scars

Various pitted scars

  • Acne scars

  • Surgical scars

  • Chickenpox scars

  • Fingernail scars

  • Nose scars

Scar treatment process

  1. Consultation & scar assessment

  2. Numbing cream application

  3. New-Skin Regeneration Needling (scar treatment)

  4. Soothing care & regenerative acupuncture

  5. Finishing care

  • Laser device for pigmentation treatment

    PIGMENT LASERLaser for pigmented lesions

    Four laser modes for various pigmented lesions. This is a laser medical device used in treating pigmented lesions such as melasma, freckles, age spots, and tattoos. Its MLA handpiece is also used for pores and acne scars. Energy and mode are adjusted to your skin’s condition.

  • Microneedle radiofrequency device

    RF MICRONEEDLINGMicroneedle RF device

    Radiofrequency energy across the skin in suction mode; in needling mode, the RF device delivers energy to a set depth of the dermis. RF energy is applied to skin affected by acne scars, enlarged pores, and redness with the aim of supporting collagen remodeling. The depth is adjusted to your skin’s condition.

  • Laser device for scar treatment

    FRACTIONAL LASERMicro-channel regeneration laser

    A laser for scars, fine lines, and pores. This medical laser device creates micro-holes in the skin to stimulate the skin’s natural repair process. The micro-holes are evenly spaced and reach a controlled depth. Recovery time and the degree of improvement vary with each person’s skin condition.

Scar Treatment Q&A

  • Can old scars be treated too?

    Yes. However, because the tissue in old scars has hardened and regenerates more slowly, repeated treatments aim for gradual improvement, depending on their depth and shape (results vary).

  • How many sessions will I need, and how far apart?

    It depends on the scar's depth, degree of adhesion, and your skin's condition, but we generally recommend 4 sessions at 2–3 week intervals. Rather than removing the scar completely in one go, treatment aims for gradual improvement through repeated sessions (results vary).

  • Will I see results after just one session?

    Scar and pore treatment aims for gradual improvement over repeated sessions, so consistent treatment is needed (results vary).

  • How long is the recovery period after the procedure?

    Redness and mild swelling usually subside within 3–5 days, and scabs or flaking typically clear up in about a week. With deeper scar treatments or sensitive skin, redness may last somewhat longer.

  • What precautions should I take after the procedure?

    For 24–48 hours after treatment, avoid excessive heat — saunas, jjimjilbang (Korean dry saunas), and intense exercise. Don't pick at scabs; let them fall off naturally. For at least a week, apply plenty of regeneration cream and sunscreen. Avoid scrubs, extractions, and strong peels until your skin has fully recovered.

  • Can I have New-Skin Regeneration Needling and laser treatment together?

    Depending on your skin's condition, the two can be combined. Depressed scars are treated with New-Skin Regeneration Needling to release adhesions and lift the depression, and if redness or pigmentation is also present, laser or regenerative care can be considered in addition. Whether both are performed on the same day is decided based on how well your skin is recovering.

Photos of people on this page are staged images, not actual patients.

Balanced health and beauty at Myeongdong RI& Korean Medicine Clinic

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