Korean Acne Scar Procedures: Fraxel, Potenza, and More
Korea is one of the top destinations for acne scar treatment thanks to its advanced laser systems, regenerative boosters, and combination-therapy approach. Korean dermatologists focus on customized scar correction, choosing specific devices and techniques based on the type of acne scars — rolling, boxcar, ice-pick, hypertrophic, pigmented, or mixed.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the most popular Korean acne scar procedures, including Fraxel, Potenza, and many other proven methods.
Understanding Acne Scars: Why Korean Clinics Personalize Treatment
Acne scars differ by depth, shape, and severity. Korea’s approach is to diagnose each scar type and treat it with the technique that works best for that pattern.
Common scar types:
- Boxcar scars: broad depressions with sharp edges
- Rolling scars: wave-like depressions
- Ice-pick scars: deep, narrow indentations
- Atrophic scars: general sunken texture
- PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation): brown or red marks after acne
Because no single device treats every scar well, Korean clinics use multi-step programs for the most complete results.
Fraxel Laser (Fractional 1550/1927nm)
Best for: texture, rolling scars, boxcar scars, surface irregularities
Fraxel is one of Korea’s most popular acne scar lasers. It resurfaces the skin through controlled micro-injuries, stimulating collagen to rebuild smoother, healthier skin.
Benefits
- Smooths uneven texture
- Softens shallow scars
- Stimulates new collagen
- Improves pigmentation from old acne
Why It’s Popular
Fraxel offers strong results with manageable downtime (usually 3–5 days), making it a favorite for deeper rejuvenation.
Potenza RF Microneedling
Best for: deep scars, stretch marks, collagen remodeling
Potenza is an advanced radiofrequency microneedling system used widely in Korea to target moderate to deep acne scars and boost collagen production.
Benefits
- Tightens and remodels scarred skin
- Treats deeper scar tissue
- Reduces rolling and boxcar scars
- Improves pore size and texture
Why Koreans Love It
It offers the effectiveness of deep laser resurfacing with less downtime and is safe for many skin types.
Pico Laser (Pico Toning & Pico Fractional)
Best for: pigmentation scars, red/brown marks, mild texture
Pico lasers deliver ultra-short pulses that break pigment and stimulate gentle collagen production.
Benefits
- Reduces pigmentation (brown or red scars)
- Brightens uneven skin tone
- Improves mild textural scars and pores
- Safe for repeated sessions
Pico is ideal for people with PIH, especially those who need gentle but effective rejuvenation.
Subcision (Scar Release Technique)
Best for: deep rolling or tethered scars
Subcision is a manual procedure often combined with lasers for strong results.
What It Does
- Uses a tiny needle to release scar tissue pulling the skin downward
- Allows skin to lift and smooth out
- Often followed by fillers or RF treatments for tightening
When It's Needed
If you have deep, anchored scars, subcision is often the first step before lasers can make noticeable improvements.
TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars)
Best for: ice-pick scars and deep narrow scars
A high-concentration TCA solution is applied to individual scars.
Benefits
- Stimulates deep collagen production
- Raises the bottom of ice-pick scars
- Very effective for “needle-like” scars
Often paired with fractional lasers for full-surface improvement.
Fillers for Acne Scars (Collagen-Stimulating or HA Fillers)
Best for: atrophic, sunken scars, volume restoration
Fillers help lift depressed scars temporarily or stimulate long-term collagen.
Types Used in Korea
- HA fillers for immediate lifting
- Collagen-stimulating fillers like PLLA/PDLLA for long-term improvement
Why They’re Used
They restore volume where scars have created depressions and improve skin texture before or after laser treatments.
Rejuran / PN Boosters for Scar Healing
Best for: overall skin recovery, new collagen, improved texture
Rejuran (polynucleotide) injections help repair damaged skin and strengthen the dermal layer.
Benefits
- Improves fine crepey texture
- Reduces acne-induced inflammation
- Supports recovery after lasers
- Enhances smoothness and elasticity
This is often added as part of a post-laser healing program.
Combination Acne Scar Programs (Korea’s Signature Approach)
Korean dermatology clinics rarely rely on a single treatment. Instead, they build a multi-layered plan tailored to your scars.
Typical Korean Acne Scar Protocol:
- Subcision (for tethered scars)
- Potenza RF (for deeper remodeling)
- Fraxel or Fractional Laser (for texture resurfacing)
- Pico Laser (for pigmentation or redness)
- Rejuran or Exosome (for healing and collagen support)
This creates synergistic results and gives smoother, clearer skin over several sessions.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Korean Acne Scar Treatments?
You may benefit from these procedures if you have:
- Depressed scars
- Rolling or boxcar scars
- Ice-pick scars
- Post-acne pigmentation
- Textural roughness
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin from past breakouts
Treatments are customized according to scar depth, skin type, and goals.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination for Acne Scar Revision
- Access to high-end laser systems
- Skilled dermatologists with scar-specific techniques
- Combination therapy for multi-layered improvement
- Natural-looking, progressive results
- Affordable pricing and package options
- Fast recovery suitable for busy schedules or travelers
Korean acne scar clinics emphasize precision, safety, and long-term skin quality, not just short-term smoothing.
