Acne and acne scar treatment

Calm breakouts, then work on scars

Active acne is treated first with extraction, light-based therapy or peels, and scars are then remodelled with fractional laser, microneedle radiofrequency or subcision, often in combination. Recovery ranges from none after a peel to about a week of redness and fine crusting after a CO2 laser. Scars usually need 3–5 sessions 4–6 weeks apart, so one trip starts the course and your doctor plans the rest.

Downtime
0–7 days
Minimum stay
2 days
Sessions
3
A cross-section of skin with three scar dips. Thin columns of light go down into the skin in the middle, a fibrous strand under the left dip is shown released, and under the right dip small dots of new collagen fill up from below.
  1. Fractional laser or microneedle RF. Tiny columns of controlled injury prompt the skin to remodel. This is the core of most scar plans.
  2. Subcision. Releases the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars down, so the surface can lift.
  3. Remodelling. New collagen fills in from below over the following weeks, which is why scars need a course of 3–5 sessions.

Schematic, not to scale.

Estimated price range

KRW 100,000 – 400,000 · per session, full face

≈ USD 74 – 297

Varies by clinic and your condition. The final price is confirmed after consultation.

Converted at a fixed rate as of 2026-09-11

Types and indicative prices

Many operations combine two or more of these. Prices are indicative ranges from Seoul clinics; the surgeon recommends a plan and the clinic quotes it after consultation.

  • Active acne care

    Extraction combined with Gold PTT or photodynamic therapy, or AGNES, which targets the oil glands behind recurring spots. Suits active breakouts that keep coming back.

    Indicative price
    KRW 50,000 – 250,000 · per session≈ USD 37 – 186
    Downtime
    0–2 days

  • Aqua peel or chemical peel

    Clears clogged pores and refreshes the surface, from a gentle aqua peel to a stronger chemical peel. Suits congested skin, mild marks and maintenance between other treatments.

    Indicative price
    KRW 30,000 – 150,000 · per session≈ USD 22 – 111
    Downtime
    0–3 days

  • Fractional CO2 laser

    Creates tiny columns of controlled injury so the skin remodels over pitted scars. Expect redness and fine crusting for about 5–7 days; suits deeper boxcar and rolling scars.

    Indicative price
    KRW 100,000 – 500,000 · per session≈ USD 74 – 372
    Downtime
    5–7 days

  • Microneedle radiofrequency (Potenza or similar)

    Fine needles deliver radiofrequency energy under the surface to remodel scars and tighten pores, with less surface damage than a CO2 laser. Suits shallower scars and darker skin types.

    Indicative price
    KRW 110,000 – 450,000 · per session≈ USD 82 – 334
    Downtime
    1–3 days

  • Subcision

    A fine needle releases the fibrous bands under the skin that pull rolling scars down. Bruising usually lasts 3–7 days; often combined with laser or microneedle RF.

    Indicative price
    KRW 200,000 – 500,000 · per session≈ USD 149 – 372
    Downtime
    3–7 days

Good to know

  • Tell the clinic if you have taken isotretinoin (such as Roaccutane) within the past 6 months, since it can change which treatments are safe.
  • Use sunscreen strictly and avoid direct sun for several weeks after laser or peels.
  • Darker skin, common in Indonesia, has a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so settings are adjusted; mention any past dark marks after treatment.
  • Do not pick crusts or squeeze spots during healing; your doctor decides the combination and settings at consultation.

Questions

Can my scars be fully removed?

Scar treatment aims for improvement, and how much depends on scar type, depth and skin. Your doctor gives a realistic view at consultation.

Which treatment suits my scars?

It depends on the scar type. Rolling scars often respond to subcision, deeper pitted scars to CO2 or microneedle RF, and many plans combine methods.

Is it safe for darker skin?

Yes, with adjusted settings and careful sun protection. Microneedle RF is often preferred because it causes less surface damage.

Can I do this in one trip?

One trip can start the course, and active acne care alone fits a short stay. For scars, plan to return for further sessions or continue at home with your doctor's plan.

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