Quick answer:
Acne scars in Busan are usually treated with a combination of methods matched to scar type: subcision to release tethered rolling scars, fractional lasers to resurface texture, and RF microneedling to remodel collagen with less surface injury. Most people need several sessions over months, and the realistic goal is meaningful improvement, often 30 to 60 percent, rather than complete erasure.
Start With the Scar Type
Acne scars are not one condition. A good treatment plan begins with mapping which types you have, because each responds differently.
- Rolling scars:
broad, soft depressions with sloping edges, caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down. They often look worse in side lighting.
- Boxcar scars:
round or oval depressions with sharp vertical edges, shallow or deep.
- Ice pick scars:
narrow, deep pits that extend into the dermis.
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars:
raised scars, more common on the jawline, chest and back.
- Post-inflammatory marks:
red or brown flat marks that are not true scars and often fade with time, sun protection or vascular and pigment lasers.
Most people have a mix. A dermatologist will usually examine your skin under angled light and may take standardized photos so progress can be compared fairly later.
The Three Core Treatments
Subcision
Subcision uses a needle or blunt cannula inserted under the skin to cut the fibrous bands tethering rolling scars. Once released, the skin can rise, and the small bleed underneath helps stimulate new collagen. Some doctors place a hyaluronic acid filler, collagen stimulator or the patient's own blood products into the released space to help prevent re-tethering.
Expect bruising and swelling for about one to two weeks, which matters for travel planning. Subcision is a hands-on technique, so the doctor's experience is more important than any device.
Fractional lasers
Fractional lasers create thousands of microscopic treatment columns while leaving surrounding skin intact, which speeds healing.
- Ablative fractional CO2 or Erbium lasers
vaporize tiny columns of tissue. They tend to produce stronger results for boxcar scars and texture but come with roughly five to seven days of redness, crusting and peeling, and a higher risk of pigment changes.
- Non-ablative fractional lasers, such as 1550 nm devices, heat tissue without breaking the surface. Downtime is shorter, but more sessions are usually needed.
RF microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling devices such as Potenza, Secret RF, Sylfirm X, Scarlet and other MFDS-approved systems insert fine needles into the skin and release radiofrequency energy at chosen depths. This heats the dermis to stimulate remodeling while the surface injury stays small. It is often favored for medium and darker skin because it carries a lower risk of pigmentation than ablative lasers, though that risk is not zero.
Adjunct Techniques
- TCA CROSS:
high-strength trichloroacetic acid applied precisely into ice pick scars to build collagen from the base.
- Punch excision or elevation:
small surgical techniques for deep, isolated scars.
- Fillers and collagen stimulators:
to lift broad depressions, temporarily or semi-permanently.
- Steroid injections:
to flatten raised hypertrophic scars or keloids.
Why Combination Plans Work Best
Research and clinical experience suggest that combining methods generally beats any single method. A typical sequence might release rolling scars with subcision, treat ice picks with TCA CROSS, then follow with a series of fractional laser or RF microneedling sessions every four to six weeks. Your doctor will adjust the order to your scar map, skin type and downtime limits.
Collagen remodeling continues for months after each session, so final results are often judged three to six months after the last treatment.
Who Should Wait
- Anyone with active acne:
control breakouts first, as new inflammation creates new scars.
- Recent isotretinoin users:
some doctors still advise waiting several months after stopping before aggressive resurfacing, although recent evidence has relaxed this for some procedures. Follow your doctor's judgment.
- People prone to keloids
or with active infections, including cold sores.
- Pregnant people, for whom elective procedures are usually postponed.
- Those with bleeding disorders
or on anticoagulants, especially before subcision.
Realistic Results and Side Effects
Improvement varies widely with scar type, depth, skin type and how many sessions you complete. Deep ice pick and wide boxcar scars are the hardest to change. Possible side effects include prolonged redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, infection, acne flares, grid-like marks from needling, and rarely new scarring. Ask how complications would be managed if they appear after you leave Korea.
Planning Acne Scar Treatment From Abroad
A full acne scar program usually spans several months, so short-stay visitors face a choice. One approach is to complete the most technique-dependent step, such as subcision, in Busan and continue laser or RF sessions closer to home. Another is to plan two or three return trips spaced four to eight weeks apart. Because Gimhae International Airport has short flights to Japan, China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, some regional visitors do the latter. Allow at least a week of local stay after subcision or ablative laser, and ask for an English treatment summary including device names and settings ranges.
Understanding Cost Factors
Costs depend on the number and type of techniques, treatment area size, device and tip consumables, whether filler or other products are used, and how many sessions are bundled. Ask for a written, itemized quote per session and per technique, and confirm whether follow-up checks and aftercare are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Complete removal is uncommon. Most patients see partial but noticeable improvement, and outcomes vary considerably.
Is RF microneedling or fractional CO2 better?
Neither is universally better. CO2 can be stronger for some textural scars, while RF microneedling may be safer for darker skin with less downtime. Many plans use both.
How painful is subcision?
It is performed under local anesthesia, so most people feel pressure and tugging rather than sharp pain. Soreness and bruising afterward are common.
How many sessions will I need?
Commonly three to six sessions of laser or RF, plus one or more subcision sessions, though this depends on your scars.
Key Takeaways
- Identify scar types first; each responds to different techniques.
- Subcision, fractional laser and RF microneedling are complementary, not competing.
- Expect gradual, partial improvement over months.
- Treat active acne before scar revision.
- Plan downtime and repeat visits realistically around travel.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Treatment suitability, results and risks vary by individual. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
