Pitted Acne Scar Treatment in Gangnam: Best Options
Pitted Acne Scar Treatment in Gangnam: Best Options
Pitted acne scars are a common concern among international patients visiting dermatology clinics in Gangnam.
These depressed scars develop when the skin does not produce enough collagen during acne healing. The main types are ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, and each usually responds best to a different treatment approach.
Know Your Scar Type First
Pitted acne scars are generally divided into:
- Ice pick scars
- Boxcar scars
- Rolling scars
Many patients have a combination of several scar types.
Because of this, a personalized treatment plan is usually more effective than using the same laser across the entire face.
Subcision for Rolling Scars
Subcision is commonly used for rolling or tethered scars.
A needle or cannula is inserted beneath the scar to release fibrous bands that pull the skin downward.
Research supports subcision as an effective treatment for atrophic acne scars, particularly when combined with other procedures.
It may be combined with:
- RF microneedling
- Laser resurfacing
- Microneedling
- Fillers in selected cases
Fractional Laser for Boxcar and Texture Concerns
Fractional lasers are commonly used to resurface acne-scarred skin and stimulate collagen production.
They may help with:
- Boxcar scars
- Shallow depressed scars
- Uneven texture
- Enlarged-looking pores
Stronger treatments can provide more resurfacing but may also involve more redness, peeling, and recovery time.
RF Microneedling for Scars and Pores
RF microneedling combines tiny needles with radiofrequency energy.
It is frequently chosen for:
- Pitted acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven texture
- Mild skin laxity
The AAD notes that RF microneedling can stimulate collagen and may provide scar improvement with relatively manageable downtime.
It can also be a useful option for patients concerned about pigmentation after stronger laser procedures.
TCA CROSS for Ice Pick Scars
Deep, narrow ice pick scars often respond poorly to general resurfacing alone.
TCA CROSS is a targeted chemical technique in which high-concentration trichloroacetic acid is carefully applied inside individual scars to stimulate remodeling.
A systematic review found meaningful improvement with TCA CROSS for acne scarring, although results vary and multiple treatments may be needed.
Microneedling for Milder Pitted Scars
Traditional microneedling may be suitable for mild to moderate depressed scars.
It stimulates collagen production by creating controlled microscopic injuries.
The AAD notes that microneedling can improve acne scars and is considered suitable across different skin tones.
Several sessions are usually required.
Combination Treatment Often Works Best
Most patients do not have only one scar type.
For example, a treatment plan may include:
- Subcision for rolling scars
- TCA CROSS for ice pick scars
- Fractional laser for boxcar scars
- RF microneedling for overall texture
Dermatologists frequently use more than one treatment because different scar types respond differently.
Can Pitted Acne Scars Disappear Completely?
Usually not.
Treatment can make depressed scars significantly less noticeable, but complete removal is difficult.
The goal is generally to improve:
- Scar depth
- Skin texture
- Shadowing
- Overall smoothness
Several sessions may be necessary, especially for deep scars.
Downtime to Consider
Downtime depends on the treatment.
Possible temporary effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Peeling
- Small crusts
- Temporary pigmentation
Subcision may cause bruising, while stronger lasers can require several days of visible recovery.
International patients should schedule more intensive treatments earlier in their Seoul trip.
What Should Foreigners Ask Before Treatment?
Before booking in Gangnam, ask:
- What types of scars do I have?
- Which treatment is best for each scar type?
- Do I need combination treatment?
- How many sessions are recommended?
- Is the treatment suitable for my skin tone?
- How much downtime should I expect?
- Who performs the procedure?
- Is English follow-up available?
A detailed scar assessment is more important than choosing the most popular device.
Final Thoughts
The best treatment for pitted acne scars in Gangnam depends on the scar type.
Subcision is commonly used for rolling scars, targeted chemical treatments may be useful for ice pick scars, and fractional laser or RF microneedling can improve boxcar scars and overall texture.
For international patients, the best results usually come from a personalized combination plan rather than relying on one treatment alone.
Choose a clinic that carefully identifies your scar types, considers your skin tone and downtime, and sets realistic expectations about gradual improvement.
