Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

When I counsel patients about acne scars in the examination room, many of them have deep distrust and frustration about treatment. I often meet people who say that even after receiving more than 10 sessions of expensive laser procedures that are said to be famous online, the visible change has been minimal, or their skin has become more sensitive and the redness has worsened.

The fundamental reason for such treatment failures is that repeated, one-size-fits-all laser procedures were performed without considering the histological characteristics of each patient’s scars, which differ from person to person. Acne scars are not simply holes on the skin surface; they are a condition in which the collagen tissue in the dermis has been destroyed and fibrosed due to severe inflammatory reactions, causing the skin to adhere inward. Therefore, a precise diagnosis based on the depth, shape, color, and skin type of the scar must come first, and a corresponding combination treatment plan must be established.

Today, I would like to discuss in depth the accurate medical classification of scars by type, as well as the organic combination treatment of lasers and medical skin care to address them.

Acne scars are divided into types depending on shape and color

Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

The first step in successful scar treatment is accurately identifying what kind of marks remain on your face. Acne scars are broadly classified into three types according to their shape and depth, and each has a different level of treatment difficulty and approach.

First, there are ice pick scars. They look as if they were stabbed with an ice pick, with a narrow opening but a root that extends deep into the dermis or even the subcutaneous fat layer. Because they are deep, they are the most difficult type to treat and require the penetration of strong energy for improvement.

Second, there are boxcar scars. The edges of the scar are clearly depressed at right angles, making them look like chickenpox marks or craters. They are characterized by a flat base, and treatment is needed to remove the boundary edges and fill in the bottom.

Third, there are rolling scars. These are relatively broad and gently depressed, making the skin look uneven. In many cases, fibrous bands that pull the skin downward beneath the scar are present, so breaking these bands and restoring volume in the dermis is effective.

In addition, these pitted scars are usually accompanied by red marks caused by post-inflammatory vascular dilation or dark marks caused by melanin pigmentation. Therefore, it is difficult to address all of these complex issues at once with a single wavelength of laser.

The treatment device changes depending on the depth and pattern of the scar

Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

First, the CO2 laser is the most classic and powerful standard device for scar treatment. Using energy at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, it precisely removes skin lesions or induces thermal damage by creating tiny columns of heat in the dermis. In this process, hardened scar tissue is physically destroyed, and the surrounding normal fibroblasts are stimulated to synthesize new collagen and elastin. It is especially essential for leveling the height differences in clearly defined boxcar scars or deep ice pick scars.

Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

Next, PicoPlus is a next-generation device that delivers laser energy in picoseconds, which is 1,000 times faster than nanoseconds. While conventional lasers mainly use thermal energy, PicoPlus uses a powerful photomechanical shockwave to form microscopic cavities within the dermis while minimizing damage to the skin surface. Because it protects the epidermis while inducing regeneration in the dermis, recovery is faster and side effects are fewer. It also has excellent ability to break down and eliminate pigment, making it effective for improving messy pigmentation around scars and smoothing skin texture.

Finally, Clarity Pro is equipped with two wavelengths, 755 nm and 1064 nm, in a dual system to help resolve complex issues. It selectively constricts blood vessels that have expanded due to repeated acne inflammation, reducing redness and improving the dermal environment to enhance the effect of laser treatment. By also treating the red marks that are easy to overlook during scar treatment, it helps create a more even overall skin tone.

Treatment that maximizes the skin’s regenerative capacity is essential

Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

If laser treatment is like plowing a field, pre- and post-care are like fertilizing the soil and supplying moisture. No matter how good the laser is, if the skin’s regenerative capacity is low, the growth of new skin will inevitably be slow.

Before the procedure, Rowan Aquapil Plus is applied. It gently removes sebum, waste, and old dead skin cells accumulated in the pores, creating the optimal skin environment so that the laser beam does not scatter and can penetrate evenly to the intended depth.

Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

After the procedure, the focus is on soothing and regeneration. LDM (Droplet Lifting) alternately delivers high-density ultrasound energy to draw moisture from within the skin down to the dermis and regulate proteolytic enzymes to reduce inflammation. This quickly calms dryness and redness that may occur after laser treatment and strengthens the skin barrier.

In addition, the Vital Injector is used to directly inject highly moisturizing regenerative ingredients such as hyaluronic acid into the dermis, or iontophoresis with IonToson is used to deliver vitamins and growth factors. This immediately supplies moisture to skin that has become dry from laser thermal energy, and it serves as fuel that promotes fibroblast activity and accelerates collagen synthesis.

Acne scars require a long-term treatment plan

Laser Treatment Methods for Acne Scars by Type at a Dermatology Clinic in Seocho-gu

Acne scar treatment is not something that produces dramatic results in a single session; it requires a long-term approach. The older the scar, the more firmly the tissue has hardened, and the longer the treatment period is likely to be.

However, if lasers suited to the scar type are properly combined based on an accurate medical diagnosis, and medical care that supports the skin’s regenerative capacity is consistently provided, you will surely experience meaningful improvement as the uneven texture gradually fills in and becomes smoother.

Rather than relying on exaggerated advertising or simple online reviews, I strongly recommend visiting a dermatologist and first receiving a precise diagnosis of the current depth of your scars and your skin type.

Only an accurate diagnosis and treatment based on established principles are the safest and most reliable way to address scars that have been a lifelong concern.