Seocho Station Dermatology Clinic: Acne Scar Laser Treatment—There Is a Reason Indented Marks Do Not Disappear Over Time

Seocho Station Dermatology Clinic Acne Scar Laser Treatment

Many of you may have felt relieved when your acne seemed to have finally cleared, only to become more concerned about the indented or red marks left behind. Some of you may also have felt frustrated because uneven skin texture becomes clearly visible under angled lighting and cannot be concealed even with makeup. Among the people I meet in the consultation room, many say things like, “It seems like my scars last longer than my acne,” or “It has been several years, but the marks are still the same.”

Acne scars form when acne inflammation damages the deeper dermal layer and destroys collagen tissue, so they are unlikely to disappear naturally just because time has passed. Active treatment is needed to directly stimulate the damaged dermal layer with acne scar laser treatment and promote collagen regeneration. Today, I will explain in detail why acne scars do not disappear on their own and how to approach them effectively with acne scar laser treatment.

The treatment approach varies depending on the type of acne scar

Seocho Station Dermatology Clinic Acne Scar Laser Treatment

Acne scars are broadly divided into depressed scars and raised scars. Depressed scars can be further classified into boxcar scars, which have distinct edges and flat bases; ice-pick scars, which are narrow and deeply indented; and rolling scars, which are gently depressed in a wave-like pattern. Since each type of scar differs in depth and shape, selecting acne scar laser treatment also requires equipment and energy settings suited to the type of scar.

Raised scars, such as hypertrophic scars and keloids, require a completely different treatment approach from depressed scars. Before receiving acne scar laser treatment, accurately identifying the type of scar you have is the first step toward improving treatment results. Even when the scars are caused by acne, the treatment plan varies depending on your skin condition and scar depth, so an accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist is especially important.

Virtue RF fills in depressed scars with collagen

Seocho Station Dermatology Clinic Acne Scar Laser Treatment

Among acne scar laser treatments, Virtue RF plays a key role in treating depressed scars. It delivers radiofrequency energy directly to the dermal layer containing the scars through fine needles, stimulating an environment for damaged collagen to regenerate and gradually filling in the depressed areas. Because the needle depth and energy can be adjusted precisely according to the depth and shape of the scars, a customized approach is possible for different types of scars, including boxcar and rolling scars.

Because it fills the skin from within while minimizing damage to the outer skin layer, there is less burden associated with the recovery period after treatment. As collagen gradually builds up through repeated treatments, you may notice that the depressed marks become shallower and that the boundary between them and the surrounding skin becomes smoother.

PicoPlus helps improve scar marks and pigmentation together

Seocho Station Dermatology Clinic Acne Scar Laser Treatment

PicoPlus can be used alongside Virtue RF to further enhance the results of acne scar laser treatment while filling in depressed scars. Red marks or hyperpigmentation often remain around acne scars, and PicoPlus uses short laser energy delivered in picoseconds to break these pigment particles into smaller pieces and stimulate an environment for skin regeneration. This comprehensive approach, which addresses the depth of the scars as well as the surrounding pigmentation and skin texture, can improve the overall quality of acne scar laser treatment.

Another advantage is that it causes relatively little thermal damage to the surrounding skin tissue, allowing it to be applied comparatively safely to skin that has become sensitive after scar treatment. With consistent alternating treatments using Virtue RF and PicoPlus, you may notice improvements in both scars and pigmentation, along with a more even overall skin texture.

Daily care habits can improve the results of acne scar laser treatment

Seocho Station Dermatology Clinic Acne Scar Laser Treatment

You can significantly improve the results by also paying attention to your daily care while receiving acne scar laser treatment. Ultraviolet rays can worsen hyperpigmentation in scarred areas and interfere with collagen regeneration, so applying sunscreen carefully throughout the treatment period is most important. When your skin is temporarily sensitive after treatment, avoid intense exfoliation or cosmetics containing irritating ingredients, and provide sufficient moisture to create an environment in which your skin can recover. If you squeeze or irritate a new breakout with your hands, it may lead to additional scarring, so it is also important to manage new breakouts carefully. Since the effects of acne scar laser treatment accumulate with consistent sessions, the key is to be patient and continue your care while maintaining the recommended treatment intervals.

The longer acne scars are left untreated, the firmer the boundary between them and the surrounding skin becomes, making improvement more difficult. Consider addressing the damaged dermal layer with acne scar laser treatment to regain smooth, even skin texture. If your scars have troubled you for a long time, consult a dermatologist to find a treatment approach suited to your scar condition. I will carefully help you work toward regaining healthy, smooth skin.