Acne scar types: which treatment actually matches yours
Acne scars are not one condition. Which treatment works depends on the scar's shape and depth, so the first step is identifying which type you have.
At a glance
- Rolling and tethered scars are released from below, not resurfaced from above
- Boxcar and ice pick scars are treated by depth-matched resurfacing
- Recurrent inflammatory acne is treated at the sebaceous gland, before scarring
Which type looks like yours?
Start here. The scar's shape is what decides the treatment.
- Rolling or tethered → Subcision The scar is pulled downward from beneath, so the surface looks wavy. For rolling and tethered acne scars, and deep scars that are difficult to improve with surface lasers alone.
- Boxcar or ice pick → Pico Fraxel Depressions with defined edges, or narrow deep pits. For boxcar and ice pick type acne scars, pores, and fine lines; those for whom the long downtime of CO2 Fraxel is a burden.
- Several types at once → Acne Scar Combination Program For those left with depressed acne scars (boxcar, ice pick, rolling), and long-standing scars that improved slowly with a single procedure.
- Still breaking out → treat the acne first Scar work comes after the inflammation settles. See below.
If texture, pores, acne activity or elasticity are also concerns, POTENZA (RF microneedling) covers them in one device — enlarged, sagging pores, rough skin texture, acne scars, recurrent inflammatory acne (targeting the sebaceous glands), and reduced elasticity.
How they differ
The practical differences are recovery time, how many sessions are typically needed, and cost.
| Subcision | POTENZA, RF Microneedling | Pico Fraxel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtime | Bruising and swelling recover within 1-2 weeks. | Redness and fine crusting recover within about 1-3 days. | Redness and fine crusting for about 3-7 days (relatively short compared with conventional Fraxel). |
| Recommended sessions | 3 or more sessions depending on the condition of the scar. | Typically 3-6 sessions at 4-week intervals. | Typically 5-10 sessions at 4-week intervals (the scar package is 5 sessions at 1-month intervals). |
| From | ₩200,000~ | ₩150,000~ | ₩290,000~ |
| Details | See treatment → | See treatment → | See treatment → |
Subcision
- Downtime
- Bruising and swelling recover within 1-2 weeks.
- Recommended sessions
- 3 or more sessions depending on the condition of the scar.
- From
- ₩200,000~
POTENZA, RF Microneedling
- Downtime
- Redness and fine crusting recover within about 1-3 days.
- Recommended sessions
- Typically 3-6 sessions at 4-week intervals.
- From
- ₩150,000~
Pico Fraxel
- Downtime
- Redness and fine crusting for about 3-7 days (relatively short compared with conventional Fraxel).
- Recommended sessions
- Typically 5-10 sessions at 4-week intervals (the scar package is 5 sessions at 1-month intervals).
- From
- ₩290,000~
All prices are in KRW and exclude 10% VAT. Final cost is confirmed at consultation.
Subcision works from beneath the scar, so bruising lasts longer — but it addresses tethering that surface treatments cannot reach. Pico Fraxel and POTENZA resurface from above with shorter recovery, which is why they are often combined rather than chosen against each other.
If the acne is still active
Acne Treatment
Settle the inflammation first — scar work comes after.
From adolescent seborrheic acne to adult acne that recurs on the jawline and around the mouth, pustular acne, and those who want to prevent marks and scars. After distinguishing the comedonal/pustular stage, the extraction range, laser wavelength, and drug prescription (isotretinoin) are designed individually.
How we approach it
Subcision
Deep and shallow tethering are released two different ways.
For deep tethering, simultaneous injection of Juvelook Volume with the cannula prevents re-tethering; for shallow tethering, needle subcision is used — a dual approach with release tailored to depth.
See treatment →Pico Fraxel
Three devices combined, matched to how deep the scar goes.
Pico Fraxel, Potenza, and CO2 shouldering are combined and designed according to scar depth; the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is low, which is advantageous for Korean skin.
See treatment →POTENZA
One device treats scars, pores and sebaceous glands — the tip changes.
The tip type (I-tip / one-needle, needle depth) is selected according to the purpose — scar, pore, and acne sebaceous gland treatment are precisely designed with a single device. Post-procedure soothing care included.
See treatment →Acne Scar Combination Program
Diagnosis first, then a different device combination for each scar type.
2D Mark-Vu analysis, then the device and booster combination is designed differently for each scar type (boxcar, ice pick, rolling). For tethered scars, Juvelook Volume injection + cannula subcision are performed simultaneously; for scars with firm margins, treatment extends to CO2 shouldering and scar filler.
See treatment →Individual results vary. This article is general information, not a diagnosis — the right treatment is decided at consultation.
Medical review
Reviewed by Dr. Yong-yon Won, Director, Liftique Dermatology Clinic — board-certified dermatologist since 2018.
Not sure which type you have?
Acne Scar Combination Program →