What acne scars are
Acne scars are permanent changes in skin texture left behind when inflamed breakouts damage the deeper layers of the skin. Unlike post-acne marks , which are flat colour changes that often fade, scars change the surface itself. Most acne scars are depressed (atrophic), and they usually fall into three main types:
- Rolling scars — broad, shallow depressions with soft edges that give the skin a wavy look.
- Boxcar scars — round or oval depressions with sharper edges.
- Ice pick scars — narrow, deep pits that look like small punctures.
Most people have a mix of types, which is why a combination approach often works better than a single treatment.
Why scars form — and which layers are involved
When a breakout is deep or prolonged, inflammation reaches the dermis . The body tries to repair the damage, but if too little new collagen is made, the skin above sinks, creating a depression. In some scars, fibrous bands also tether the surface down to deeper tissue. In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, acne scars typically involve the upper dermis and often the full-thickness dermis ; rolling scars can be influenced by tethering and volume loss in deeper layers too. Picking or squeezing spots increases the risk of scarring.
How Obliv approaches acne scars
- Diagnosis first. A director examines your skin from the first consultation under different lighting to identify scar types and depth. Mark-Vu imaging helps map texture, pores and redness, and your Skin Library record tracks change across sessions.
- Calm active acne. If breakouts are still active, controlling them comes first so new scars do not keep forming. See acne treatment .
- Barrier preparation. We reinforce the barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid before treatment and protect it afterwards to support recovery.
- Potenza RF microneedling. Potenza delivers radiofrequency energy through fine needles to stimulate collagen remodelling. It is used for acne scars and pores, with short downtime.
- CO2 laser resurfacing. For deeper scarring, CO2 laser resurfacing can be more effective but needs more recovery time.
- Supporting treatments. Depending on your scars, your doctor may add treatments that support regeneration, such as Rejuran , or epidermis-level scar treatments such as MCT or CUREJET, explained at consultation.
See how this comes together in our Acne Scar Program .
What to expect
Acne scars are typically treated with a course of 3–5 sessions of Potenza or CO2 laser, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, so the skin has time to build new collagen between sessions. Improvement is gradual and continues for weeks after each session. Potenza usually involves redness for a day or two; CO2 laser needs a longer recovery period. Scars can often be made noticeably softer, but results vary from person to person.
Caring for your skin between sessions
- Use SPF50+ every day after laser, and reapply outdoors.
- Follow aftercare carefully and do not pick at healing skin.
- Keep the barrier comfortable with the pH-5.5-matched home care we prescribe.
Visiting from abroad
Because a course is spaced 4–6 weeks apart, many visitors start treatment on one trip and continue on return visits. If you choose CO2 laser, allow recovery time before flying. Message us on WhatsApp with photos and your dates, and ask us for a personalised quote.
Choosing between Potenza and CO2 for your trip
The right option depends on your scars, but your schedule matters too. As a general guide:
- Potenza suits visitors with mixed, moderate scarring and limited time. Redness usually settles within a day or two, so sightseeing can continue with sun protection.
- CO2 laser may be suggested for deeper scars, but it needs a longer recovery. It is best planned at the start of a longer stay, with quiet days afterwards and time before your flight — see flying after laser .
- A combination across several visits is common, with the method chosen for each session as your skin changes.
Tell the doctor how long you are in Seoul and when you might return, so the plan fits both your skin and your travel.
At a glance
- Skin layers: Upper and full-thickness dermis
- Main tools: Potenza RF microneedling, CO2 laser
- Sessions: Typically 3–5, 4–6 weeks apart
- Downtime: Short for Potenza; longer for CO2
- Related programme: Acne Scar Program
- Must-have: Daily SPF50+ after laser
Questions about acne scars
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Scars are a permanent change in the skin, so the aim is to make them softer and less noticeable rather than remove them entirely. Many people see meaningful improvement over a course, though results vary from person to person.
Potenza or CO2 laser — which is better?
Potenza has short downtime and suits many scar types and pores, while CO2 laser can help deeper scars but needs more recovery. Your doctor will recommend the right option based on your scars and schedule.
How many sessions will I need?
A typical course is 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Your doctor will suggest a plan after examining your scars.
Can I treat scars if I still get breakouts?
Active acne is usually calmed first, so new scars do not keep forming. Your doctor may combine steps where it is safe to do so.
Talk to us about acne scars
Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.
