What boxcar scars are
Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions with steep, well-defined sides and a relatively flat floor — a little like small craters. They are a type of atrophic acne scar, which means tissue was lost as an inflamed spot healed. They often appear on the cheeks and temples, and they range from shallow (where the edge is the main problem) to deeper ones that cast a visible shadow. Many people have boxcar scars together with rolling scars or ice pick scars , so they are rarely treated in isolation.
Why they form and which layer is involved
When deep inflammation from acne damages the skin, collagen in the dermis is broken down faster than it can be replaced. The surface then sinks to fill the gap, leaving a scar with a sharp border. In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, the edge of a boxcar scar is in the epidermis and upper dermis , while the loss of support that gives it depth is in the full-thickness dermis . Shallow boxcar scars mainly need their edges softened; deeper ones also need new collagen built from below.
Skin also loses collagen gradually from around the age of 20, and sun exposure speeds up that breakdown. That is why scars can look more noticeable over time even if they have not changed — and why sun protection is part of every scar plan.
How Obliv approaches boxcar scars
- Diagnosis first. A director examines your skin from several angles and Mark-Vu imaging records texture and pores, so we can tell shallow from deep scars and spot any active acne or redness that needs attention first.
- Barrier preparation. We strengthen the barrier with ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid before the main treatment, and protect it afterwards, so the skin heals in a calmer, more predictable way.
- Smoothing the edges. CO2 laser resurfacing can soften the sharp shoulders of deeper boxcar scars and encourage remodelling. It is effective for deep scars but needs proper recovery time. U-Pulse fractional CO2 may be considered for overall regeneration.
- Remodelling in the dermis. Potenza RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermis through fine needles, stimulating collagen with relatively short downtime — often a good fit for shallower scars or for visitors with limited time.
- Supporting regeneration. Skin boosters or Rejuran may be added to support the healing environment between energy sessions.
Your doctor chooses the combination and order; our Acne Scar Program shows how these fit together.
What to expect
Acne scars improve step by step. A typical course is 3–5 sessions of Potenza or CO2, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, because collagen takes weeks to form after each session and skin renews roughly every 28 days. After Potenza you can expect redness and tiny marks for a short time; CO2 leaves the skin needing a longer recovery, and your doctor will explain exactly what that looks like for you. Improvement builds gradually over the course, and results vary from person to person. The goal is shallower, softer-edged scars and smoother texture rather than perfect skin.
Caring for your skin between visits
- Apply SPF50+ every day after laser or microneedling and reapply outdoors.
- Do not pick at any crusting or flaking; let it shed naturally.
- Pause scrubs, strong acids and retinoids until your doctor says it is fine.
- Use the pH-5.5-matched home care we prescribe to keep the barrier calm.
Visiting from abroad
If you have a short stay in Seoul, Potenza is often easier to fit around travel than CO2. Many visitors start with a consultation and first session, then continue on later trips; your Skin Library record means each visit builds on the last. Send clear daylight photos, including side angles, and your travel dates on WhatsApp, and we will help you plan.
At a glance
- Skin layer: Epidermis and upper dermis edges; dermis depth
- Main tools: Potenza, CO2 laser, U-Pulse
- Sessions: Typically 3–5, 4–6 weeks apart
- Downtime: Short with Potenza; longer with CO2
- Must-have: Daily SPF50+
- Related programme: Acne Scar Program
Questions about boxcar scars
Is Potenza or CO2 laser better for boxcar scars?
It depends on the depth of your scars and how much downtime you can allow. Potenza has shorter downtime and suits many shallower scars, while CO2 resurfacing can help deeper scars but needs more recovery. Your doctor may combine both over a course.
How long before I see a difference?
Collagen builds gradually, so improvement usually shows over the weeks following each session and continues across the course. Results vary from person to person.
Will my scars disappear completely?
The aim is to make scars shallower and softer-edged so the skin looks smoother. Complete removal is not a realistic promise, and your doctor will discuss what is achievable for your skin at consultation.
How much does boxcar scar treatment cost?
Cost depends on the treatments and number of sessions in your plan. Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote.
Talk to us about boxcar 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.
