What rolling scars are
Rolling scars are one of the three classic types of atrophic (depressed) acne scar, alongside boxcar and ice pick scars . They are usually wider than they are deep, with sloping rather than sharp edges, so the skin looks gently undulating — often most noticeable on the cheeks and temples in side lighting. In bright overhead light they can almost disappear, while in a lift mirror or under a ceiling lamp they look much more obvious. Many people have a mix of scar types, which is why an accurate assessment matters before choosing any device.
Why they form and which layer is involved
When an inflamed acne lesion heals, the body lays down fibrous tissue to close the damage. In rolling scars, some of that tissue forms tethering bands that attach the surface of the skin to deeper structures. In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, the visible dip is in the epidermis and upper dermis , but the cause sits lower — in the full-thickness and lower dermis , sometimes reaching the boundary with the subcutaneous fat . Collagen also naturally declines from around the age of 20, so rolling scars that were mild in your twenties can look deeper later, as the skin loses some of the support that used to fill them out.
This is the key point: treating only the surface rarely changes a rolling scar much, because the tether underneath is still pulling. A good plan addresses both the depth and the surface.
How Obliv approaches rolling scars
- Diagnosis first. A director examines your skin in different lighting, and Mark-Vu imaging helps record texture, pores and redness. We note which scars are rolling, which are boxcar or ice pick, and whether any active acne needs calming first.
- Barrier preparation. Skin that is inflamed or fragile recovers less predictably, so we reinforce the barrier with ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid before the main treatment, and protect it afterwards.
- Remodelling at depth. Potenza RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy through fine needles into the dermis, encouraging new collagen around the scar with relatively short downtime. For deeper or more stubborn areas, CO2 laser resurfacing can be used, which needs more recovery time.
- Rebuilding support. Where scars look worse because of volume loss, collagen-stimulating injections such as PCL may be suggested, along with skin boosters or Rejuran to support regeneration. Your doctor will explain any additional technique they recommend for releasing tethered scars at consultation.
These elements come together in our Acne Scar Program , adjusted to your scar mix.
What to expect
Rolling scars improve gradually. A typical course is 3–5 sessions of Potenza or CO2, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, so the skin has time to build collagen between visits. Potenza usually means redness and small marks for a short period; CO2 needs a longer recovery, which matters if you are travelling. Improvement in depth and texture tends to show over the weeks after each session as new collagen forms, and results vary from person to person. The aim is softer, smoother contours — not perfect skin — and your doctor will be honest about what is realistic for your scars.
Caring for your skin between visits
- Use SPF50+ every day after laser or microneedling, and reapply when outdoors.
- Avoid picking, harsh scrubs and strong acids while the skin is healing.
- Follow the pH-5.5-matched home care we prescribe to keep the barrier calm.
- Keep any active breakouts under control — new acne can create new scars.
Visiting from abroad
Because acne scar treatment works over several sessions, international visitors often start with a consultation and a first session, then return for further sessions on later trips. Every treatment is recorded in your Skin Library, so the plan can continue where it left off. Send us clear daylight photos on WhatsApp, including side views, with your travel dates and we will help you plan around downtime and your flight home.
At a glance
- Skin layer: Dermis, with tethering bands reaching deeper
- Main tools: Potenza, CO2 laser, collagen support
- Sessions: Typically 3–5, 4–6 weeks apart
- Downtime: Short with Potenza; longer with CO2
- Results visible: Gradually, as collagen rebuilds
- Related programme: Acne Scar Program
Questions about rolling scars
How do I know if my scars are rolling scars?
Rolling scars have soft, sloping edges and look like gentle waves across the skin, especially in side lighting. Boxcar scars have sharper edges and ice pick scars are narrow and deep. A doctor will confirm the types at consultation, as most people have a mix.
Can rolling scars be removed completely?
Treatment aims to soften and smooth rolling scars rather than erase them. Many people see a meaningful improvement in texture over a course of sessions, but results vary from person to person and depend on scar depth and skin type.
How many sessions will I need?
A typical plan is 3–5 sessions of Potenza or CO2 laser, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Your doctor may adjust this based on how your skin responds and whether collagen support is added.
Can I have treatment if I still get breakouts?
Active acne is usually calmed first, because inflammation affects healing and can create new scars. Your doctor will examine your skin and may suggest acne care before or alongside scar treatment.
Talk to us about rolling 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.
