What textured scars are
A scar is the skin's way of repairing a wound. When the injury reaches the dermis — through surgery, a cut, a burn, a fall or a bite — the body lays down new collagen quickly to close it. That repair tissue is organised differently from normal skin, so it can look and feel different. Common types include:
- Flat but discoloured scars that stay red, pink, brown or paler than the surrounding skin.
- Sunken (atrophic) scars where too little collagen was laid down, leaving a dip.
- Raised scars where too much collagen formed, so the scar sits above the skin.
- Wide or stretched scars in areas that move a lot.
Some raised scars spread beyond the original wound. These behave differently and need specific medical assessment, so please show them to the doctor.
Which layers are involved
In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, most surgical and injury scars sit in the dermis , and deeper ones can reach the subcutaneous fat beneath, where tissue may tether the scar down. The epidermis over the scar is often thinner and can show colour changes — redness from blood vessels or brown marks from pigment. Knowing which layers are affected tells us whether to focus on texture, colour, tethering or several of these together.
How Obliv approaches scars
- Assessment first. A doctor examines each scar, asks how and when it formed and how it has changed, and checks whether it is mature enough to treat. Very new scars are often still remodelling, so timing matters.
- Remodelling texture. For sunken or uneven scars, Potenza RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermis to encourage new collagen with relatively short downtime. For deeper scars, CO2 laser resurfacing or U-Pulse fractional CO2 may be considered; these need more recovery.
- Improving colour. Red scars may benefit from treatments that target vessels, such as BRIGHTONE , while brown marks may be addressed with pigment-focused care. The doctor will recommend the right option for your skin.
- Supporting skin quality. Regenerative treatments and skin boosters may be suggested to improve the overall condition of the surrounding skin.
- Barrier first and last. We reinforce the barrier before resurfacing and protect it afterwards to support smooth healing.
What to expect
Scar treatment is gradual. Skin renews roughly every 28 days and collagen remodelling continues for months, so sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart and a course is typical. Downtime ranges from a few days of redness with microneedling to a longer recovery after CO2 resurfacing. Treatment aims to make scars less noticeable; it does not remove them, and results vary from person to person.
Caring for your skin between sessions
- Protect scars from the sun with SPF50+; UV can darken healing skin.
- Keep the area moisturised and follow your aftercare instructions closely.
- Avoid picking scabs or using harsh exfoliants on treated skin.
Visiting from abroad
Because scars need a course of treatment, we can start in Seoul and plan further sessions around future visits. If CO2 resurfacing is recommended, allow enough recovery time before flying. Send photos of your scars and your travel dates on WhatsApp so we can advise.
When is the right time to treat a scar?
Scars keep changing for many months after a wound closes. In the early phase, they are often red, firm or slightly raised; over time most become flatter, softer and paler. This affects when and how treatment is planned.
- Recent scars: the doctor may suggest gentle care and sun protection first, with active treatment once the skin has settled enough.
- Maturing scars: as redness fades, texture treatments are often introduced, with colour treated alongside where needed.
- Older scars: mature scars can still be improved, though a course is usually needed and change is gradual.
If your scar is from a recent operation, bring any notes from your surgeon. Your doctor will look at the scar, its location and your skin type before suggesting timing. For acne-related scarring, see our acne scars page or the Acne Scar Program .
At a glance
- Layers: Dermis, sometimes subcutaneous fat
- Main options: Potenza, CO2 / U-Pulse, BRIGHTONE for redness
- Sessions: A course, several weeks apart
- Downtime: Few days (Potenza) to longer (CO2)
- Aim: Softer, less noticeable scars
- Cost: Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote
Questions about surgical and injury scars
How soon after surgery can a scar be treated?
It depends on the scar and how it is healing. Some treatments are started once the wound has fully closed, others when the scar has matured. The doctor will advise on the right timing after examining it.
Can old scars be improved?
Often, yes. Older scars can still respond to treatments that remodel the dermis, though change is gradual. The doctor will give you a realistic view.
Can you treat raised scars?
Raised scars, especially those that spread beyond the original wound, need specific medical assessment. Please show them to the doctor, who will explain the appropriate options.
Will the scar disappear completely?
No treatment can promise that. The aim is to make the scar softer, flatter or closer in colour to the surrounding skin. Results vary from person to person.
Talk to us about your 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.
