Acne Scar Treatment in Korea: Laser Options, Prices & Results (2025)
Acne scars can be frustrating reminders of past breakouts, but Korea's advanced dermatology offers some of the world's best solutions. This comprehensive guide covers the top acne scar treatments (여드름 흉터 치료) available in Korean clinics.
Understanding Acne Scars
Before treatment, it's important to identify your scar type:
Types of Acne Scars
| Scar Type | Description | Best Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Pick | Deep, narrow holes | TCA Cross, Deep laser |
| Boxcar | Wide, box-like depressions | Fractional laser, Subcision |
| Rolling | Wave-like, shallow indentations | Subcision, Fillers, Laser |
| Hypertrophic | Raised, firm scars | Steroid injection, Laser |
| PIH (Dark spots) | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Laser toning, Peels |
| PIE (Red marks) | Post-inflammatory erythema | Vascular laser, Time |
Top Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
1. Fractional CO2 Laser
The gold standard for acne scar treatment in Korea.
How it works: Creates thousands of microscopic holes in the skin, triggering collagen production and skin regeneration.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Boxcar, rolling, and ice pick scars |
| Sessions needed | 3-5 sessions |
| Downtime | 5-7 days |
| Results | 50-70% improvement |
| Price per session | ₩200,000 - ₩500,000 ($154-$385) |
2. Fraxel Laser
A gentler fractional laser option with less downtime.
How it works: Micro laser beams penetrate the dermis, stimulating new collagen without fully ablating the surface.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Mild to moderate scars, texture issues |
| Sessions needed | 3-6 sessions |
| Downtime | 3-5 days |
| Results | 40-60% improvement |
| Average price | ₩147,661 ($114) |
| Price range | ₩16,100 - ₩500,000 |
3. Pico Laser
The newest technology for scar treatment with minimal downtime.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Mild scars, PIH, skin rejuvenation |
| Sessions needed | 5-10 sessions |
| Downtime | 0-1 day |
| Results | 30-50% improvement |
| Price per session | ₩50,000 - ₩150,000 ($38-$115) |
4. Erbium Laser
A precise ablative laser for controlled skin resurfacing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Superficial scars, fine lines |
| Sessions needed | 2-4 sessions |
| Downtime | 3-5 days |
| Results | 40-60% improvement |
| Price per session | ₩150,000 - ₩300,000 |
Price Comparison: Korea vs. Other Countries
| Treatment | Korea | USA | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fraxel (per session) | $114 | $400-1,500 | $500-1,200 |
| CO2 Fractional | $154-385 | $500-2,000 | $600-1,500 |
| Pico Laser | $38-115 | $200-600 | $250-500 |
Bottom line: Korea offers 50-70% savings on most laser treatments!
Non-Laser Treatments
Subcision
A minor procedure using a needle to break up scar tissue under the skin.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Rolling, tethered scars |
| Sessions | 1-3 sessions |
| Downtime | 3-7 days (bruising) |
| Price | ₩100,000 - ₩300,000 per area |
TCA Cross (Chemical Reconstruction)
Applying high-concentration TCA acid directly into ice pick scars.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Ice pick scars |
| Sessions | 3-6 sessions |
| Downtime | 7-10 days |
| Price | ₩50,000 - ₩150,000 per session |
Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers to plump depressed scars.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Deep boxcar or rolling scars |
| Duration | 6-12 months |
| Downtime | None |
| Price | ₩100,000 - ₩300,000 per area |
Treatment Plans by Scar Severity
Mild Scars (Mostly texture/PIH)
| Month | Treatment | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pico Laser x2 | ₩200,000 |
| 2 | Aqua Peel + Laser Toning | ₩100,000 |
| 3 | Pico Laser x2 | ₩200,000 |
| Total | ₩500,000 ($385) |
Moderate Scars (Mix of scar types)
| Month | Treatment | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fraxel Laser | ₩300,000 |
| 2 | Subcision + PRP | ₩350,000 |
| 3 | Fraxel Laser | ₩300,000 |
| 4 | TCA Cross (if needed) | ₩100,000 |
| Total | ₩1,050,000 ($808) |
Severe Scars (Deep, widespread)
| Month | Treatment | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CO2 Fractional Laser | ₩400,000 |
| 2 | Subcision + Filler | ₩500,000 |
| 3 | CO2 Fractional Laser | ₩400,000 |
| 4-5 | Fraxel maintenance x2 | ₩400,000 |
| Total | ₩1,700,000 ($1,308) |
What to Expect: Timeline
| Week | Post-Treatment |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Redness, swelling, possible pinpoint bleeding |
| Day 4-7 | Crusting, peeling, brown spots forming |
| Week 2 | Peeling complete, pink new skin |
| Week 3-4 | Color normalizing, texture improving |
| Month 2-3 | Collagen remodeling, continued improvement |
| Month 6+ | Final results visible |
Post-Treatment Care
Essential Aftercare Steps
- Avoid sun exposure: Critical for preventing PIH
- Use gentle skincare: No active ingredients for 1-2 weeks
- Apply prescribed ointments: Follow clinic instructions
- Keep skin hydrated: Aids healing
- No picking: Let crusts fall naturally
Products to Use
| Phase | Recommended Products |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Gentle cleanser, healing ointment, SPF 50+ |
| Week 2-3 | Add hydrating serum, continue SPF |
| Week 4+ | Resume normal routine, maintain SPF |
Potential Side Effects
Common (Temporary)
- Redness and swelling (3-7 days)
- Crusting and peeling (5-10 days)
- Mild discomfort/itching
- Temporary darkening (PIH risk)
Rare (Consult doctor if occurs)
- Prolonged redness (>2 weeks)
- Infection (seek treatment immediately)
- Scarring (very rare with proper care)
- Hypopigmentation (lightening)
Tips for International Patients
Planning Your Treatment Trip
For single session:
- Minimum 7-10 days in Korea
- Treatment on day 2-3
- Monitor healing before departure
For full treatment course:
- Consider extended stay (4-6 weeks)
- Or plan multiple trips
- Space sessions 4-6 weeks apart
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What scar types do I have?
- Which treatment combination do you recommend?
- How many sessions will I need?
- What's the expected improvement percentage?
- Do you have before/after photos of similar cases?
Choosing the Right Clinic
Look For:
✓ Board-certified dermatologist ✓ Experience with acne scar treatment ✓ Multiple laser options available ✓ Before/after photos of results ✓ English-speaking staff or translator ✓ Good reviews from international patients
Red Flags:
✗ Promises of 100% scar removal ✗ Only one treatment option offered ✗ No consultation before treatment ✗ Pressure for immediate decision
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Acne scar treatments carry risks including hyperpigmentation, infection, and scarring. Results vary significantly based on scar type, depth, skin type, and individual healing. Always consult with a qualified dermatologist for personalized treatment recommendations.
Conclusion
Korea's advanced laser technology and experienced dermatologists make it an excellent destination for acne scar treatment. With options ranging from gentle Pico lasers to aggressive CO2 fractional lasers, there's a solution for every scar type and budget.
While complete scar removal isn't possible, most patients achieve 40-70% improvement with the right treatment plan. The key is choosing an experienced clinic and following proper aftercare protocols.
Dealing with active acne? Check out our Acne Treatment Guide first—treating active breakouts is essential before addressing scars.