Agnes RF in Korea: Complete Guide to Prices, Effects & Acne Treatment 2025

Agnes RF has revolutionized acne treatment in Korea by directly targeting and destroying the root cause of persistent acne—overactive sebaceous glands. Unlike traditional acne treatments that provide temporary relief, Agnes offers a permanent solution by selectively eliminating the oil glands responsible for chronic breakouts.

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What is Agnes RF?

Agnes is an advanced radiofrequency (RF) microneedling device specifically designed to treat acne at its source. Developed in Korea and approved by the Korean FDA (MFDS) and European CE, Agnes uses insulated micro-needles to deliver precise RF energy directly to sebaceous glands, permanently destroying them without damaging surrounding skin tissue.

How Agnes RF Works

Three-Step Mechanism:

1. Precision Needle Insertion: Ultra-fine insulated needles (thinner than a hair strand) are inserted to the exact depth of the sebaceous gland (typically 2-4mm)

2. Selective RF Energy Delivery: Radiofrequency energy is delivered only at the needle tip, heating and coagulating the targeted sebaceous gland while the insulated shaft protects surrounding tissue

3. Permanent Gland Destruction: The thermal energy permanently destroys the overactive oil gland, preventing future acne formation in that specific pore

Key Innovation: The insulated needle design ensures RF energy affects only the sebaceous gland at the precise depth, leaving the epidermis and surrounding tissue unharmed—making Agnes uniquely effective and safe.

Why Agnes is Different from Other Acne Treatments

Traditional vs. Agnes Treatment

Agnes Advantage: Once a sebaceous gland is destroyed by Agnes, it cannot regenerate, meaning acne will not recur in that specific pore. This makes Agnes the only truly permanent acne treatment available.

What Conditions Does Agnes Treat?

Primary Indications

1. Stubborn Cystic Acne

• Deep, painful nodules and cysts
• Acne resistant to medications
• Hormonal acne that keeps returning
• Acne in the same spots repeatedly

2. Persistent Inflammatory Acne

• Chronic papules and pustules
• Acne unresponsive to oral antibiotics
• Post-isotretinoin relapse cases

3. Sebaceous Hyperplasia

• Enlarged oil glands (bumps on forehead/nose)
• Excessive oil production
• Enlarged pores with chronic congestion

4. Comedonal Acne

• Persistent blackheads
• Deep whiteheads
• Clogged pores resistant to extraction

5. Oil Control

• Excessively oily T-zone
• Chronic sebum overproduction
• Shiny skin despite oil-control products

Treatment Areas

• Face: Forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, chin, jawline
• Body: Back, chest, shoulders (common for body acne)

Agnes RF Prices in Korea (2025)

Korean dermatology clinics offer Agnes RF at various price points depending on the number of acne lesions treated and package deals.

Seoul Average Prices

Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD (approximate)

Price Range Factors

Why prices vary widely ($38-1,150):

• Number of lesions treated (most significant factor)
• Treatment area size (spot treatment vs. full face)
• Clinic location (Gangnam premium vs. other districts)
• Doctor expertise (board-certified dermatologists charge more)
• Package deals (3-6 sessions significantly discounted)
• Follow-up sessions included (some clinics bundle post-treatment extractions)

International Price Comparison

Cost savings in Korea: 50-70% compared to Western countries

Treatment Process & What to Expect

Before Your Agnes Session

1-2 Weeks Before:

• Avoid retinoids and strong exfoliants
• Stop blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E)
• Minimize sun exposure
• Avoid other aggressive acne treatments

Day of Treatment:

• Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
• Expect 2-3 hours total clinic time (includes numbing)

During Treatment

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Consultation & Mapping (10-15 minutes)

   • Doctor examines acne lesions
   • Identifies target sebaceous glands
   • Counts and marks each treatment spot
   • Discusses expected outcomes

2. Numbing Cream Application (60-90 minutes)

   • Thick layer of topical anesthetic applied
   • Covered with occlusive film
   • Critical for comfort - proper numbing is essential

3. Agnes RF Treatment (30-60 minutes)

   • Doctor inserts micro-needle into each marked pore
   • RF energy delivered for 1-2 seconds per spot
   • Sensation: Pressure and warmth (if properly numbed)
   • Each lesion treated individually with precision
   • Treated areas may appear slightly swollen/red

4. Post-Treatment Care (5-10 minutes)

   • Soothing serum/mask applied
   • Ice pack to reduce swelling
   • Aftercare instructions provided
   • Follow-up appointment scheduled (within 3-7 days)

5. Follow-Up Extraction (3-7 days later)

   • Doctor removes melted sebum and debris from treated pores
   • Essential step for optimal results
   • Gentle extraction of coagulated gland remnants

Total clinic time: 2-3 hours (including numbing)

Pain Level

Discomfort rating: 4-6/10 with proper numbing

Patient experiences vary:

• With adequate numbing: "Tolerable pressure and warmth"
• Insufficient numbing: "Sharp, intense stinging at each needle point"
• Most painful areas: Nose, upper lip, chin (more nerve endings)
• Least painful: Cheeks, forehead

Important: Proper numbing cream for 60-90 minutes is critical for comfort. Don't rush this step.

Immediate Aftereffects

Right After Treatment:

• Redness: Moderate to significant at treatment sites
• Swelling: Mild to moderate (worse in inflammatory acne areas)
• Pinpoint marks: Tiny needle entry points visible
• Warmth: Treated areas feel warm for several hours
• Oozing: Possible clear/yellow fluid from treated pores

Days 1-3:

• Redness gradually subsides
• Swelling decreases
• Small crusts may form at needle entry points
• Follow-up extraction (melted sebum removed)

Days 4-7:

• Most visible signs resolved
• Skin texture improves
• Reduced oiliness noticeable
• Treated acne begins flattening

Downtime & Recovery

Social Downtime: 3-5 days

• Visible redness and swelling for first few days
• Makeup can be applied after 24-48 hours (mineral makeup recommended)
• Small scabs should not be picked

Full Recovery: 1-2 weeks

• All visible treatment marks healed
• Skin texture normalized
• Oil production noticeably reduced

Return to Activities:

• Work: 1-3 days (depending on severity)
• Exercise: 3-5 days (avoid heavy sweating)
• Makeup: 24-48 hours
• Sun exposure: Avoid for 2 weeks, always use SPF 50+

Agnes RF Results & Effectiveness

What to Expect

Immediate Changes (Week 1-2):

• Treated acne lesions flatten and shrink
• Reduced inflammation
• Less oily skin texture
• Visible improvement in treated areas

Short-Term Results (Weeks 2-6):

• Significant reduction in active acne
• Fewer new breakouts in treated zones
• Improved skin texture
• Smaller pore appearance

Long-Term Results (3-6 Months):

• 80-90% reduction in acne recurrence in treated areas
• Permanently reduced oil production
• Clearer, smoother skin
• Minimal to no new acne in destroyed gland locations

Clinical Effectiveness

Research and Korean dermatologist experience shows:

• 85-95% of patients experience significant improvement after 3 sessions
• Permanent destruction of targeted sebaceous glands
• Recurrence rate <10% in properly treated areas
• Long-lasting results (years to permanent in treated zones)

Important Note: Agnes only affects treated glands. Untreated glands can still produce acne, which is why comprehensive treatment and maintenance may be needed.

Recommended Treatment Course

Real Patient Results from Korean Clinics

Patient A - 20s Female, Cystic Acne:

"I had painful cystic acne on my chin and jawline for 5 years. Nothing worked—not antibiotics, not Accutane. After 4 Agnes sessions (₩400,000 each), my cystic acne is 90% gone. It's been 8 months, and I only get tiny whiteheads occasionally. The pain during treatment was worth it for permanent results."

Patient B - 30s Male, Forehead Acne:

"My forehead constantly had inflamed bumps and blackheads. Three Agnes treatments (₩300,000 per session) over 3 months cleared it up. My forehead is smooth now, and I barely produce oil there anymore. I only needed touch-ups on my nose area after a year."

Patient C - 20s Female, Hormonal Jawline Acne:

"Every month I'd get deep, painful acne on my jawline before my period. After 3 Agnes sessions at a Gangnam clinic, those specific spots don't break out anymore. I still get occasional tiny pimples in new spots, but the chronic ones are permanently gone. Best investment I've made for my skin."

Agnes RF Side Effects & Safety

Common (Expected) Side Effects

Normal healing responses:

• Redness and swelling (3-5 days)
• Pinpoint scabbing at needle sites
• Temporary hyperpigmentation (fades in 1-3 months)
• Initial acne purging (week 1-2)
• Mild bruising (rare)

Uncommon Side Effects

Occurring in <5% of patients:

• Prolonged redness (>2 weeks)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more common in darker skin tones)
• Small scars (extremely rare with experienced practitioners)
• Infection (very rare with proper aftercare)

Contraindications

Do NOT undergo Agnes if you have:

• Active skin infection or open wounds
• Metal implants/pacemakers in treatment area
• Keloid scarring tendency
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Recently used isotretinoin (wait 6 months)
• Blood clotting disorders

Safety Profile

• Korean MFDS approved
• European CE certified
• Insulated needle technology protects surrounding tissue
• Proven track record in Korean dermatology for over 10 years
• Minimal risk when performed by experienced dermatologists

Aftercare & Maximizing Results

Post-Treatment Care (First 2 Weeks)

DO:

• ✅ Keep skin clean with gentle, pH-balanced cleansers
• ✅ Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment to needle sites
• ✅ Use SPF 50+ sunscreen religiously (prevents PIH)
• ✅ Hydrate skin with gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers
• ✅ Attend follow-up extraction within 3-7 days (critical)
• ✅ Sleep with head elevated to reduce swelling

DON'T:

• ❌ Pick at scabs or crusts
• ❌ Use active ingredients (retinoids, acids, vitamin C) for 1 week
• ❌ Exercise heavily for 3-5 days
• ❌ Expose skin to sun without protection
• ❌ Use makeup for first 24-48 hours
• ❌ Take hot showers or saunas for 1 week

Long-Term Maintenance

To Preserve Results:

• Gentle skincare routine (avoid pore-clogging products)
• Regular professional facials (monthly aqua peels or mild extractions)
• Maintain hormonal balance (diet, stress management, sleep)
• Touch-up Agnes sessions for new lesions as needed (1-2x per year)
• Continue sunscreen use to prevent PIH

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Agnes RF hurt? A: With proper numbing cream applied for 60-90 minutes, most patients rate discomfort at 4-6/10. You'll feel pressure and warmth at each needle insertion. Areas like the nose and upper lip are more sensitive. Without adequate numbing, it can be quite painful.

Q: How many Agnes sessions do I need? A: Most patients need 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. Severe cystic acne may require 5-6 sessions. Mild cases might see significant improvement with just 1-2 treatments.

Q: Is Agnes permanent? A: Yes, destroyed sebaceous glands cannot regenerate. However, Agnes only affects treated glands—untreated glands can still produce acne. This is why comprehensive treatment and occasional touch-ups may be needed for new lesions in previously untreated areas.

Q: What's the difference between Agnes and other RF microneedling (Potenza, Scarlet)? A: Agnes uses insulated needles specifically designed to target sebaceous glands at precise depths, delivering RF energy only at the tip. Other RF microneedling devices deliver energy along the entire needle length and focus on skin tightening/scarring, not gland destruction. Agnes is purpose-built for acne treatment.

Q: Can Agnes treat acne scars? A: Agnes primarily treats active acne by destroying oil glands. For acne scars, other treatments like fractional CO2 laser, Scarlet RF, or subcision are more effective. However, by preventing future acne, Agnes stops new scars from forming.

Q: How long until I see results? A: Treated acne lesions flatten within 1-2 weeks. Significant overall improvement appears after 4-6 weeks. Maximum results manifest after completing the full treatment course (3-4 sessions over 3-6 months).

Q: Will my skin be oilier or drier after Agnes? A: Treated areas will produce significantly less oil since sebaceous glands are destroyed. This is desirable for acne-prone, oily skin. You may need to adjust your skincare routine to add more hydration.

Q: Can I combine Agnes with other acne treatments? A: Yes, Agnes works well combined with laser toning (for redness), chemical peels (for texture), or skin boosters (for healing). However, space aggressive treatments 2-4 weeks apart from Agnes sessions.

Q: Is Agnes safe for all skin types? A: Yes, Agnes is safe for all skin types including darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). However, darker skin has higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so strict sun protection and PIH prevention protocols are essential.

Q: Why do I need a follow-up extraction after Agnes? A: The RF energy melts and coagulates the sebaceous gland, but the debris remains in the pore. Follow-up extraction (3-7 days later) removes this melted material, allowing the pore to heal properly and maximize results. Skipping this step can reduce effectiveness.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Agnes RF treatment should only be performed by qualified, board-certified dermatologists in properly equipped facilities.

Individual results vary based on acne severity, skin type, lifestyle factors, and adherence to treatment protocols. Always consult a qualified dermatologist for personalized assessment and treatment planning.

Conclusion: Is Agnes RF Worth It?

Agnes RF represents a paradigm shift in acne treatment—moving from temporary symptom management to permanent sebaceous gland destruction. For patients suffering from chronic, treatment-resistant acne, Agnes offers hope for long-lasting, often permanent, clearance.

Consider Agnes RF if:

• ✅ You have stubborn cystic or inflammatory acne resistant to other treatments
• ✅ Your acne keeps returning in the same spots repeatedly
• ✅ You've tried multiple treatments (topicals, antibiotics, Accutane) without lasting success
• ✅ You want a permanent solution rather than lifelong medication
• ✅ You can commit to 3-4 sessions and proper aftercare

Agnes may not be ideal if:

• ❌ You have very mild acne treatable with topicals
• ❌ You cannot tolerate 3-5 days of downtime
• ❌ You expect instant results (requires patience for full effects)
• ❌ You're not willing to follow strict aftercare protocols

With Korea's competitive pricing (₩350,000/$270 average vs. $600-1,200 in Western countries), experienced dermatologists specializing in Agnes, and advanced acne treatment culture, Seoul is an excellent destination for Agnes RF treatment.

Ready to permanently eliminate your acne? Consult a board-certified Korean dermatologist experienced in Agnes RF, commit to the full treatment course, and finally achieve the clear skin you've been seeking.

Have you tried Agnes RF treatment in Korea? Share your experience and help others make informed decisions about permanent acne solutions!