MTS Microneedling in Korea: 2025 Guide to Prices, Results & What to Expect

If you're looking for an affordable, proven solution to acne scars, enlarged pores, or dull skin texture, MTS (Microneedle Therapy System) has been a Korean dermatology staple for over a decade. This FDA-approved collagen induction therapy uses ultra-fine needles to stimulate your skin's natural healing response—triggering fresh collagen production without removing or damaging the skin's protective barrier.

Unlike aggressive resurfacing treatments (chemical peels, ablative lasers) that strip away skin layers, MTS works with your skin's biology. The controlled micro-injuries prompt fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin, gradually improving texture, reducing scars, and creating smoother, more youthful skin over a series of treatments.

Korean clinics offer MTS at exceptionally affordable rates—₩43,000-200,000 ($33-$155) per session—making professional microneedling accessible for regular maintenance. With minimal downtime (1-3 days of redness), visible results after 3-5 sessions, and the ability to treat areas traditional lasers can't reach, it's no wonder MTS remains one of Seoul's most popular skin rejuvenation treatments.

What is MTS?

MTS (Microneedle Therapy System) is a medical-grade microneedling device that creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin using sterilized, ultra-fine needles (typically 0.5-2.5mm length). Unlike at-home dermarollers, professional MTS treatments are performed by licensed medical professionals using calibrated devices in clinical settings.

How MTS Works

The Controlled Injury Principle:

1. Micro-injuries: Fine needles puncture the skin's surface, creating controlled damage
2. Healing cascade: Body recognizes "injury" and triggers repair mechanisms
3. Growth factors release: Platelets and cells release healing signals
4. Collagen production: Fibroblasts activated to produce Type I and Type III collagen
5. Tissue remodeling: New collagen fills in scars, tightens pores, smooths texture

Key Difference from Home Devices:

• Medical-grade sterility: Single-use, sterile needle cartridges
• Precise depth control: Calibrated to exact millimeter settings
• Higher needle count: 12-36 needles vs. 200+ microneedles on rollers (less traumatic)
• Professional technique: Systematic coverage, appropriate pressure
• Medical supervision: Safety protocols, post-care products

FDA Approval and Safety

MTS is FDA-cleared as a Class II medical device for:

• Collagen induction therapy
• Acne scar improvement
• Wrinkle reduction
• Skin texture enhancement
• Enhanced product absorption

Unlike unregulated home devices, clinical MTS meets stringent safety and efficacy standards.

What Can MTS Treat?

Primary Indications

Acne Scars:

• Rolling scars (shallow, wave-like depressions)
• Boxcar scars (angular, defined edges)
• Ice pick scars (deep, narrow pits - less effective, may need combination)
• Post-inflammatory textural changes

Skin Texture Issues:

• Enlarged pores
• Rough, uneven surface
• Dull, aging skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loss of firmness

Hyperpigmentation:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• Uneven skin tone
• Melasma (controversial - can worsen if technique is aggressive)

Other Conditions:

• Stretch marks (striae)
• Surgical or traumatic scars
• Hair regrowth stimulation (scalp)

Ideal Candidates

Best For:

• Acne scar sufferers seeking gradual improvement
• Those with enlarged pores or rough texture
• Patients wanting collagen boost without laser downtime
• People with darker skin (safer than many lasers)
• Budget-conscious patients (affordable compared to RF microneedling)

Not Ideal For:

• Active acne or skin infections
• Those wanting instant, dramatic results
• Very deep, severe scars (may need surgical intervention)
• Keloid-prone individuals
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

MTS Prices in Korea (2025)

Average Pricing

Average Single Session: ₩43,000-₩100,000 ($33-$77)

Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 ≈ $1 USD

Price Factors

What Affects Cost?

• Needle depth: Deeper treatment (1.5-2.5mm) costs more than superficial (0.5-1.0mm)
• Treatment area: Full face vs. targeted zones (cheeks only, forehead only)
• Additional services: Growth factor serums, PRP, LED therapy
• Clinic location: Gangnam charges 30-50% more than other districts
• Device quality: Medical-grade devices vs. basic rollers

Package Deals

Korean clinics strongly recommend treatment series:

3-Session Package: ₩150,000-350,000 ($115-$270) — Save 15-20% 5-Session Package: ₩200,000-450,000 ($155-$345) — Save 20-25% 10-Session Package: ₩350,000-700,000 ($270-$540) — Save 25-30%

Recommended Schedule: Every 2-4 weeks

International Comparison

Savings in Korea: 70-85% cheaper than Western countries

The Treatment Process

What to Expect

Before Your Appointment:

• Arrive with clean, makeup-free face
• Avoid retinoids, AHA/BHA for 3-5 days prior
• Don't take blood thinners for 24-48 hours
• Hydrate well

Consultation (5-10 minutes):

• Skin analysis and concern assessment
• Discussion of needle depth and treatment zones
• Before photos

Preparation (20-30 minutes):

• Thorough facial cleansing
• Numbing cream application (mandatory for deeper treatments)
• 20-minute wait for numbing to work

MTS Treatment (20-30 minutes):

Technique:

• Practitioner uses sterile, single-use needle cartridge
• Systematic passes in multiple directions (vertical, horizontal, diagonal)
• Ensures complete, even coverage
• Multiple passes over scar areas (2-3 times)
• Single pass over delicate areas (around eyes)

Depth Settings by Concern:

• 0.5mm: Product absorption, fine lines, glow
• 1.0mm: Pores, mild texture issues, preventative anti-aging
• 1.5mm: Moderate acne scars, wrinkles, skin laxity
• 2.0-2.5mm: Deep scars, severe texture issues, stretch marks

Sensation:

• With numbing: 2-3/10 (pressure, vibration, minimal discomfort)
• Without numbing: 6-7/10 (sharp, stinging sensations - not recommended)

Post-Treatment (10-15 minutes):

• Application of healing serum (hyaluronic acid, growth factors, or PRP if purchased)
• LED light therapy (optional, reduces inflammation)
• Cooling mask
• Sunscreen application
• Aftercare instructions

Total Time: 60-90 minutes

Pain Level

With Numbing Cream: 2-3/10

• Feels like sandpaper or light scratching
• Tolerable, most patients relax during treatment

Without Numbing: 6-7/10

• Sharp, stinging pain
• Not recommended except for very superficial treatments

Results Timeline

Immediate (Same Day - Week 1)

Right After:

• Bright redness (like moderate sunburn)
• Pinpoint bleeding (tiny dots where needles penetrated)
• Slight swelling
• Skin feels tight and sensitive

Days 1-3:

• Redness gradually fades (90% resolved by Day 3)
• Dryness and flaking as skin sheds
• Microscopic scabs (barely visible)

Days 4-7:

• Redness completely gone
• Skin feels smoother
• Noticeable "glow" and radiance

Downtime: 1-3 days for social activities

Weeks 2-4 (Early Improvement)

What You'll Notice:

• Skin texture feels softer, more refined
• Pores appear smaller
• Overall tone more even
• Fine lines slightly softened

What's Happening:

• Collagen production initiates
• Cell turnover increases
• Healing processes continue

Weeks 6-12 (Visible Results)

After 3-5 Sessions:

• Acne scars: 20-40% improvement in depth and appearance
• Pores: Visibly smaller, refined
• Texture: Smoother, more even surface
• Fine lines: Noticeable softening
• Skin quality: Firmer, more youthful

Months 3-6 (Maximum Results)

Peak Improvement:

• Continued collagen remodeling
• Acne scars: 30-50% improvement (rolling/boxcar scars)
• Overall rejuvenation: Comprehensive transformation
• Cumulative benefits from multiple sessions

Duration: Results last 6-12 months; maintenance sessions every 3-6 months sustain improvement

Recommended Treatment Protocol

By Concern

Acne Scars (Moderate):

• Sessions: 5-8 treatments
• Frequency: Every 3-4 weeks
• Depth: 1.5-2.0mm
• Maintenance: Every 6 months

Large Pores / Texture:

• Sessions: 3-5 treatments
• Frequency: Every 4 weeks
• Depth: 1.0-1.5mm
• Maintenance: Every 4-6 months

Anti-Aging / Prevention:

• Sessions: 3-4 treatments
• Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks
• Depth: 0.5-1.0mm
• Maintenance: Every 3-4 months

Stretch Marks:

• Sessions: 6-10 treatments
• Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks
• Depth: 2.0-2.5mm
• Maintenance: As needed

Aftercare

First 24 Hours (Critical)

DO:

• ✅ Keep face clean (gentle cleanser only)
• ✅ Apply prescribed healing serum/ointment
• ✅ Stay hydrated
• ✅ Sleep with head elevated

DON'T:

• ❌ Touch face with dirty hands
• ❌ Apply makeup
• ❌ Exercise or sweat
• ❌ Expose to sun
• ❌ Use active ingredients (retinol, acids)

First Week

Skincare:

• Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
• Hydrating serums (hyaluronic acid)
• Rich moisturizer
• SPF 50+ sunscreen (physical/mineral)

Avoid:

• Retinoids, AHA/BHA, vitamin C
• Hot water, steam, saunas
• Swimming pools
• Other facial treatments

Long-Term Care

Between Sessions:

• Maintain gentle skincare routine
• Sun protection is critical
• Can resume retinol after 1 week
• Stay hydrated

Side Effects and Risks

Common (Expected)

Redness (95%): 1-3 days Dryness/Flaking (70%): 3-7 days Pinpoint Bleeding (60%): During treatment, stops immediately Mild Swelling (40%): 1-2 days

Uncommon

Bruising (5-10%): 3-7 days Prolonged Redness (5%): Up to 1 week Breakouts (10%): Temporary purging, resolves in 1-2 weeks

Rare

Infection (< 1%): Poor hygiene, improper aftercare Scarring (< 0.5%): Over-aggressive treatment, picking scabs Hyperpigmentation (2-5%): More common in darker skin, poor sun protection

Contraindications

❌ Active acne or infections ❌ Keloid tendency ❌ Pregnancy/breastfeeding ❌ Blood clotting disorders ❌ Recent Accutane use (< 6 months) ❌ Open wounds or active eczema

MTS vs. Other Treatments

MTS vs. RF Microneedling (Potenza, Sylfirm X)

Verdict: MTS is more affordable and gentler; RF microneedling delivers stronger results.

MTS vs. Laser Resurfacing

Verdict: MTS is safer for darker skin and has less downtime; lasers provide more dramatic single-session results.

Enhancing MTS Results

Add-On Treatments

Growth Factor Serums: +₩30,000-80,000 ($23-$62)

• Accelerates healing
• Enhanced collagen production

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): +₩150,000-300,000 ($115-$230)

• "Vampire facial" - your blood platelets
• Maximum healing factors
• Better results, faster improvement

LED Light Therapy: +₩20,000-50,000 ($15-$38)

• Red light: Collagen stimulation
• Blue light: Anti-bacterial (acne)
• Reduces inflammation, speeds healing

Stem Cell Serums: +₩100,000-200,000 ($77-$155)

• Advanced healing factors
• Enhanced rejuvenation

Combination Protocols

MTS + Subcision (for deep scars):

• Subcision releases tethered scars
• MTS smooths surface
• Better overall improvement

MTS + Chemical Peels:

• Alternate treatments (never same day)
• Peel exfoliates surface
• MTS rebuilds deeper layers

Finding the Right Clinic in Seoul

What to Look For

Qualified Practitioners:

• Licensed dermatologist or trained nurse
• Experience with MTS technique
• Portfolio of before/after photos

Proper Equipment:

• Medical-grade MTS device (not home dermaroller)
• Single-use, sterile needle cartridges
• Proper depth calibration

Safety Protocols:

• Clean, medical environment
• Sterile technique
• Quality numbing cream
• Appropriate aftercare products

Questions to Ask

1. "What type of MTS device do you use?" (Ensure medical-grade)
2. "Are needle cartridges single-use?" (Should always be yes)
3. "What depth will you use for my concern?" (Assess expertise)
4. "What serums are included?" (Understand full pricing)
5. "How many sessions do you recommend?" (Realistic expectations)

Red Flags

🚩 Extremely low prices (< ₩30,000 - may use poor equipment) 🚩 Reusable needle cartridges (infection risk) 🚩 No numbing cream offered for deep treatments 🚩 Promises dramatic results after 1 session 🚩 Non-medical staff performing treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does MTS hurt? A: With numbing cream, 2-3/10 - very tolerable. Without numbing, 6-7/10 for deeper treatments.

Q: How many sessions do I need? A: Acne scars: 5-8 sessions. Pores/texture: 3-5 sessions. Anti-aging: 3-4 sessions.

Q: When will I see results? A: Immediate glow within 1 week. Real improvement at 4-6 weeks. Best results at 8-12 weeks after completing series.

Q: Can I do MTS at home? A: Not recommended. Professional treatments use sterile, calibrated devices with proper technique. Home devices carry infection risk and are less effective.

Q: Is MTS safe for dark skin? A: Yes! Unlike some lasers, MTS is very safe for darker skin tones. Low PIH risk when performed correctly.

Q: Can I wear makeup after MTS? A: Wait 24-48 hours minimum. Your skin needs time to heal before applying products.

Q: How long do results last? A: 6-12 months. Collagen continues remodeling for months. Maintenance sessions every 3-6 months sustain results.

Q: MTS vs. dermaroller - what's the difference? A: MTS uses medical-grade pen with precise depth control and sterile, single-use cartridges. Dermarollers are less precise, harder to sterilize, and less effective.

Conclusion

MTS microneedling offers an excellent entry point into professional skin rejuvenation. At Korean prices ($33-$77 per session), it's one of the most affordable ways to address acne scars, enlarged pores, and aging skin with proven results.

Why MTS is Worth It:

✅ FDA-approved: Scientifically proven collagen induction therapy ✅ Affordable: 70-85% cheaper in Korea than Western countries ✅ Safe: Low risk for all skin types, including darker tones ✅ Minimal downtime: 1-3 days vs. weeks for aggressive treatments ✅ Cumulative results: Progressive improvement over 3-5 sessions ✅ Versatile: Treats multiple concerns (scars, pores, texture, aging)

Best For:

• Acne scar improvement (rolling, boxcar scars)
• Enlarged pores and rough texture
• Budget-conscious patients
• Those wanting regular maintenance
• Darker skin types (safer than many lasers)

Consider Alternatives If:

• You want dramatic instant results (try lasers or RF microneedling)
• You have severe, deep scars (may need surgical intervention)
• Budget allows premium treatments (RF microneedling more powerful)

Final Verdict: MTS remains a Korean skincare essential for good reason. It's safe, affordable, and effective - delivering real results without breaking the bank or your schedule.

Ready to smooth your scars and refine your skin? Book a consultation at a reputable Seoul dermatology clinic and discover why MTS has been trusted for decades.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about MTS microneedling and is not medical advice. Results vary based on individual skin type, scar severity, and treatment parameters. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist before treatment. Ensure clinic uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges and proper technique. Infection risk exists if aftercare not followed properly. Verify clinic credentials and device quality independently.

Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Reading Time: 10 minutes