Which resurfacing or scar treatment suits which kind of scar?
Acne scars come in several shapes: shallow rolling dips, boxcar edges, narrow icepick holes and tethered bands. Each responds differently, and the same laser is not the right answer for all of them. This page lays out seven options by the sub-concern they fit and by how much recovery they ask of you.
How to choose
Scar shape
Rolling, boxcar and icepick scars have different anchors in the tissue. Release, resurfacing and chemical methods each target different shapes.
Depth of the treatment
Deeper resurfacing can change scars more but takes longer to heal. Gentler options may need more sessions.
Recovery you can accept
Ablative lasers produce days of crusting; non-ablative lasers and microneedling usually mean a few days of redness.
Skin tone
Darker skin carries more risk of post-inflammatory pigment change, which affects which devices and settings are chosen.
Often a combination
Many scar plans use more than one method, such as releasing tethered scars before resurfacing. This is a decision for the doctor.
Resurfacing & Scars treatments compared
| Treatment | Often chosen for | Works on | Time | Downtime | Sessions | At Skin Treatment Gangnam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 Fractional Laser | Moderate scars and wrinkles when stronger change is wanted | Deep: ablative columns through the surface | about 30-60 minutes plus numbing time | about 5-7 days of redness, crusting and peeling | often 2-4 sessions, 1-2 months apart | from ₩400,000 |
| Erbium Fractional Laser | Mild to moderate scars and texture with less heat spread | Moderate: water-selective resurfacing | about 20-45 minutes plus numbing time | about 3-7 days of redness and fine crusting; varies by depth | often 2-4 sessions, about 4-8 weeks apart | On consultation |
| Non-Ablative Fractional Laser (Fraxel-type) | Mild scars and tone with little visible wound | Dermal: heats without removing the surface | about 20-40 minutes plus numbing time | about 2-4 days of redness, swelling and a bronzed look | often 3-5 sessions, about 4 weeks apart; varies by person | On consultation |
| Microneedle RF | Scars, pores and mild laxity together | Under the surface: needles release heat in the dermis | about 20-40 minutes plus numbing time | about 2-5 days of redness or small marks | often 3-5 sessions, about 4 weeks apart | from ₩400,000 |
| Microneedling | Shallow scars and general texture | Mechanical: needle channels without heat | about 30-60 minutes including numbing time | about 1-3 days of redness | often 3-6 sessions, about 4 weeks apart | On consultation |
| Subcision for Acne Scars | Tethered rolling scars held down by bands | Cuts the fibrous bands under the scar | about 20-40 minutes | about 1-2 weeks of bruising and swelling; varies by person | often 1-3 sessions, several weeks apart | On consultation |
| TCA CROSS for Icepick Scars | Narrow icepick scars | Focal: acid placed within each individual scar | about 15-30 minutes | about 5-7 days of small dark crusts | often 3-5 sessions, about 4-6 weeks apart | On consultation |
Times, downtime and sessions are typical ranges and vary by person. Prices are in Korean won and exclude 10% VAT. The final plan and cost are decided after consultation, as many concerns need a combination of treatments. Prices are valid as of October 2026 and may be revised.
When a doctor may advise waiting
- Active acne or skin infection in the treatment area, which usually needs to settle first
- A tendency to keloid scarring, which affects the choice of method
- Recent isotretinoin use, which many doctors want completed with a waiting period before resurfacing
Resurfacing & Scars: common questions
Which treatment suits icepick scars?
Targeted methods such as TCA CROSS are commonly discussed, since broad resurfacing can reach them less well.
Can scars be removed entirely?
Improvement is the realistic goal. Complete removal is not typical.
How many sessions are needed?
Often a series. The number varies by scar type and method.
Is sun protection really needed?
Yes. Sun exposure after resurfacing can darken healing skin.
Book a consultation at Skin Treatment Gangnam
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