Understanding scar types & what they mean for treatment

  Scar types you may have:

Atrophic (depressed) scars: e.g., boxcar, ice-pick or rolling acne scars. The skin has lost tissue and the scar appears sunken.

Hypertrophic scars: raised, red scars that stay within the wound boundary.

Keloid scars: thick raised scars that grow beyond the original wound boundary.

Surgical or trauma scars, stretch marks, burn scars and contracture scars may also require specialised care.

  What treatment options exist?

Laser resurfacing (CO₂, Er:YAG, fractional) — good for texture improvement, reducing depth and pigmentation of scars. Downtime: 3-7 days.

RF microneedling — combination of microneedles plus radiofrequency to stimulate collagen beneath scars, less downtime.

Subcision + fillers — for deeper, tethered scars (i.e., rolling scars) where fibrotic bands pull skin down. The band is released, filler lifts the skin.

Regenerative skin boosters / biologicals (e.g., PRP, exosomes, polynucleotides) — support healing after laser or microneedling.

Surgical scar revision — for large surgical or trauma scars, or keloids/hypertrophic scars needing excision, flap or Z-plasty techniques.

What to expect: from consultation to recovery

  Pre-treatment consultation

A board-certified dermatologist will assess your scars: type, depth, skin tone, location, any underlying acne or inflammation.

A treatment plan will be proposed: number of sessions, expected downtime, potential side-effects (especially with darker/Asian skin where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a risk).

You’ll be informed of realistic outcomes: many treatments improve but rarely erase scars completely; the goal is smoother, more even skin.

  On the day of treatment

Pre-procedure: numbing cream or local anaesthesia (depending on procedure).

Laser/microneedling session usually lasts ~30–60 minutes. On deeper scars or revision surgery it may be longer.

Immediately after: skin may appear red, swollen, or have some crusting depending on the intensity.

  Post-treatment care & downtime

For resurfacing lasers: 3-7 days of visible healing, flaking or downtime may apply.

For RF microneedling: less downtime; likely 1-2 days of mild redness.

Key aftercare:

Avoid sun exposure, use high-SPF 50+ sunscreen daily.

No harsh exfoliation or aggressive skincare until fully healed.

Follow-up visits: check healing, potentially adjust plan or proceed with next session.

Multiple sessions often needed (2-5 or more) for best results.

  Cost guide & budgeting tips

According to recently compiled data: laser scar removal in Seoul ranges broadly from US $64 to US $1,000 depending on the clinic, scar type, and device. Average around US $430.

Anecdotal estimates show for standard scar-removal (non-surgical) in Korea: ₩300,000-₩700,000 (≈US $230-$530) per session perhaps.

  When budgeting, account for:

Number of sessions.

Pre- and post-care costs (medications, sunscreen, downtime).

If you are travelling from abroad: travel/accommodation may add significantly.

✅ Why this clinic works for international patients

Located in Gangnam, Seoul — easily accessible and known area for dermatology/cosmetic clinics.

Many clinics in Gangnam are experienced with foreign patients, English support, and tailored service.

Korean dermatology offers advanced technologies and high standards of care which appeal to those looking for visible improvement in scars.

ℹ️ A few cautions & things to check

When you consult: ask for before/after photos of patients with similar skin tone and scar type to yours.

Confirm the clinic uses equipment and settings suitable for your skin tone: Asian skin can react differently (e.g., risk of pigment change) so you want a clinic that can adjust properly.

Understand what’s included in the quoted price: number of sessions, follow-ups, post-care. Some clinics may quote per session but the full plan is more.

For large/surgical scars or keloids: make sure the treatment plan recognises that complete removal may not be realistic; the aim is improvement and smoother appearance.

If you travel from abroad: plan for the possibility of multiple sessions and follow-ups (which may need to be done locally after you return) unless you stay longer in Korea.

📋 Checklist before booking your scar-removal plan

Identify scar type (atrophic vs hypertrophic vs keloid vs surgical).

Choose a clinic with board-certified dermatologists experienced in your scar type.

Ask about technologies used (laser type, microneedling + RF, fillers, etc).

Discuss number of sessions expected & downtime.

Confirm cost breakdown and what’s included.

Check after-care protocol (sunscreen, skincare products, follow-ups).

If travelling: check language support, translation availability, accommodation, and recovery logistics.