Choosing a resurfacing or scar treatment with an English consultation
Resurfacing means helping the skin renew itself by creating controlled, tiny injuries. Scar treatments may also release tight bands or fill sunken areas. Different scar types respond to different tools, so a clear description of your scars helps the doctor give useful advice.
How to choose
Type of scar or texture issue
Shallow rolling scars, narrow deep icepick scars, and boxcar scars each call for different methods.
How much downtime you can accept
Stronger options can mean days of redness and peeling. Mild ones may need more sessions. Match this to your trip.
Skin tone and pigment risk
Deeper skin tones can be more prone to dark marks after injury. Ask how the plan limits that risk.
Numbing and comfort
Ask how numbing is done and how long it takes to work.
Series planning
Most options need repeated visits. Ask how many and how far apart, and what you can do from home.
Resurfacing & Scars treatments compared
| Treatment | Often chosen for | Works on | Time | Downtime | Sessions | At English Skin Clinic Seoul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 Fractional Laser | Deeper scars, wrinkles, and rough texture | Ablative laser removes tiny columns of tissue, with several days of healing | about 30-60 minutes plus numbing time | about 5-7 days of redness, crusting and peeling | often 2-4 sessions, 1-2 months apart | On consultation |
| Erbium Fractional Laser | Moderate texture and surface scarring | Ablative laser that often works more at the surface | 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 texture, sun damage, and early scars | Laser heats tiny columns under an intact 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 | Acne scars, pores, and skin firmness | Needles release radiofrequency energy under the surface | 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 ₩350,000 |
| Microneedling | Mild scars, texture, and dull skin | Fine needles make shallow channels to trigger repair | 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 | Rolling scars tethered by bands under the skin | A needle releases bands beneath 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, deep icepick scars | A strong acid is placed inside each scar point | 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 amount is confirmed after consultation and depends on the area and dosage. Listed prices are valid until 31 December 2026.
When a doctor may advise waiting
- Active acne, infection, or cold sores at the site are reasons to wait.
- People who scar thickly, or who have used isotretinoin recently, should say so before any treatment.
- Anyone who cannot protect their skin from sun after treatment may want to choose a different time.
Resurfacing & Scars: common questions
Which treatment fits acne scars?
There is no single choice. The doctor looks at the scar type first. Often a mix is discussed.
How do I explain my scars in English?
Use words like "round, shallow dents" or "narrow, deep holes," and send clear photos in daylight.
Can I travel after laser resurfacing?
Stronger options can leave redness and crusts. Ask how long and plan your flight after healing begins.
How many visits should I expect?
Usually several. Ask for a range and what changes it.
Book a consultation at English Skin Clinic Seoul
Send your preferred date, the concern you want to discuss and a recent photo if you like. Our coordinators reply in English, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Thai.
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- Area
- Gangnam Station, Gangnam
- Nearest station
- Gangnam Station (Line 2 / Shinbundang Line)
- Mon - Fri
- 10:30 - 20:00
- Sat
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sun
- 11:00 - 16:00 (coordinator messages only)
- Public holidays
- Closed