In the first part, we covered the types of acne and their treatments.

 

https://jpprimiclinic.com/column/6207

 

In this second part, we will focus on "acne scars."

 

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Types of Acne Scars and Their Treatments

Source: Mosterpiece / Getty Images

 

Acne scars are formed when prolonged inflammation caused by acne triggers tissue remodeling due to enzymes secreted by inflammatory cells.

 

There are two main types of acne scars: atrophic scars, which appear sunken, and hypertrophic scars, which are raised like keloids.

 

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(1) Icepick scar

Ice pick scars are acne scars that appear deeply pitted, as if pierced with an awl.

 

Traditionally, treatments involved using TCA (a strong acid) or liquid nitrogen to regenerate the inner tissue.

 

More recently, procedures using microneedling treatments like "Juvelook" or "Potenza," as well as fractional lasers

(such as Fraxel), have become common and have shown favorable treatment outcomes.

 

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(2) Boxcar scar

(Left) Before treatment on November 14, 2023 / (Right) After three sessions of our program on February 29, 2024

 

*Please note that treatments may cause side effects such as bruising, infection, or bleeding.

 

Boxcar scars are indentations in the skin that appear sunken.

 

Treatments for this type also include laser procedures and subcision, using devices such as "Juvelook," "Potenza," and "Pico Fractional."

 

Compared to ice pick scars, it generally takes longer to see noticeable treatment results.

 

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(3) Rolling scars

 

Rolling scars are a type of acne scar that appear less defined and more blurred at the edges compared to boxcar scars.

 

The treatment methods are similar to those used for boxcar scars, but they typically require a longer duration of treatment.

 

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(4) Hypertrophic scar

Hypertrophic scars are thickened scars caused by the excessive growth of fibroblasts, similar to keloids.

 

This type differs in treatment from the atrophic scars mentioned above.

 

While treatments for atrophic scars aim to create controlled damage to stimulate tissue regeneration from within, hypertrophic scar treatments focus on reducing and softening the dense internal tissue.

 

Common treatments include steroid injections, laser therapy, and silicone gel ointments.

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Principles and Duration of Scar Treatment

 

All scar treatments are based on the same fundamental principles:

• Smoothing the sharp edges of the scar

• Re-injuring the lower layers to stimulate new tissue growth

 

To achieve this remodeling and regeneration, tools such as TCA, liquid nitrogen, lasers, and needles are used.

 

Afterward, skin boosters like PDRN, Rejuran, Juvelook Skin, or Macome are applied to support regeneration.

 

However, the process of forming new tissue—stimulating fibroblasts and remodeling—takes more time than many expect.

 

(Our clinic’s scar treatment program typically consists of 3 to 4 sessions, spaced one month apart—meaning over a period of 3 to 4 months.)

 

When it comes to scar treatment, duration is more important than frequency.

Spacing out sessions over time is more effective than having frequent procedures in a short period—
and it’s also easier on your budget.

 

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Summary in 3 Lines

• Prolonged inflammation from acne can lead to scarring, so avoid forcefully popping pimples. For severe inflammation, we recommend anti-inflammatory injections.

• While the basic principles of scar treatment are the same, each clinic offers different regeneration programs.

• Since tissue recovery time is more important than the number of sessions, we recommend 3–4 treatments spaced one month apart.

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That concludes our guide on acne scar treatments.

 

We hope this information is helpful to many of you.

 

If you have any questions about the procedures, please feel free to leave a like or comment.

We’ll be happy to respond thoroughly.

 

Thank you!

 

📍 Primi Clinic
3F, 52 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Primi Clinic)