Depressed acne scars, unlike simple marks, are structural changes resulting from damage to the skin's dermal layer. Many people are bothered by them every time they look in the mirror, and they are not easily covered by makeup, causing considerable distress. In the consultation room, we see more people than expected who complain of depression or social withdrawal due to acne scars. So, what is the first step that determines the outcome of scar treatment? It is choosing which clinic to start treatment at.
Acne scar treatment is not a simple procedure that ends in one session, but rather an area of diagnosis that involves understanding the shape and depth of the scar. Therefore, knowing the criteria for choosing a clinic can reduce unnecessary trial and error. Today, we'll summarize three easily overlooked points when choosing a clinic to treat acne scars.
Why one scar doesn't end with one treatment
It's true that if you go for treatment and are recommended several treatments together, you might feel uncomfortable, wondering if it's an excessive recommendation. However, when it comes to acne scars, the story is a little different.
Acne scars appear mixed with different depths and shapes even on one person's face. Therefore, we recommend receiving treatment at a place that offers customized treatment tailored to the scar's characteristics.
Rolling, Boxcar, Icepick: You need to understand the scar's shape first
Acne scars are broadly divided into three types based on their shape. It is rare for only one type to appear on a single person, and even with the same shape, the depth varies, so the treatment method should also differ slightly.
| Scar Type | English Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 롤링형 (Rolling) | Rolling | Broad, gently undulating scars |
| 박스카형 (Boxcar) | Boxcar | Distinct, angular depressions |
| 송곳형 (Icepick) | Icepick | Narrow, deep, pitted scars |
Being able to handle various treatment methods also means being able to respond to various types of scars. If there is a doctor who handles five treatment methods and one who handles only two, the one with more options can choose a combination that better suits the patient's scar characteristics.
In reality, treatments such as laser dermabrasion to refine the scar surface, Subcision used for rolling scars, and Suture-Free Punch for deep icepick scars are not performed by many doctors. When consulting, please check if the clinic offers a wide range of treatment methods suitable for you. If the scar types are complex, it may be helpful to also look at explanations of treatment combinations for each scar type.
Acne scars usually appear as a mixture of various forms on one face, and in such cases, customized treatment combining different methods for each type is needed rather than a single treatment.
For inquiries, please contact us via acne scar treatment chat consultation
Treatment experience and know-how, the difference that determines results
Long-accumulated treatment experience and know-how are important factors that determine the success or failure of acne scar treatment. Even with the same equipment, the quality of the results can vary depending on whose hands operate it.
As such, procedures performed by medical professionals with rich experience and know-how tend to have a somewhat higher cost burden.
Many people, feeling burdened by the cost, initially choose a relatively inexpensive place, but then do not achieve the expected changes and eventually return to a more experienced clinic. This can lead to double the cost. Before deciding on a clinic, we recommend checking if they have experience handling various scar cases.
Why a dermatology specialist should treat you
Acne scars are not just superficial marks but structural damage with varying shapes and depths, even inside the pores. Dermatology specialists, having studied tissue pathology, can relatively easily infer what tissue changes have occurred beneath the skin just by visual examination.
On the other hand, those without sufficient anatomical and histological understanding often rely on standard parameters provided by equipment manufacturers. There can be a difference in the quality of the procedure between understanding both the principles of the machine and the cause of the scar, and merely knowing how to operate the equipment.
How to distinguish a dermatology specialist clinic by its signboard
It's surprisingly simple to check if a clinic is operated by a dermatology specialist. Just look at the clinic's name on the signboard.
- Non-specialist clinics usually display the name in the form of Hong Gildong Clinic and list dermatology as a separate medical department.
- Dermatology specialist clinics have Dermatology Clinic immediately after the clinic name, such as Hong Gildong Dermatology Clinic.
- Recently, some clinics also display a red dermatology specialist certification mark, which can be a reference.
- If signboard distinction is difficult, you can also search for the medical staff's name on the Korean Dermatological Association's website under 'Find a Specialist'.
These three checkpoints summarize to customized treatment for scar type, sufficient treatment experience and know-how, and specialist consultation with a high understanding of the skin. It would be even better if the clinic can provide balanced care for not only depressed acne scars according to scar type, but also for acne itself, which is often a co-concern.
We hope the checkpoints summarized today serve as a small guide in finding the right clinic for you. Since there can be individual differences in effectiveness and recovery, confirming your exact condition through a consultation with medical staff is the most accurate approach.
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Chief Director Lee Sang-ju (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, completed dermatology residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-ju's Profile First published 2024-07-22 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This article is for general information purposes only, and individual differences in scar characteristics and treatment response may occur. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, please consult with medical staff.