Acne scars are persistent marks that bother you every time you look in the mirror. If you've spent a considerable amount on laser treatment but haven't seen satisfactory changes, you might first think, "Are my scars particularly severe?" However, the reason for slow progress is often more about the choice of treatment method than the scar itself.
Why Lasers Alone Have Limitations
Many people visit Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon after receiving various scar treatments but not achieving the desired changes. In most of these cases, a common pattern is reliance on only one type of treatment. Fractional laser is often chosen as a first treatment for acne scars because it's a well-known method, but laser monotherapy does not have the same effect on all scars.
Small Scars vs. Deep Scars: Different Approaches
Lasers are effective for small, shallow scars, but their impact on deep, large scars may be minimal. This means that different treatments are suitable for different depths and shapes of scars. Here's a summary:
| Scar Type | Laser Monotherapy Response | Complementary Approaches to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow scars | Responds relatively well | Lasers that aid regeneration |
| Deep scars | May have limitations | Concurrently performed procedures to release tissue |
| Scars with severe adhesion | Slow to respond | Concurrently performed Subcision and regenerative injections |
If you have similar concerns, you can first review Acne Scar Information or use Chat Consultation for Acne Scar Treatment for any questions.
Why Acne Scars Are Particularly Difficult to Treat
Traumatic scars, like those from chickenpox or fingernails, result from a single skin injury, so the damaged area is narrow. In contrast, acne scars involve repeated inflammation over a long period, damaging the skin and spreading tissue damage much more widely. Therefore, regeneration often doesn't occur well with lasers alone. To expect meaningful changes, a combination of lasers that strongly induce skin regeneration and procedural methods that release deep-seated scar tissue must be performed together.
- Lasers respond relatively well to shallow scars.
- Deep scars may have limitations with laser monotherapy.
- Deep scars benefit when procedures to release tissue are performed concurrently.
- A stage to aid the regeneration of damaged skin is necessary.
Subcision: Everyone Does It, But Results Are Not the Same
Subcision is one of the commonly performed treatments for Depressed Acne Scars today. Literally meaning to cut the tissue beneath the skin, the procedure is simple and performed at most dermatology clinics. However, many people report not seeing results even after paying for Subcision.
Knowing how to perform a procedure and achieving results are distinctly different matters.
Subtle depth and intensity can only be learned through experience. In the clinic, we often see that even the same procedure yields different results depending on the know-how, so please keep this in mind.
The Regeneration-Assisting Stage Must Be Included
Acne scars often result from chronic inflammation, leaving few normal skin cells in the surrounding area. Therefore, combining cell regeneration injections like Juvelook or Rejuran can help promote skin regeneration. To maintain the effects for longer, periodic repeat treatments can lead to more satisfactory results.
In Summary
If you've had the experience of treating severely depressed acne scars with fractional lasers but saw slow progress, it's time to review the treatment combination for your scar's depth and shape. Since scars vary in form, a customized combination, such as Premium Customized Acne Scar Care, tends to be helpful. If you're unsure which direction is right, we recommend discussing it with medical staff through Chat Consultation for the Right Combination for My Scars.
The author is Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, a board-certified dermatologist and chief director. He has long specialized in acne and scar treatment as the chief director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon and will serve as the president of the Korean Association of Dermatologists in 2026. Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First published 2024-09-02 / Last reviewed 2026년 7월 23일
This article provides general medical information, and scar conditions and treatment responses may vary from person to person. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist to determine the appropriate treatment combination for you.