Even after acne subsides, the depressed marks left on the skin are not just simple traces but the result of damage extending to the dermal layer. For those encountering scars for the first time, the most common question is, “Will they fade naturally over time?” However, depressed acne scars are difficult to heal naturally and often require active regenerative treatment.
Because acne involves bacteria and inflammation, it leaves scars such as hyperpigmentation or depressed marks. Their shapes and depths vary, making it difficult to completely resolve them with a single method, thus requiring a combined approach with multiple treatments. Today, we will explain why acne scars occur and how recovery can be aided, focusing on the Triple Repair treatment performed at our clinic.
Why is the treatment of depressed acne scars challenging?
Depressed acne scars occur when acne repeatedly causes inflammation in the skin, destroying skin cells. This inflammation is often mistakenly thought to occur in the epidermis, but it actually begins deep within the dermis.
Furthermore, because it occurs repeatedly, it causes tissue destruction over a fairly wide area. Being deeper and more extensive than what appears on the surface, treatment is difficult, and methods that only smooth the surface have limitations.
Depressed scars are not epidermal but dermal damage. The core of treatment is to stimulate damaged cells to induce regeneration and fill in depressed areas to restore the skin to a normal state.
There are different types of depressed scars
Depressed acne scars can be broadly divided into three types based on their shape. The proportion of treatment applied varies depending on the type, so knowing which type your scar is closer to will make consultation much smoother.
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Icepick | Narrow and deep pitted shape |
| Rolling | Scars with indistinct borders |
| Boxcar | Scars with clear borders |
It is common for different types of depressed scars to be mixed, so a customized treatment for depressed acne scars that considers the scar pattern, individual skin condition, and regenerative capacity is desirable.
Why lasers alone are insufficient
Fraxel laser, commonly used for acne scar treatment, is widely used for pores and scars, but it mainly targets small and shallow scars as it cannot sufficiently reach the dermal layer. For deeply depressed scars, high-output laser devices that provide stronger regenerative stimulation may be used.
However, lasers are strong in treating the surface and middle layers. If fibrous tissue tightly entangled within the dermis pulls the scar downwards, it is not easy to release it with lasers alone. At this point, surgical methods are also needed.
If you have any questions, ask via chat consultation when considering acne scar treatment
Triple Repair: The reason for combining three treatments
Triple Repair performed at our clinic is a combined treatment that bundles laser, Subcision, and Cell Regeneration Injection. Each step plays a different role, and they are structured to compensate for each other's limitations.
- Laser Stimulates damaged tissue to induce skin regeneration
- Subcision Cuts the fibrous tissue entangled within the dermis, resolving the root cause of scars being pulled down
- Cell Regeneration Injection Aids the regeneration process, helping to fill in depressed areas
- Applying all three together is reported to achieve more distinct changes than single treatments
Subcision is ideally combined with high-output laser devices, and adding Cell Regeneration Injection further aids recovery. In the clinic, many patients who visit after not achieving satisfactory results from previous treatments have deep scars, and in many cases, the extent of change is greater when approached with combined treatment.
Treatment cycle and recovery process
Depending on the depth and severity of the scar, treatment is usually performed 3 to 5 times at two-month intervals. Daily activities such as washing, showering, and makeup are possible immediately from the day after treatment.
However, changes due to the laser may appear for about two weeks after the procedure, so it is helpful to be aware of this in advance to avoid being surprised.
- Small scabs may form
- Redness or flushing may appear
- Bruising or swelling may accompany the treatment
- For those sensitive to pain, we recommend receiving treatment after applying Topical Anesthetic Cream
These reactions may vary individually, and most gradually subside during the recovery process.
If redness is also present
If depressed scars are accompanied by erythema or other redness, you can benefit from improving red acne scars by using the Vbeam Prima vascular laser together. Managing both the depression and redness of scars helps to even out the overall skin tone.
In conclusion
Since depressed acne scars vary in depth and shape from person to person, a combined treatment tailored to your skin condition is more advantageous for recovery than a standardized single method. If you experience recurrent acne, it is better to start management before scars deepen.
If you are curious about your scar type and which combination is right for you, we recommend starting with a light consultation.
💬 Consult NowChief Director Lee Sang-joo (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-joo's Profile First published 2023-09-27 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This content is for general information purposes only. Treatment responses and recovery patterns may vary individually. Please consult with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.