The area patients examine longest in the mirror is often where acne has left its mark. The question, "Can a depressed scar be refilled with a laser?" is likely the first to come to mind. However, depressed acne scars are difficult to resolve with a single device, and recovery can be expected only through a combined treatment approach that uses lasers and procedures together.
While the teenage and twenties are periods of optimal skin, they are also times when individuals face their biggest adversary: acne. After inflammation subsides, bacteria and tissue damage remain, leading to scar formation. Since these scars vary in shape and depth, a single treatment clearly has its limitations.
Why Are Acne Scars Deeper Than Expected?
It's easy to assume that the inflammation causing acne scars occurs in the epidermis. However, it actually originates deep within the dermis and, due to its recurrent nature, can cause widespread tissue destruction. Therefore, the most significant characteristic of depressed acne scars is that they are deeper and more extensive than they appear on the surface.
This characteristic makes treatment challenging. The core of treatment involves stimulating damaged cells by combining powerful lasers and procedural methods according to the depth and shape, filling in depressed scars, and restoring the skin to a near-normal state.
Depressed Scars: First, We Classify by Shape
Acne marks can be broadly categorized into three types based on their shape. Even if they appear to be the same scar, their borders and depths differ, so identifying the type before treatment is essential.
| Type | English | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| 송곳형 | Icepick | Narrow and deep scars |
| 롤링형 | Rolling | Scars with indistinct borders |
| 박스형 | Boxcar | Scars with clear borders |
In the clinic, it's common to see a mix of these three types on a single person's face. Therefore, the treatment combination is determined by considering the individual's skin condition and regenerative capacity.
Why a Single Laser Is Not Enough
Fractional lasers are well-known devices for pores and acne marks. However, there are cases where the laser may not reach the deep dermal layers, which can result in minimal perceived effectiveness for deeply depressed scars.
Therefore, small and shallow scars are treated with lasers like fractional lasers, while deeply depressed scars utilize high-output lasers with high regenerative effects. It is advisable to combine this with procedural treatments like Subcision, which severs tangled fibrous tissue in the dermis to address the root cause of the scar.
It is reported that a combined treatment using both lasers and procedures leads to satisfactory results, as the depth and shape of scars vary.
Adding regenerative treatments like Rejuran or Juvelook can further boost skin regeneration. Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon has organized this combination as Acne Scar Triple Repair, performing laser, procedural methods, and either Rejuran or Juvelook together.
If you have questions about which combination is right for your scars, you can easily check by contacting us via chat for acne scar treatment consultation.
How Is Triple Repair Performed?
Treatment typically involves 3 to 5 sessions, usually spaced two months apart, depending on the depth and extent of the scar. A notable feature is that even deep scars can show changes within a relatively short period.
Another advantage is that the recovery burden is not significant. Daily activities such as washing, showering, and light makeup are possible starting the day after treatment. However, it is good to be aware of the following potential reactions in advance:
- Residual scabs or redness from the laser may be visible for about two weeks.
- Bruising, swelling, and flushing may accompany the procedure.
- Due to the strong effect, sensitive individuals may experience discomfort.
- If pain is a concern, treatment can proceed after applying topical anesthetic cream.
- Recovery patterns may vary individually.
If Redness Is Also Present
If depressed scars are accompanied by red symptoms such as erythema, the Vbeam Prima vascular laser can be used to address both the uneven and reddish marks. Approaching the depressed and red areas separately can lead to a more refined outcome.
What Determines the Results?
While the combination of lasers and procedures is important for Triple Repair, the experience and know-how of a dermatologist specializing in scar treatment can significantly influence the results. Therefore, who designs the treatment and in what sequence is as crucial as which equipment is used.
If you have received acne mark treatment elsewhere but were not satisfied, we recommend starting by re-diagnosing your scar type. If you need a detailed consultation, we will connect you to a Triple Repair consultation inquiry.
Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; Dermatology Resident, Severance Hospital; President, Korean Dermatological Association) Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First Published 2023-12-28 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16
Even with the same scar, the depth and type can vary from person to person, leading to differences in results. We recommend determining the accurate diagnosis and treatment direction through a face-to-face consultation with medical staff.