Even after acne subsides, the skin surface can remain deeply pitted, leaving shadowed marks. The first question that usually comes to mind in front of a mirror is: "Can deeply depressed scars become smooth again?" To answer directly, depressed acne scars do not disappear all at once, but improvement is reported when a stepwise approach is taken, choosing methods appropriate for the scar's shape and depth.
Why Depressed Acne Scars Are Particularly Tricky
Depressed acne scars refer to a condition where inflammation has progressed to the deep dermal layer, damaging collagen, and during the healing process, the tissue hardens in a sunken state. Unlike surface pigment marks, the structure itself is caved in, so changes often feel slow with only whitening or light laser treatments.
This is also why many people give up midway when they don't see noticeable changes after a few treatments. Depressed scars vary in shape and depth even within the same face, leading to limitations when trying to solve everything with a single method.
Improvement in depressed acne scars is reported when methods are combined according to the scar type, rather than with a single procedure.
The shapes of scars can generally be divided as follows:
| Scar Type | Surface Shape | Approach Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Boxcar | Clear edges, wide depression | Boundary refinement and depression correction |
| Icepick | Narrow and deep, like a dot | Direct correction of deep areas |
| Rolling | Gently undulating, wave-like | Dermal regeneration stimulation |
Detailed explanations for each scar type can be found in Causes and Characteristics of Depressed Acne Scars.
Deeply Depressed Scars, the Suture-Free Punch Method
One method applied to deeply depressed scars is Suture-Free Punch. This treatment involves using a punch to lift the sunken scar area, then fixing it with a special medication instead of sutures, inducing the skin to regenerate on its own.
Traditional punch methods had the burden of requiring sutures after the procedure. Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon conducted research to improve this point and, in 2011, announced the Suture-Free Punch method, which fixes the treated area with a special medication, and has been applying it in treatment.
What are the advantages of the Suture-Free method?
Because it is fixed with a special medication without sutures, the procedure is relatively simple, and no suture marks are left. After the procedure, a regenerative tape only needs to be applied for about 3 days, which is also considered an advantage, allowing for light daily activities immediately after the procedure.
The characteristics of Suture-Free Punch are summarized as follows:
- Lifts depressed scars to correct surface irregularities
- Does not use sutures, reducing the burden of suture marks
- The period of regenerative tape application is relatively short
- Focuses intensively on deeply depressed individual scars
However, punch treatment is a type of surgery, so the practitioner's technique greatly influences the results. The difficulty of this procedure is also why not many doctors in Korea perform punch treatment. There can be individual differences in which method to apply to which scar, so a judgment through consultation is necessary.
If you are wondering if punch treatment is the right method for your scar, you can easily inquire through Chat Consultation for Depressed Scar Treatment Direction.
The practitioner's experience determines the results
Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon has directly received know-how from Dr. Greg Goodman of Australia, known as a master of punch treatment, and applies it to treatments. If punch treatment is performed without sufficient experience, the scar area can become uneven.
In the examination room, even with the same Suture-Free Punch, differences in results arise from the process of interpreting the scar and determining how much to lift it. Therefore, we recommend receiving treatment from dermatological medical staff with sufficient experience in punch treatment.
What to know before starting scar treatment
Treatment for depressed scars often proceeds in stages according to the depth and shape of the scar, rather than ending in a single session. Deep individual scars may be treated with direct correction methods like punch treatment, while widely distributed scars may be combined with methods that aid dermal regeneration.
In addition to Suture-Free Punch, Premium Customized Acne Scar Care or Surgical Scar Revision may also be considered depending on the scar condition. Furthermore, if acne is still active, combining Acne Care and Understanding Acne Scars can help reduce new scars.
The treatment direction may vary depending on the scar type and skin condition, so it is advisable to plan thoroughly through sufficient consultation before starting.
If you have not felt changes after various treatments or are curious about Suture-Free Punch, you can comfortably ask about your scar condition through Chat Consultation for Acne Scar Treatment.
Thank you for reading.
Chief Director Lee Sang-Joo (Yonsei University College of Medicine & Graduate School, Doctor of Medicine, Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-Joo's Profile First published 2024-04-19 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This content is for general information purposes only, and treatment results and progress may vary individually. Accurate diagnosis and treatment direction should be determined through consultation with medical staff.