Scar Treatment Laser: Why Choosing the Right Dermatology Clinic and Equipment is Important | [Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon]

If you have a scar, you've probably heard the saying, "You have to wait until it settles." But when you stand in front of a mirror, the first question that comes to mind is simple: When is the best time to start treatment? To get straight to the point, recent research reports that waiting indefinitely for scars is not always advantageous; rather, treatment response is better in the early stages.

Today, based on the most frequently asked questions in scar consultations, we will gradually unravel the principles of treatment timing and equipment selection.

In the past, it was common to wait 6 months or more for a scar to settle. However, a reverse trend has recently been reported: scars respond better to treatment in their early stages.

This is due to changes in the tissue. As time passes, the skin tissue hardens, reducing the scope for laser action. The period when the wound no longer bleeds but still has redness is commonly referred to as early scar, and this is known as the time when treatment effects can be expected relatively efficiently.

Scar treatment lasers do not solve everything with a single device. The appropriate equipment varies depending on the scar's condition and the timing of treatment, which is why a specialist's diagnosis is necessary. Even if scars appear to be in the same area and of the same size, the approach differs depending on the surface texture, thickness, and degree of redness.

The equipment considered according to the stage and type of scar is summarized as follows:

In the early stage when redness remains, vascular lasers are considered first. Vbeam Prima is known as a device that can help alleviate redness in the scar area and inhibit the thickening of tissue.

For hardened or uneven scars, fractional CO₂ laser series such as Ultrapulse or StarLux are utilized. Ultrapulse Alpha is a device that can precisely control intensity and density, making it widely applicable to raised scars, depressed scars, and thick burn scars.

Since the approach differs depending on the type of scar, such as depressed acne scars, burn scars, or cosmetic surgery scars, it is helpful to first identify which category your scar falls into.

If you have any questions, inquire via chat consultation regarding scar equipment selection

The difficulty of scar treatment is much more influenced by the current condition than by the duration since the scar appeared. In the examination room, even for scars that occurred at the same time, the texture and thickness often vary greatly from person to person.

When examining scars, the following items are checked first:

• Is the surface texture smooth or uneven?
• Is it thick, or is it depressed compared to the surrounding skin?
• How large is the area?
• Is there still redness, or is it accompanied by pigmentation?

All these factors must be comprehensively considered to determine the appropriate equipment and method. This is why the optimal approach for the same scar can vary depending on when it is treated.

There's no need to give up on old scars. Even scars that appeared quite some time ago can be expected to improve depending on their condition. However, an accurate judgment can only be made after directly examining the scar. It is difficult to accurately gauge the thickness and texture from photos or descriptions alone.

After laser treatment, temporary redness or pigmentation may appear. Most of these naturally subside over time, and with experienced medical staff, more stable improvement can be expected. However, there may be individual differences in the recovery pattern and extent.

Scars often become more difficult to manage the longer they are left untreated. Inquire via chat consultation regarding scar recovery period and side effects

As time passes, scar tissue can harden, narrowing treatment options. In the early stages when redness remains, the range of Surgical Scar Revision or laser treatments is broad, so it is best not to miss the golden time if possible. If you are considering scar treatment, we recommend starting by accurately assessing your scar's condition.

Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist Chief Director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon. Has extensive experience in treating pigment and scars, and also serves as the President of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026 and an adjunct professor at the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine. View Chief Director Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First published 2026-04-07 · Last reviewed July 23, 2026

This article is for general information purposes only, and there may be individual differences in scar condition and recovery patterns. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.