[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] Guide to Scar Treatment Lasers and Ultrapulse Alpha Pinhole Technique

Everyone desires clean, smooth skin. However, scars from everyday accidents, surgeries, acne, or burns often remain a long-standing concern because they don't fade easily over time. The most common question from those encountering scars for the first time is simple: "Can this be improved with a laser?"

To put it simply, scars are not just a surface problem; they involve a disrupted collagen structure deep within the dermis. Therefore, an approach that induces regeneration from within the skin, rather than just covering the surface, is key.

Scars form when collagen tissue regenerates irregularly during the skin's healing process after damage. If this regeneration is uneven, the skin can appear sunken, raised and firm, or as red marks, each taking a different form.

Many people first try home care like ointments or creams. However, the deeper the scar, the more limited surface care becomes, eventually leading them to seek scar treatment lasers that act on the dermis.

Non-surgical laser treatment is a method that induces changes within the skin without incision. It works by tidying up damaged tissue and promoting collagen regeneration to restore skin texture.

The process by which laser treatment acts on scars can be broadly divided as follows:

• Micro-tidying of damaged and clumped tissue in the scar area
• Inducing collagen regeneration in the dermis
• Gradually restoring irregular skin texture to a smooth state
• Minimizing burden on healthy tissue by adjusting energy intensity according to skin condition

Ultrapulse Alpha is a high-output CO2 laser known for its use in scar treatment. It precisely delivers energy to the scar area to gently refine damaged tissue and induce skin regeneration.

It is particularly used for the following types of scars:

• Deeply depressed acne scars
• Surgical scars, burn scars
• Old, hardened atrophic scars

Its characteristic feature is the ability to finely adjust energy intensity according to skin condition, reducing damage to healthy skin while selectively treating scar tissue. If you are concerned about depressed acne scars or surgical scars that are prominently indented, understanding the device's operating principle can be helpful.

In the consultation room, we often see that the single word "scar" encompasses cases with completely different depths and characteristics.

For questions, inquire via chat consultation about scar treatment lasers

When laser alone is insufficient, the Pinhole Technique can be applied concurrently. The Pinhole Technique is a regenerative treatment method that creates microscopic holes in multiple layers within the scar area to loosen clumped collagen in the dermis and induce its rearrangement.

Its principle is to gently loosen scar tissue and promote collagen production, naturally restoring skin texture. It is performed without incision and places less burden on surrounding healthy tissue, making it suitable for deep and old atrophic scars. When a multi-stage approach is needed, the Pinhole Alpha method may also be considered.

Here's a simple summary of the roles of laser and Pinhole Technique:

Each person's scar depth, extent, skin thickness, and pigment response are all different. Therefore, for scar treatment lasers, a personalized plan is crucial, rather than a single fixed answer. This is an important aspect to check along with equipment selection.

Here are items worth checking before treatment:

• Type and depth of the scar (depressed or raised)
• Time of scar formation and duration passed
• Skin thickness and tendency for pigmentation
• Scope of daily care possible during the recovery period

Scars often do not disappear naturally over time. Rather than neglecting them, an approach that induces regeneration with scar treatment lasers like Ultrapulse Alpha and the Pinhole Technique is necessary. Since regeneration speed varies from person to person, synergy may be expected by using skin boosters like Rejuran or Juvelook together.

In the past, when scars formed, methods for improvement were limited, and it was not uncommon for people to postpone treatment and live with them for a long time. Stress from scars can significantly impact daily life.

Now, with advancements in scar treatment lasers and regenerative therapies, you can gradually restore your skin condition by finding a method that suits you. However, as individual results may vary, it is important to first confirm whether the method is appropriate for your specific scar through consultation with medical staff.

Chief Director Lee Sang-ju (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-ju's Profile First Published 2026-01-23 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

This content provides general information about scar treatment, and individual responses and results may vary. Therefore, please consult with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.