[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] The Story of the First Paper on the Effective Scar Treatment 'Pinhole Technique' Revealed by its Founder / Sinchon Station Dermatology Clinic Burn Scar Hospital

Scars may fade over time, but deeply depressed or widely spread scars are difficult to heal on their own. When facing burn or surgical scars, the first questions that come to mind are generally similar: Can scars be restored to be close to normal skin without incision or additional surgery? This article summarizes how the Pinhole Technique, a type of laser scar treatment, began and by what principle it improves scars.

Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Over the years, we have treated various scar cases, continued clinical research related to scar treatment, and presented the results at domestic and international dermatology conferences and academic journals.

The Pinhole Technique is a laser scar treatment first introduced to the dermatology community in 2006 by a research team including Dr. Kang Jin-moon and Dr. Lee Sang-joo, chief directors of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon. After its announcement, its scar improvement effect was recognized, and it became a common treatment method.

It was first introduced at the Japanese Dermatological Association in 2006.

The Pinhole Technique uses high-power lasers like the Ultrapulse Encore. It creates deep, dense micro-holes in the scar area, loosening and rearranging tangled and clumped collagen tissue. This process induces skin regeneration.

Unlike surgery, it is characterized by not undergoing incision or modification. Cases where the skin color, height, and texture of the scar area improve to a form similar to normal skin have been reported, and satisfaction is generally high. However, the recovery pattern may vary individually.

The Pinhole Technique is used across various scar treatments. The scope of application is as follows:

• Burn Scar: A difficult area to improve, for which the Pinhole Technique first reported effectiveness.
• Surgical Scar: When incision marks are prominent or depressed.
• Depressed Acne Scars: Scars with unevenness due to dermal layer depression.
• Self-harm Scars: Improvement of color and texture of linear scars.

In the clinic, even for the same burn scar, the approach often differs depending on the depth, timing, and skin condition. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly assess the condition before treatment.

If you are wondering which approach is right for your scar type, you can use Pinhole for Burn & Surgical Scar related chat consultation.

As the Pinhole Technique showed good results across scar treatments, similar types of procedures also emerged. Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, as the first to announce the Pinhole Technique, has continuously refined the treatment method.

Currently, it is subdivided and operated in forms tailored to scar conditions and skin types, such as Mild Pinhole or Pinhole Alpha. In cases of deep depression or when structural correction is needed, it may also be considered in conjunction with Surgical Scar Revision.

Temporary changes may appear after laser scar treatment. Knowing the following can help you understand the recovery process:

• Swelling or redness may temporarily appear in the treated area.
• Fine scabs will form and naturally fall off.
• Temporary pigmentation has been reported, and the degree may vary individually.
• Sun protection and moisturizing care are important during the recovery process.

The Pinhole Technique is a laser treatment method that aims to improve the color, height, and texture of scars without incision or modification. It is used even in difficult areas like burn scars, and the application method varies depending on the scar condition. The important thing is to accurately assess the scar type and skin condition before deciding on the treatment direction.

If you have scar concerns, we recommend checking the appropriate direction for your condition through scar treatment consultation chat.

Chief 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 2022-09-08 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16

This content is for general information purposes only, and treatment results and recovery patterns may vary individually. Accurate diagnosis and treatment direction should be determined through consultation with medical staff.