What people truly want when they are concerned about cosmetic scars is not another reoperation, but a recovery that looks natural, close to their original skin, without any signs of surgery. Looking at online posts related to cosmetic scars, the expressions patients were most anxious about were "sagging" and "blunt," while the expressions they wanted to achieve through treatment were "natural," "soft," and "fast recovery." Ultimately, the core is to regain naturalness without reoperation.
If the line is still uneven a year after surgery, it's not swelling
If it's been a year since your surgery and the line is still uneven like a sausage, it's not swelling. Medically, it's highly likely to be hardened scar tissue where the inner skin tissue has tangled and adhered. It's a state where you cannot expect it to loosen on its own with more time.
If you try to lower the line by re-excising in this state, you will be re-injuring already damaged tissue. As a result, there is a risk that the skin texture may become harder and more unnatural.
The Pinhole Technique is a method to loosen hardened tissue without a scalpel
Hardened, tangled tissue requires the Pinhole Technique, not excision. Many clinics use similar terms, but Yonsei Star Dermatology was the first to report and establish this treatment method in academia in 2005.
By accurately identifying the depth and strength of the scar and creating microscopic holes, the hardened, tangled tissue can loosen flexibly, and the line can gradually settle.
Instead of shaving off tissue, the focus is on loosening the tangled structure itself to restore a natural contour.
Scars that are raised white or depressed need to have their height adjusted
If the incision site after nose surgery or philtrum reduction is raised white or depressed, makeup can easily cake and stand out, no matter how good the foundation. Such scars need to be precisely refined to match the skin's height, and the performance of the equipment is crucial here.
- Yonsei Star Dermatology uses Ultrapulse Alpha, known as an advanced model among fractional lasers.
- With precise beam quality, it minimizes damage to surrounding healthy skin and selectively acts on scar tissue.
- This reduces the burden of redness and recovery time after treatment, allowing for a smooth return to daily life.
Instead of blindly waiting 6 months, we look at the golden time
In the past, a 6-month wait was standard, but the latest medical trends are different. There are studies reporting that starting fractional laser treatment in the early stages can reduce side effects and safely prevent scars. The period immediately after the wound has healed and sutures are removed is the early stage, or golden time.
Yonsei Star Dermatology aims to provide faster treatment solutions through continuous research and paper presentations, even when others advise waiting.
Instead of vague information, we look at treatments proven by data
It is regrettable if you have shown great courage to become beautiful, but the result is overshadowed by scars at the end. We recommend choosing scientific treatments supported by data and papers, rather than vague internet information or blind waiting.
Results may vary by individual, and accurate diagnosis and treatment are determined after consultation.
Written by Lee Sang-joo (Yonsei Star Dermatology) · Medical Staff Introduction · Last reviewed 2026-06-04