First published: 2026-05-17 / Last reviewed: 2026-05-17
This is a scar care guide compiled by Dr. Choi Byeong-geun of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk (3 minutes walk from Konkuk Univ. Station Exit 1).
The most frequently asked question in the scar consultation room is, "Can this scar disappear?" The honest answer is, "It won't disappear completely, but it can be significantly lightened." The range of results for scars varies greatly depending on their type, depth, timing, and the patient's recovery ability, so in the examination room, these variables are checked first before deciding on the treatment method.
1. Not All Scars Are the Same
What you call a "scar" in front of the mirror actually includes several types.
- Ice pick scars — Narrow, deep indentations (ice pick shape)
- Rolling scars — Wide, shallow indentations
- Boxcar scars — Square indentations with clear borders
- Raised scars (hypertrophic scars, keloids) — Scars that rise above the surface
- Traumatic scars — Linear or planar scars remaining after an accident or surgery
- Surgical scars — Scars left as a line at the incision site
- PIH scars — Pigmentation rather than a scar (refer to the separate pigmentation guide)
Different types require different treatment methods recommended in the examination room.
2. Depressed Acne Scars — Discovery Pico Genesis Acne Scar
For scars where the surface is depressed after acne has subsided, Discovery Pico Genesis Acne Scar is a primary candidate.
The procedure is performed within one treatment session, following the sequence of CL-anesthesia-Discovery Pico Acne Scar-Benev-calming-CryoCell (5)-Flexlux-modeling.
Recommended for:
- Those whose active acne has mostly cleared but have depressed scars remaining
- Those with a mix of ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars
- Those with distinct depressions in only one or two areas
- Those whose pigmentation has been improved by toning but whose surface depressions remain
The recommended cycle is once every 4-6 weeks, with 3 cumulative sessions being the general course. It's more accurate to understand that the surface is not completely filled in with a single treatment, but rather that the shadow of the depression lightens with cumulative treatments.
Depressed scars are lightened not by filling the surface, but by rearranging the collagen around the depression to reduce the shadow. Many people notice a significantly improved appearance in daily life compared to when viewed up close in a mirror.
3. Deep Scars, Surgical Scars — Discovery Pico Fractional
Discovery Pico Fractional is more suitable for surgical scars or deep linear scars remaining after trauma.
It is performed as a combo of 500-won coin size + Benev + LDM + Flexlux, or as a standalone treatment for a half-passport photo size area.
Recommended for:
- Those with linear surgical scars
- Those with distinct accident scars on the palms, forehead, chin, etc.
- Those whose scars have not faded and remain hardened over time
- Those with accompanying pigmentation around the scar
Pico Fractional creates microscopic point-unit heating on the surface, simultaneously stimulating epidermal regeneration + dermal collagen rearrangement. 3-5 cumulative sessions at 4-6 week intervals are typical.
4. Traumatic Scars — U-Pulse Laser
U-Pulse Laser is a treatment specialized for scars remaining after trauma. It is performed as a combo with Benev and Flexlux.
Recommended for:
- Scars that have passed a certain amount of time after an accident or burn
- Cases where scars involve not only the surface but also pigmentation
- Small traumatic scars less than 500-won coin size
- Those who are bothered by childhood scars even as adults
Depending on the type and size of the scar, it may be performed alone or in combination with other lasers.
Send a photo of your scar via chat for a consultation now
5. At-a-Glance Comparison
| Scar Type | Primary Treatment | Recommended Sessions | Treatment Interval | Accompanying Treatments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice pick, rolling, boxcar (acne) | Pico Genesis Acne Scar | 3-5 sessions | 4-6 weeks | After cumulative toning |
| Deep depression, surgical scars | Pico Fractional (half-passport photo size) | 3-5 sessions | 4-6 weeks | Benev, LDM |
| Partial depression (under 500-won coin size) | Pico Fractional + LDM Combo | 3 sessions | 4-6 weeks | Flexlux |
| Traumatic scars (small) | U-Pulse Laser | 3-5 sessions | 4-6 weeks | Benev |
| Traumatic scars (half-passport photo size) | U-Pulse Laser (large) | 3-5 sessions | 4-6 weeks | Flexlux |
| Hypertrophic, keloid | Prior evaluation in examination room | Case-by-case | — | Concurrent drug injection |
Hypertrophic and keloid scars require thorough evaluation in the examination room before treatment. There are cases where treatment might actually stimulate the scar, so we do not proceed with treatment immediately.
6. Common Misconceptions Brought to the Examination Room
Q1. "Will my scar disappear in one go?" The honest answer is, "It won't disappear in one go." Since a scar is a change in the dermal structure itself, not just the surface, the process involves lightening the shadow and smoothing the surface through cumulative treatments. The more sessions you accumulate, the more refined your appearance will be in the mirror.
Q2. "Can old scars also improve?" The type, depth, and surface structure of the scar have more influence on the outcome than the age of the scar. A 10-year-old scar can be lightened, and a 1-year-old scar might be difficult depending on the case. After direct examination in the clinic, we will determine the possible range of results together.
Q3. "It's a surgical scar, should I get treatment at the place where I had the surgery?" Surgical scar care can be performed based on the type, timing, and surface condition of the scar itself, so it is fine to have it done at a clinic other than where the surgery was performed. If you inform us of the surgery date and your medication history in the examination room before treatment, we will proceed safely.
Q4. "My scar is red and raised. Can I get treatment?" In this case, we first check for the possibility of a hypertrophic scar or keloid. There are cases where general scar treatment might actually stimulate and enlarge the scar, so in the examination room, we may first consider drug injections or compression therapy.
7. Pre- and Post-Scar Treatment Care
Before treatment:
- Avoid irritation, exfoliation, or peeling of the treatment area until recovery
- Avoid strong UV exposure and tanning for 2-4 weeks
- Use gentle products for cosmetics and exfoliation around the scar
After treatment:
- Temporary swelling, redness, and fine scabs may occur immediately after treatment → Do not irritate until natural shedding
- Use sunscreen daily (to prevent pigmentation in the treated area)
- Avoid saunas, swimming, strenuous exercise, and strong exfoliation for one week
- Moisturize the treated area thoroughly
- Do not forcibly remove scabs
Especially, UV protection is directly related to the stability of scar treatment results. Please ensure thorough UV protection when going out for one week after treatment.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I want to get sessions quickly, can I shorten the interval? Shortening the interval to less than 4 weeks is not recommended. If the next treatment is performed before the surface has fully recovered, the scar may be irritated and the results may not be satisfactory.
Q. Can I receive scar treatment and other treatments together? We do not recommend overlapping strong treatments on the same area on the same day. If the treatments are for different areas, it may be possible to perform them within the same treatment session. We will decide together in the examination room.
Q. Can I wear makeup after scar treatment? It is best to avoid makeup on the day of treatment, but you can proceed as usual from the next day. If there are scabs, finish with gentle products until they naturally shed.
Scars do not disappear at once, but they are an area where they can be significantly lightened by accumulating sessions with the right treatment for your scar. You can first check the type and depth of the scar visible in the mirror by sending a photo via chat for a consultation.
Authored by: Dr. Choi Byeong-geun (Chief Director of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk / Member of the Korean Society for Laser Dermatology and Hair, Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Medicine) Last reviewed: 2026-05-17
This article provides general treatment information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Treatment suitability and results may vary by individual.