Can acne scars (pockmarks) improve? A comprehensive guide to treatments and session counts for each type of pitted scar | Maypure Godeok Branch, Godeok Station Dermatology

 

Written by: Chief Director Seung-eun Jeong (Family Medicine Specialist · Maypure Godeok Branch, Godeok Station, Gangdong-gu, Seoul)
Date written: November 13, 2026

 

 

Key Summary

 

• Pockmarks are caused by the breakdown of collagen in the skin due to acne inflammation. pitted scars However, it does not flare up well with just topical ointment.
• Scar shape ( Icepick · Boxcar · Rolling The appropriate treatment varies depending on the condition, usually Two or three things together I write.
• mostly At least 10 times at 2-week intervals Hold on, and the goal is not to be completely flat. Reduce depth and shadows to make them less visible It is to do.

 

hello.

I am Jeong Seung-eun, the head director of Maypure Godeok Branch.

One of the most-read questions on the Maypure community acne board was, "I have pockmarks on my cheeks; can they get better?"

Today, I will take a deep dive into just one type of pitted acne scar.

 

 

Table of contents of this article

 

1. How are pockmarks and acne marks different?
2. What shapes do indented scars come in?
3. What treatment improves pockmarks?
4. How many times and how much should I receive?
5. What should be done first before treatment?
6. What about side effects and recovery?
7. Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How are pockmarks and acne marks different?

 

Acne marks are 'discoloration' that remains, whereas pockmarks are 'indentations' in the skin.

 

 

division	If it looks like this	As time passes
red and brown marks	Flat with red or brown spots remaining	Usually fades over several months
Pockmarks	When light is shone from the side, a deep shadow is cast.	It doesn't come up easily on its own

 

Verification method: Place a mirror next to your face and shine a light at an angle.

If you see a shadow rather than color, it is a pitted scar.

 

 

What shapes do indented scars come in?

 

There are three types: ice picks with narrow, deep openings, boxcars with angular edges, and gentle, wave-like rolling, and they are mostly mixed together on one face.

 

 

Scar shape	characteristic	Treatment that is usually suitable
Ice pick type	The entrance is narrow and deep downwards, as if pierced with an awl	Local acid treatment injected only into the scar (TCA cross), punch procedure
Boxcar type	The bottom is wide and the edges drop sharply	Fractional laser, radiofrequency microneedle
Rolling type	It sinks broadly and gently like a wave, casting a shadow.	Subcision (releasing adhesions beneath the scar), fillers, and collagen-stimulating injections

 

Icepick scars can reach a depth of 2 to 3 mm, making it difficult to reach the bottom with surface lasers alone.

Therefore, we add separate treatment methods for each scar.

 

 

What treatment improves pockmarks?

 

The basic treatment involves creating micro-injuries to stimulate the growth of new collagen, and it is combined with therapies to break the tension pulling the scar downward or to fill in sunken areas.

 

• Fractional Laser: It creates tiny, dense holes in the skin to promote the growth of new tissue. It is a basic treatment that refines the entire skin texture.
• High-frequency microneedle: It stimulates collagen by delivering heat to the dermis from the needle tip while minimizing surface damage.
• Subcision: A fine needle is used to cut the fibrous tissue binding the bottom of the scar downward, allowing the skin to rise.
• Local acid treatment · Punch: We treat each narrow and deep scar individually.
• Fillers · Collagen Stimulating Injections: Adjust the height of the wide recessed area.

 

In studies as well, the degree of improvement and satisfaction were higher when subcision was performed together with laser treatment compared to laser treatment alone.

Rather than one machine A combination tailored to the scar shape This determines the result.

 

 

How many times and how much should I receive?

 

Typically, you receive at least 10 sessions at 2-week intervals. It may take longer if the scar is deep and wide.

 

therapy	role	progress
Fractional Laser · Radiofrequency Microneedle	Refines the entire skin texture and replenishes new collagen	At 2-week intervals, more than 10 central sessions
Subcision	Cut the string pulling the scar down	Add a few more times to scars with adhesions
Local acid treatment · punch	Handling narrow and deep scars one by one	Adding to ice pick scars
Fillers · Collagen Stimulating Injections	Adjusting the height of a wide recess	Add when needed

 

It takes time for collagen to build up. Even after the last treatment, it gets better little by little over the course of a few months. After about 5 sessions, compare with photos and redesign the plan to fit the remaining scars.

 

 

What should be done first before treatment?

 

If new acne keeps appearing, scars will continue to form, so stopping the acne first is the first step.

 

1. Now I'm catching acne: Medication and inflammation treatment help reduce new acne. Do not squeeze large, inflamed pimples with your hands; please seek medical attention. (Refer to 'Recommended Reading' below.)
2. Reducing redness: If there are many red marks, stabilize the skin first.
3. Start scar treatment: weak ultraviolet rays Autumn · Winter This is a good way to start. This is because the skin, which has become sensitive after the laser, experiences less hyperpigmentation.

 

 

What about side effects and recovery?

 

Redness, swelling, and small scabs are common and usually subside within a few days to a week.

 

• Pigmentation: It is relatively common in Asian skin, so UV protection is especially important during treatment.
• bruise: It may occur 1 to 2 weeks after subcision.
• Scar Worsening: Although rare, it can occur if the intensity is increased excessively, so proceed in multiple steps rather than doing it strongly all at once.
• Do not forcibly remove scabs; please moisturize and protect from UV rays.

 

Please let me know first: If you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking oral acne medication (isotretinoin), are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a predisposition to keloids (scars that swell).

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. Will pockmarks improve just by applying scar ointment?
A. Scar ointments work by preventing scars from swelling, so they are not very effective at filling in indented scars.

 

Q. Is it effective after just one session?
A. You can feel changes in skin texture for shallow scars after just a few sessions, but for pitted scars, treatments are usually divided into more than 10 sessions at 2-week intervals.

 

Q. Can old scars also improve?
A. Even scars that are several years old can be treated. However, if the adhesions beneath the scar are hard, subcision is often used in conjunction.

 

Q. Can I go to work immediately after treatment?
A. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, redness and small scabs may be visible for a few days, so the intensity is adjusted according to the schedule.

 

Q. Can I get a consultation for acne scars near Godeok Station?
A. At Maypure Godeok Branch (Godeok Station Dermatology), we first assess the shape and depth of the scar and design the treatment combination and sequence together.

 

Treatment for pockmarks Rather than treating it hard all at once, divide it according to the shape of the scar. Going ahead preserves the results.

This has been Jeong Seung-eun, Chief Director of Maypure Godeok Branch.

 

💬 What is the condition of my face right now?
If you have any skin concerns or questions about treatments, please leave a comment~
The director is leaving a reply 😊

 

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Written by Chief Director Jeong Seung-eun
Maypure Godeok Branch · Family Medicine Specialist. Provides treatment for general skin conditions, including acne, pigmentation, skin Botox, and lifting.

 

Recommended reading
Comprehensive Guide to the Effects and Side Effects of Acne Inflammation Injections (Can I squeeze them? Treatment for inflamed acne) 👉 https://www.maypureclinic.com/community/godeok/137689993
Comprehensive Guide to Wrinkle Botox — Forehead, Glabella, and Nose Bridge 👉 https://www.maypureclinic.com/community/godeok/137998090
Comprehensive Guide to Nasolabial Fold & Sagging Cheek Lifting — Shurink vs. Density 👉 https://www.maypureclinic.com/community/godeok/137812552

 

📍 Location · Reservation Information
Godeok Station Dermatology Maypure Godeok Branch 👉 https://naver.me/5PlGkFl9

 

References
- Jacob CI, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 (Classification and Treatment of Acne Scars)
- Kravvas G, Al-Niaimi F. Scars Burn Heal. 2017 · 2018 (Systematic Review of Acne Scar Treatment)
- Reynolds RV, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 (American Academy of Dermatology Acne Treatment Guidelines)

 

※ This article provides general information and does not recommend any specific procedures, guarantee effectiveness, or replace a consultation.

The number of treatments and results vary from person to person.

The face photo in the text is an AI-generated image for illustrative purposes and is not a real patient.

 

#GodeokStationDermatology #GodeokDermatology #GangdongguDermatology #AcneScars #Pockmarks #DepressedScars #IcePickScars #BoxcarScars #RollingScars #AcneScarTreatment #Subcision #FractionalLaser