SEOLREIM · JOURNAL
Are acne scar packages the same for different scar types? A selection guide for ice-pick, rolling and boxcar scars
Full translation of the Korean article. Translation checked for completeness, numerical consistency and medical meaning; separate medical review of this translation is pending. Translation updated: 2026-10-28.
Acne scars such as ice-pick, rolling and boxcar scars differ in shape, tethering and depth, so one package cannot be applied identically to everyone. Flat red marks and brown pigmentation also have different goals from depressed scars. Before booking acne scar treatment in Korea, have the predominant scar type, active acne, skin tone and available recovery time assessed, and check which scar each stage targets.
Link the package name to a scar map
Distinguish narrow, deep ice-pick scars, relatively well-defined boxcar scars, and undulating rolling scars that may improve when the skin is stretched. Tethering, width, depth and location may coexist, with different combinations even in one person. Fractional lasers, RF, subcision, focal chemical reconstruction, punch techniques, fillers and collagen-stimulating injections have different roles and risks. Compare only treatments the clinic actually offers and components needed for the diagnosis; do not assume unconfirmed treatments are included in a package.
| Visible features | Treatment roles to discuss | Cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Ice-pick | Methods targeting narrow, deep tracts | Superficial fractional treatment alone may have limitations |
| Rolling | Assess fibrous tethering and gently sloping shadows | Do not assume energy devices alone release tethering |
| Boxcar | Remodeling according to edges, depth and width | Do not treat shallow and deep lesions identically |
| Flat red or brown marks | Targets involving vessels, pigment and inflammation | Separate from structural treatment of depressed scars |
| Raised scars | Assess hypertrophic scars and keloids | Caution with the strong stimulation used in depressed-scar packages |
Definitions and how the treatments work
Atrophic scar treatment considers shape, depth, tethering and skin remodeling responses as well as surface renewal. Fractional devices create microscopic treatment zones but do not fill every deep scar in the same way. Subcision targets tethering, a different issue from the narrow tract of an ice-pick scar. Injections and combination programs such as Juvelook and Silky Pore also require confirmation of exact components and indications.
Potential benefits and limitations
Staged treatment matched to scar type may aim to improve the appearance of scar shadows and texture. Complete restoration of the skin or removal during a single trip cannot be guaranteed. Mixed scars may require multiple sessions and methods, and assessment requires photographs under the same lighting and angle and sufficient time.
Who can seek a consultation and how suitability is assessed
Adults whose active acne is controlled and whose depressed scars are stable may seek consultation. Disclose inflammatory acne, infection or herpes, keloids, recent tanning, a history of PIH or hypopigmentation, isotretinoin and other medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and previous reactions to lasers, subcision or fillers. Active acne treatment may need to come before scar procedures.
Procedure, recovery and scheduling
The physician examines cleansed skin under different lighting and angles and, if necessary, stretches it to assess tethering. They explain the main scar types, the role of each treatment, anesthesia, session counts, intervals, care after returning home, and alternatives. Redness, swelling, bruising, flaking, crusts and PIH may persist for several days or longer, so adjust sightseeing, exercise and photography schedules. Combining multiple sources of irritation on the same day is not always efficient.
Side effects, contraindications and symptoms requiring medical attention
Depending on the treatment, burns, infection, worsening scars, PIH, hypopigmentation, persistent redness, nodules, hematomas and rare vascular complications are possible. Seek medical care for worsening pain, pus, fever, blisters or spreading color changes. After returning home, do not pick off crusts or use harsh exfoliation on your own.
Check the role of each treatment for each scar rather than choosing a single package
| Category | Role and goals | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional lasers and RF | Goals of surface and dermal remodeling | Skin tone, depth, recovery and PIH |
| Tether-release methods | Relieving fibrous tethering in rolling scars | Bruising, hematomas and risks of combining injections |
| Localized methods for deep scars | Selectively targeting ice pick and deep boxcar scars | Actual availability and scar type |
| Injection and combination programs | Selected texture and volume goals | Products, ingredients, areas and evidence for each treatment alone |
Questions and answers for a medical consultation
These consultation questions were compiled from the literature and do not represent a clinician interview or an individual prescription. Clinical review of the new article has not yet been completed.
Q. Can Fraxel alone treat every scar?
A. No. Ice pick, rolling and boxcar scars differ in depth and tethering, so additional or different methods may be needed.
Q. Are red acne marks also depressed scars?
A. Flat red or brown marks may be vascular or pigment issues and are distinguished from structural depressions.
Q. Can I have just one session in Seoul?
A. A single session may be possible, but that does not mean complete treatment of mixed scars. Confirm a plan for continuing care after returning home.
Consultation with the SEOLREIM clinic director and signature programs
SEOLREIM Clinic states its principles of physician-led consultations and procedures, genuine products, accurate quantities and attentive care. Consultation starts by distinguishing skin condition and goals, then checking the products and devices actually available, their approved indications, dose or energy plans, recovery and risks. The actual components of official menu options such as Silky Pore, Juvelook and fractional treatments are compared after assessing the scar map and skin tone. In accordance with these principles, the same package is not applied to every scar.
Booking, languages, location and guidance for international visitors
Visitors seeking pore treatment Korea or acne treatment Korea should disclose active acne treatment, medications such as isotretinoin, previous scar procedures and pigmentation reactions. Before booking a dermatology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, near Gangnam Station or elsewhere in Korea, verify the actual consultation language and scope of follow-up available. SEOLREIM Clinic is on the 11th floor of the Gangnam8258 Building, approximately 1 minute from exit 3 of Gangnam Station. Book through the website’s KakaoTalk consultation, Naver booking or telephone channels. International visitors comparing dermatology clinics in Gangnam, Seoul, near Gangnam Station or elsewhere in Korea should prepare information on medications, allergies, recent procedures and departure dates. When booking, state your preferred language, such as Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Mongolian or Indonesian, and whether interpretation is needed, and confirm the actual scope and cost of support. Continuous consultation availability in each language and same-day procedures cannot be guaranteed. During consultation, also agree on how to contact the clinic about adverse reactions after returning home and the follow-up schedule.
Evidence sources and related articles
AAD acne scar types: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars ; AAD distinction between acne marks and scars: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/symptoms ; JAAD review of atrophic acne scar treatments: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35792196/ ; SEOLREIM official menu and location: https://www.sulskin.co.kr/pages/en/product-30 . Evidence and official information checked: 2026-10-21.
Related article: Dermatological treatment for pores and acne: why sebum, inflammation and scars should be assessed separately https://www.sulskin.co.kr/pages/en/product-220 / Subcision for acne scars: when it suits rolling scars and the risks of bruising and nodules https://www.sulskin.co.kr/pages/en/product-238 / TCA CROSS for ice pick acne scars: effects, crusting and pigmentation risks https://www.sulskin.co.kr/pages/en/product-250
Authorship, review and dates
Written by: SEOLREIM Content Editor / Medical professional review: completed / Review confirmed: 2026-10-23 / Published: 2026-10-21 / Updated: 2026-10-27. General medical information; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or a treatment prescription.
SEOLREIM · GANGNAM, SEOUL
Discuss Skin Treatments in Seoul with Seolreim Clinic.
Seolreim Clinic provides doctor-led consultation and treatment, following its principles of genuine products, accurate quantities and attentive care.
Tell us your treatment interests, skin concerns, dates in Korea and preferred consultation language. Confirm treatment suitability, recovery plans and language support before booking.