Acne scarring isn't fixed in one visit or one device. JRYN's protocol combines subcision, fractional laser, RF microneedling, TCA Cross, and adjunct support — staged across multiple sessions and trips. Here's the honest framework for foreign patients planning multi-trip acne scar revision.
Scarring is multi-modality, multi-session, multi-trip. Plan accordingly.
Acne scarring is one of the harder dermatologic problems — different scar types respond to different treatments. JRYN's protocol uses 3–5 modalities: (1) subcision(manual release of fibrous tethers under rolling scars), (2) fractional laser (Fraxel or CO2) for textural resurfacing, (3) RF microneedling (Morpheus8) for deeper textural work, (4) TCA Cross for ice-pick scars (focal high-concentration TCA), (5) optional exosome / salmon DNA for healing support. Total sessions: 5–10 across 9–18 months. Foreign patients typically plan 3–5 trips aligned with treatment stages. Realistic improvement: 60–80% reduction in scar visibility, not full clearance. Asian skin requires conservative escalation due to PIH risk. Total protocol cost $2,500–$5,500 at JRYN vs $8,000–$15,000 at US scar revision specialty clinics.
JRYN evaluates each scar by type (ice-pick, rolling, boxcar, hypertrophic), depth, and location. Creates a treatment map. Different scars get different modalities. Sets realistic expectations per scar type. 30-min initial consultation.
Manual release of fibrous tethers under rolling scars using a fine needle. Lifts the scar floor. 30-min procedure under local anesthesia. 2–3 days bruising. Follow-up at 4–6 weeks. Often the foundation step before laser resurfacing.
Fraxel (non-ablative) or CO2 (ablative) fractional laser for textural resurfacing. 3–5 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart. Conservative-first on Asian skin to minimize PIH. Most patients use Fraxel; severe scarring may benefit from CO2 with longer recovery.
Deeper textural work via RF + microneedling. 3-session series spaced 4–6 weeks. Often layered with fractional laser series. Reaches 4mm depth for deeper scar floor restructuring. 2–4 days visible recovery per session.
Focal application of high-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA 70–100%) into ice-pick scar pits. Triggers controlled inflammation and collagen remodeling. 1–3 sessions per scar. 1-week scab phase per session. Effective for scars too narrow for laser/microneedling.
Exosome therapy or salmon DNA injection between sessions to accelerate healing and reduce PIH. Long-term maintenance: yearly fractional touch-up, daily SPF, periodic skin booster. Some patients return annually for refinement.
→ TCA Cross. Focal high-concentration TCA into each pit. Best treatment for scars too narrow for laser. 1–3 sessions per scar.
→ Fractional laser primary. Edge-blunting through controlled resurfacing. 3–5 session series. CO2 for deeper boxcars; Fraxel for milder.
→ Subcision first, then laser/microneedling. Subcision releases tethers; resurfacing smooths surface. The foundational combo for most patients.
→ Intralesional steroids + 5-FU + pulsed dye laser. Different protocol from depressed scars. Series of 3–6 sessions every 4–6 weeks.
→ Pico laser (PicoPlus). Doesn't address scar texture but clears the dark patches that often accompany scars. Combines with scar protocol.
→ Full multi-modality protocol. Mapped per scar with priority sequencing. Most JRYN scar patients fall here. Total 5–10 sessions across 9–18 months.
1550nm fractional laser for surface-mid resurfacing. Lower downtime than CO2, gentler for Asian skin. JRYN's default for textural work. 3–4 day recovery per session.
10600nm ablative fractional. Stronger results but 7-day visible recovery. Reserved for severe scarring or patients with extended Korea stays. Higher PIH risk on Asian skin requires conservative parameters.
Inmode's RF microneedling at depths up to 4mm. Reaches deeper than laser. Asian-skin friendly. 3-session series. Often layered between Fraxel sessions.
Trichloroacetic acid 70–100% applied with toothpick into ice-pick scar pits. Triggers controlled inflammation. Per-scar precision. 1-week scab phase. Cumulative remodeling over 6–12 weeks.
2–3 days bruising at treated scars. Tylenol for tenderness. No facial massage for 1 week. Subcision can be combined with same-day skin booster (Rejuran) for healing support without affecting recovery.
3–4 days redness and rough texture. Light makeup OK day 4. Strict SPF 50+ from day 1. Gentle cleanser only first week. Some peeling day 5–7. Avoid retinoids for 2 weeks. Can resume normal activities day 4.
7-day visible recovery: redness, peeling, oozing first 3 days. Wound-care protocol with prescribed ointments. Strict avoidance of sun, makeup, exfoliants. Day 7+: pink phase for additional 2–3 weeks. Plan extended Korea stay if doing CO2.
1-week scab phase per treated scar. Don't pick the scabs (causes worse scarring). Vaseline application 2–3x daily. Scabs naturally fall off day 7–10. Skin underneath pink for additional 2 weeks. SPF strict during pink phase.
Dr. Lee Portrait
A medical decision should not feel rushed.
My job is to give you the 30 minutes you couldn't get at home
—
then deliver treatment that respects what made you fly here in the first place.
WhatsApp us photos showing your scarring. Within 24 hours we share scar-by-scar treatment mapping, recommended modality sequence, realistic improvement expectation, total session count, and trip-planning schedule. Honest assessment, no upselling.
Individual results may vary. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a licensed medical professional before any procedure. Prices are estimates and may change. JRYN Dermatology is licensed under the Korean Medical Service Act.
Contact number : +82-10-3951-7576
Address:
4F, Samjeong Tower, 672 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Korea