Scar Combination Program
Staged treatment designed around your scar types

The method depends on the shape and cause of the scar. Among depressed acne scars, we mainly consider subcision to release the tethering for rolling scars where the skin is pulled down from below, TCA cross for narrow, deep ice pick scars, and edge refinement with Accent Prime Micro Plasma (Legato), erbium shouldering, fractional CO2, and similar methods for boxcar scars with defined edges. Several types are often mixed on one face, so a board-certified dermatologist maps the scar types by area at the first visit and then decides the combination.

Whether and how to treat them is decided after consultation. The Scar Combination Program is designed mainly around depressed acne scars, so surgical or injury scars and raised scars may need a different approach depending on their location, size, and when they formed. If you are prone to keloids or a scar is getting larger, be sure to tell us at your visit.

Depressed scars differ in the degree of tethering, depth, and edge shape, so one method rarely suits every type. For example, scars caused by tethering under the skin need a separate step to release it, apart from laser. Classifying the types and combining methods is the principle of the Scar Combination Program, and the degree of improvement varies by individual.

We typically plan 3-6 or more stages at 4-6 week intervals, and the exact number is decided based on scar depth and skin condition. At each stage we check how each scar type responds and adjust the combination for the next stage. At your first visit, we set out the overall framework of the plan with you.

Pain is moderate and managed with anesthesia. Topical numbing cream is standard, with local anesthesia added depending on the composition, and the treatment takes 30-60 minutes depending on the composition. How it feels varies by individual, so please tell us during treatment if you are uncomfortable.

Depending on the composition, a recovery period of about 3-7 days with redness and scabs is needed. Bruising in areas treated with subcision may last 1-2 weeks. If you have an important event, let us know in advance and we will adjust the intensity or split the stages.

Old scars whose shape has set can also be treated. However, the realistic goal is not to erase scars but to make them less noticeable by reducing their depth and edges, and the degree of improvement depends on scar depth and skin condition. Treatment proceeds by building on the improvement gained at each stage.

If inflammation is ongoing, we recommend first stabilizing the acne or managing it alongside scar treatment. This is because new breakouts can add new scars. So in the early phase, we balance oil and moisture and control overactive sebaceous glands to build a skin foundation that can tolerate scar treatment, then move on to full scar treatment.

Yes, depending on the scar condition and stage, other treatments can be planned together. We consider Potenza, a microneedle RF treatment, for scar tissue and pores; Juvelook Skin to support collagen formation; and PicoWay for pigmentation remaining after scar treatment. Whether to do them on the same day or space them apart is decided after consultation, considering the load on your skin.

Redness, pinpoint bleeding, and scabs may occur after treatment, and bruising may appear in areas treated with subcision. Picking scabs or exposure to UV can increase the risk of pigmentation. Be sure to tell us at your visit if you are prone to keloids, are pregnant, take photosensitizing medication, have recently tanned, or have an infection or wound in the treatment area.

Wash gently without rubbing, moisturize well, and let scabs fall off on their own. Sun protection is especially important for 1-4 weeks, so apply SPF30 or higher daily and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. For areas treated with subcision, follow the compression instructions we give you, and regenerative care matched to your recovery stage is provided alongside.

You can book via Naver Booking, our KakaoTalk channel, or phone (+82-51-710-1891), and consultations are also available via LINE; Grays Dermatology is located at L Tower 10F, 6 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (near Jung-dong Station on Busan Metro Line 2). The cost depends on the composition for your scar types and the number of stages, so we present it with your full treatment plan after consultation. Please also refer to the price list on our website.