Enlarged Pores & Acne Scars — Treatment Options in Seoul

Enlarged Pores & Acne Scars — Treatment Options in Seoul

Enlarged pores and acne scarring are among the most common skin concerns that bring international visitors to Seoul for consultation. Many patients searching for an enlarged pores treatment Seoul clinics offer are hoping for smoother, tighter-looking skin without extensive downtime during a short trip. At DERNA Clinic, located in Seocho-gu, several energy-based treatments are available that work on skin firmness and collagen quality, which can indirectly influence how pores and shallow scarring appear. This page explains the concern itself, then outlines the relevant treatment options, who they may suit, and what to expect.

Understanding Enlarged Pores and Acne Scarring

Pores appear enlarged for several reasons: excess sebum production, thicker oil glands, sun exposure, and a natural loss of skin elasticity with age. As collagen and elastic fibers around the follicle weaken, the pore opening can no longer stay contracted, so it looks larger and more visible, particularly on the nose and cheeks. Acne scarring develops when inflamed breakouts damage the deeper dermis, leaving behind shallow depressions or textural irregularities once the skin heals. Both concerns are cosmetic rather than medical in most cases, but they can affect how skin looks in photographs or under certain lighting. Improvement is possible with consistent treatment, though results vary from person to person depending on skin type, scar depth, and how the skin responds to collagen-stimulating therapy.

What the Treatment Options Are

DERNA Clinic offers three energy-based devices that work primarily on skin tightening and lifting, and are sometimes considered by patients looking at an enlarged pores treatment Seoul approach as a secondary benefit: Thermage FLX, Eye Thermage FLX, and Ultherapy Prime. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper dermis and stimulate new collagen production, which can gradually improve skin elasticity and reduce fine wrinkles; it is offered in 300, 600, and 900 shot options. Eye Thermage FLX applies the same radiofrequency technology specifically to the delicate eye area, in 225 or 450 shot options. Ultherapy Prime uses focused ultrasound with real-time imaging of skin layers to lift from the SMAS, or fascia, layer, and is available in 300 and 600 shot options, with a 200-shot option for the eye area. These are not marketed as dedicated acne scar treatments, and patients with significant atrophic scarring should discuss realistic expectations during consultation, since collagen remodeling from these devices tends to produce subtle firming rather than dramatic scar correction.

Who These Treatments Suit

These treatments generally suit adults with mild to moderate skin laxity, early signs of sagging, or a desire for gradual improvement in skin texture and firmness. Patients with visibly enlarged pores related to loss of surrounding skin support, rather than active acne, may notice some tightening effect over several weeks. People looking for a non-surgical option with limited downtime, who understand that results build gradually and differ between individuals, are typically good candidates.

Who Should Avoid These Treatments

These treatments are not appropriate for everyone. Patients with active skin infections, open wounds, or significant active acne breakouts in the treatment area should wait until the skin has settled. Pregnant patients, those with certain implanted electronic devices, and people with a history of keloid scarring should discuss their situation carefully with a physician before proceeding. Anyone with unrealistic expectations of dramatic or lasting scar removal should be counseled that outcomes are gradual and individual, and that no clinic can promise a specific result.

How a Session Goes

A typical visit begins with a consultation and skin assessment, where a doctor reviews the patient's concerns, skin type, and treatment history. Numbing cream may be applied beforehand for comfort. During the Thermage or Eye Thermage session, the device delivers controlled radiofrequency pulses across the treatment area, with each pulse producing a brief warming sensation. Ultherapy Prime sessions involve ultrasound imaging to identify the target tissue layer before energy is delivered at set depths. Session length depends on the shot count selected and the size of the treatment area, generally ranging from thirty minutes to just over an hour.

Downtime and Recovery

One appeal of these treatments is minimal disruption to daily activities. Mild redness or warmth in the treated area is common immediately afterward and usually settles within a few hours. Some patients notice slight swelling, particularly around the eyes after Eye Thermage, which typically resolves within a day or two. Makeup can generally be applied shortly after treatment unless the clinic advises otherwise. Visible improvement in skin firmness and texture tends to develop gradually over the following weeks to months as new collagen forms, rather than appearing immediately.

Pricing

Prices below are as listed by DERNA Clinic and are subject to change; VAT and individual consultation fees may vary and should be confirmed at the time of booking.

Final pricing may depend on the shot count chosen and any combination of treatment areas discussed during consultation.