Enlarged Pores & Acne Scars — Treatment Options in Seoul
Enlarged pores and acne scars are among the most common skin concerns bringing international visitors to Gangnam clinics. Pores appear larger when the surrounding skin loses elasticity, when oil production increases, or when old acne scarring pulls at the follicle opening. For patients researching an enlarged pores treatment seoul clinics can offer, it helps to understand what these procedures can realistically achieve before booking a consultation.
What enlarged pores and acne scars actually are
Pores themselves cannot be permanently closed, since they are structural openings for hair follicles and sebaceous glands. What treatments target is the surrounding skin: thickening the dermis, softening scar tissue, and improving skin texture so pores appear less prominent. Acne scars fall into different categories, including shallow rolling scars, deeper boxcar scars, and pigmented marks, and each responds differently to treatment. Because causes vary from genetics to sun damage to past acne severity, results are individual and no clinic can promise a uniform outcome.
Who this type of treatment suits
Patients who notice visibly widened pores on the nose, cheeks, or forehead, or who have textural irregularity from past acne, are typically reasonable candidates. This includes people with oily or combination skin, those with mild to moderate scarring, and patients looking for a non-surgical way to refine overall skin texture. An enlarged pores treatment seoul clinics provide is usually approached as a course of sessions rather than a single fix, since collagen remodeling takes time.
Who should avoid it or seek further evaluation first
Patients with active skin infections, uncontrolled eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area, active isotretinoin use, or a history of keloid scarring should discuss these factors with a doctor before proceeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients, those with pacemakers or certain implanted devices, and people currently on anticoagulant medication should also disclose their full medical history. A pre-procedure review of allergies and medication use is part of standard practice, and some patients may be advised to wait or choose a gentler protocol.
How a session typically goes
At CÉRAMIQUE Clinic Gangnam, the process begins with the doctor examining the skin, mapping areas of volume loss, asymmetry, and scarring, then marking the treatment plan directly on the face before any device is used. For pore and scar concerns, two main options are offered:
| Treatment | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Potenza | RF microneedling that targets pores and scars; the CP tip can also deliver a skin booster into the dermis for added hydration and support. |
| Texture Smoothing Program | A curated combination approach using BBL SkinTyte, Mirajet or Potenza together with a booster, followed by calming devices and a modeling pack. |
Sessions take place in private single-patient suites with a separate entry route, and original tips or cartridges are used with the shot count shown to the patient in real time. Numbing cream or topical anesthesia is generally used for comfort; more involved lifting procedures may use sleep anesthesia or Air-Nox, matched to the patient's pain sensitivity, though this is not typically required for pore-focused sessions.
Downtime and recovery
Microneedling-based treatments like Potenza usually cause redness and mild pinpoint bleeding that settles within a day or two, with some swelling possible depending on the energy level used. The Texture Smoothing Program, combining several modalities, may involve slightly longer redness or light flaking as the skin adjusts. Immediately after treatment, calming care such as LDM, Astro Dome, or a modeling pack is applied to reduce heat and irritation. Patients receive individual home-care instructions, including sun protection and gentle cleansing, and most people can return to normal activities within one to three days, though makeup application may need to wait slightly longer depending on skin reaction.
Pricing
Based on the clinic's published pricing, Potenza is offered at 250,000 KRW for one session, 690,000 KRW for three sessions, and 990,000 KRW for five sessions. The Texture Smoothing Program is priced at 550,000 KRW for one session, 1,450,000 KRW for three sessions, and 1,990,000 KRW for five sessions. These figures may be subject to VAT and can vary depending on the consultation findings, so it is worth confirming final costs directly with the clinic before booking.
Safety
Before any procedure, the clinic reviews medical history, including allergies and anticoagulant use, and plans energy levels and treatment marking in advance. For lifting-related procedures, real-time ultrasound monitoring of skin depth is used during treatment. Afterward, immediate calming care is provided, followed by a personalized home-care prescription and aftercare guidance. Multilingual staff, including English speakers, are available to support international patients through the process, from initial questions to post-treatment follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Can enlarged pores be permanently closed with these treatments?
No treatment can permanently close pores, since they are a normal skin structure; the goal is to improve surrounding skin thickness and texture so pores appear smaller over time.
How many sessions are usually needed to see a difference?
Most protocols are designed as a course of three to five sessions, though individual results vary depending on skin condition, scar depth, and how the skin responds to treatment.
Is Potenza painful?
Topical numbing is typically applied beforehand, so most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort or warmth rather than significant pain, though sensitivity varies from person to person.
Will I need to take time off work after treatment?
Most patients experience only mild redness for a day or two and can return to normal activities quickly, but some may prefer a short recovery period, particularly before important events.
Do the doctors evaluate my skin before recommending a treatment?
Yes, a doctor examines the skin and discusses medical history before creating a customized treatment plan, and either Woo Dong-jin, Director, or Moon Shin-won, Doctor, may be involved depending on scheduling.