Pores & acne scars

How it works

POTENZA inserts fine needles into the skin and releases radiofrequency heat from the needle tips to stimulate the dermis directly. Fraxel and pico fractional use a laser to create tiny, closely spaced dot-shaped stimuli in the skin, so that new collagen forms as the surrounding skin recovers. For scars whose base is pulled down by fibrous tissue, such as rolling scars, subcision is sometimes used to release those connections.

The device and combination are decided by the scar shape (ice pick, boxcar, rolling) and depth, and by your oil and acne condition. If acne inflammation is severe, a treatment that addresses inflammation and oil glands, such as Agnes, is sometimes done first.

What happens on the day

1. 1

   First, we check the cause of the pores or scars (oil, loss of firmness) and the scar shape (ice pick, boxcar, rolling).

2. 2

   For POTENZA and Fraxel, numbing cream is applied before treatment and you usually wait about 20–30 minutes.

3. 3

   Before starting POTENZA, we first show you what it feels like, and the first session starts at low energy and is adjusted.

4. 4

   Right after POTENZA, PDRN or a skin booster may be applied to the skin if needed, and makeup is possible after 2–3 hours. We give you written aftercare instructions.

Safety

Who should not have it

• We advise postponing most treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker, you cannot have radiofrequency treatment, and if you tend to form keloids or take acne medication (isotretinoin), the type of treatment needs to be adjusted, so please be sure to tell us.
• When acne inflammation is severe, treatment to calm the inflammation comes first, and pico fractional is sometimes postponed when the skin is very oily. If your skin is red or stinging from a recent sunburn, it is better to wait until it settles.

Side effects and cautions

• Redness and swelling may last 1–4 days after POTENZA, small scabs and redness 3 days to 1 week after Fraxel, 3–7 days after Agnes, and bruising and swelling 1–2 weeks after subcision. Breakouts may also appear temporarily.
• Rarely, hyperpigmentation or long-lasting redness may occur, so we adjust the energy to your skin condition. If you have blisters, severe pain or breakouts that last, do not squeeze or pick at them; contact us right away.

Aftercare and your flight home

• After POTENZA, you can wash your face gently the same day, and for a few days use a gentle moisturizer instead of alcohol toners or vitamin ampoules. Do not force Fraxel scabs off; apply recovery cream or moisturizing cream.
• Avoid exercise that makes you sweat a lot, saunas and alcohol until the redness settles, and apply sunscreen when you go out. The standard interval for the next visit is 4 weeks for POTENZA and pico fractional and 1 month for Fraxel.
• Redness or scabs may last 3 days to 1 week after Fraxel or pico fractional, so we suggest leaving at least 2–3 days before your return flight. If possible, it is better to have treatment early in your trip and check your progress while you are still in Korea.

Cost

Fees for non-insured treatments are published on the Tones Clinic official website. Listed prices exclude VAT (10%), and the final amount is confirmed at consultation.

How prices work

Questions about this treatment

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