Dermatology Procedures in Korea: Ex-scar and Rejuvenation

As you may have noticed, Korea takes its skincare very seriously. Dermatology in Korea is no exception; you’ll find that dermatology clinics are more prevalent, English-speaking dermatologists easier to find, and the procedures inexpensive. If you have any skincare procedures you’ve been curious about, now is the time to schedule a consultation.

I was curious about the “ex-scar” procedure in Korea, which can help with indentations in the skin caused by scarring, or pits from cystic acne. The efficacy of the treatment will be determined by the number of treatments you undergo, how long the scarring occurred, and skin type. Any questions you have can be cleared up for you by a consultation with a dermatologist. You can also hire translation and concierge services to set you up with an English translator to help you understand the doctor’s explanations.

What is Ex-Scar Treatment?

There are some misunderstandings about what ex-scar is. Ex-scar is not “resurfacing”, or a chemical peel – it is instead done using a spot-treatment method using needles on the affected areas.

Ex-scar treatment is done using a machine that injects gas into the lower layer of the skin for the purpose of stimulating cell growth. This is done into indentations with the intention of raising the indents up to the level of the surrounding skin. This can make scars shallower and the overall skin smoother. However, if you have discoloration, ex-scar does not help that – you’ll still have to use concealer or visit a cosmetic tattoo clinic.

Ex-scar treatment can be broken down into eight easy steps. I’ll explain everything so you can enter the clinic prepared for what to expect.

1.  Consultation and pre-payment

After you’ve made an appointment with a clinic that has a translator on staff, or via a concierge service, you’ll arrive to see the doctor with your translator. The doctor will assess your skin and determine the best course of treatment for you. Consultations are free at some clinics, while others have you pay a low fee (mine was 10,000 won) that is subtracted from your total if you decide to have a treatment done.

The doctor will explain the basics of the ex-scar treatment and what results to realistically expect. The ex-scar treatment is usually done in tandem with a rejuvenation treatment, which is the injections of a tailored cocktail of vitamins into the space made by the gas injected from the ex-scar treatment. The rejuvenation treatment stimulates collagen and cell growth in the dermis. For some patients, the rejuvenation treatment should be done a week or two after the ex-scar treatment; for others with older scarring (like me), the rejuvenation treatment is best done directly after the ex-scar treatment.

You may be freaked out at the prospect of being poked repeatedly by needles – I definitely was, and it was a reason I put off the treatment for years. However, if you’re willing to give it a shot (no pun intended), you can go ahead and schedule an appointment with the clinic for your first treatment. The treatment price is expensive, ranging from around 400,000 won (just the ex-scar treatment, no rejuvenation) to around 1 million won (both procedures done on the same day) per treatment, and is not covered by insurance. Most clinics require that you make a deposit on the consultation day. There are significant discounts for cash payments, so it’s a good idea to visit the bank before booking.

2. Cleaning

You’ve arrived for your first treatment! Your translator should be there to greet you. You may have to change into a hospital gown shirt and slippers, and the clinic may take “before” pictures of you. Remove all your jewelry, tie back your hair, and pin your bangs so nothing gets in the way.

You will be led to a table to lie down and have your face cleaned. This will feel like getting a facial; the doctor’s assistant will clean your pores thoroughly and possibly address any blackheads or whiteheads you have in order to get ready for the procedure.

3. Lidocaine

Then, someone will come in with the lidocaine – numbing cream that will mitigate the pain of the needle pokes. They will rub it all over your face, then let it set for twenty to thirty minutes. This is time for you to just lie back and relax – I took a small nap as I waited.

4. Ex-scar Treatment

Finally, a certified technician will come in with the ex-scar treatment machine. The machine will deliver gas through a large needle which the technician will insert into the indents in your skin. It can take a little getting used to and is mildly painful, but eventually, you get used to the rhythm of the injections. You can hear the sound of the gas going into the lower layer of the skin. For me, the areas focused on the most were my cheeks, but injections were also done on some problem areas on my chin and forehead. The areas which hurt the most were under the eyes since the skin is so thin.

My translator let me know that she had witnessed several treatments where ex-scar had been used on stretch marks, which can take a significantly longer amount of time depending on the depth of the indentations.

5. Rejuvenation Treatment

For some, rejuvenation is a separate treatment, but for some (like me) the rejuvenation injections are inserted straight away. The doctor will come in with a large needle containing a combination of vitamins to stimulate cell growth and will insert the needle into the same areas where the ex-scar treatment just took place.

I was surprised that the rejuvenation treatment actually hurt much worse than the gas-filled ex-scar needle. For the rejuvenation treatments, precision is key; the needle has to enter into the pockets created by the ex-scar needle, hence why it is done by hand and much more slowly.

6. Wrapping

After you’ve been prodded, you will be given a serum to reduce the swelling in the form of a cold cream, and your face will be wrapped like a mummy. Cold compresses will be put on your eyes, and gaps will be left in the wrapping for you to breathe. This is another chance to catch a short nap – you will remain wrapped for about 20 – 30 minutes.

7. Final Moisturizing

After you’re unwrapped, the dermatologist will survey the results and apply a final moisturizing cream with SPF to protect your skin when you go outside. You can then slip back into your regular clothes and shoes and make your next appointment at the front desk. It’s typical to have at least three ex-scar treatments in order to see the best results.

8. Aftercare and What to Expect

By the time you check out, the Lidocaine will be wearing off and you might experience some mild discomfort. You will have some swelling and possibly some mild bleeding from the procedure that can last up to a week. (However, mine only lasted three days). You may have some puffiness at the needle injection sites, as well as some tiny bruises from the force of the ex-scar needle. You will be advised not to resume your normal skincare regimen and to only rinse with gentle soap and water until you are over this initial healing phase.

It is critical that you wear a high SPF sunscreen religiously for several weeks after the procedure, as your skin will be more sensitive to sun damage. You should also apply moisturizer regularly and drink a lot of water, as this will help you see the best results. You will start to see positive results from the treatment in about two weeks, though improvement will compound with each subsequent treatment. You will notice the indentations in your skin beginning to raise, making your overall skin feel smoother.

It may be difficult to bring yourself to undergo a cosmetic procedure in a foreign country, but if you’re going to do it, Korea is the place to be. There are plenty of resources, English-speaking staff, and experienced dermatologists in place to help make your road to healthy skin a smooth one.