How to Plan the Order of Treatments for Acne Scars and Pores?

A common sequence is to apply needling-type treatments that strengthen the dermal structure first, followed by lasers that aid surface regeneration. This is because it is logical to first stimulate and reorganize the fibrous adhesions and collagen structure in the dermis that cause scars, and then refine the epidermal texture.

In studies combining radiofrequency needling and lasers, the combination of first stimulating the dermis with needling and then adding laser resurfacing has been used for scar improvement. However, whether to perform them on the same day or in separate sessions is decided based on the degree of skin irritation and recovery capacity.

If hyperpigmentation is prominent, a common recommendation is to stabilize the pigmentation first before moving on to scar and pore regeneration treatments. Especially when post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is present, scar regeneration treatments can be stimulating and may darken the pigmentation, so it is safer to manage pigmentation first or concurrently while controlling it.

The approach to pigmentation varies depending on the cause (melanin deposition, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and it may require multiple sessions at shorter intervals than scar regeneration treatments. Once the pigmentation is somewhat resolved, the intensity of dermal regeneration treatments for scars and pores can be gradually increased.

The more pigmentation and scars are mixed, the more the order of treatments can affect the outcome, so it is important to first determine priorities through an accurate diagnosis.

Dermal regeneration treatments are typically repeated at intervals of about 4 to 6 weeks. This is because the stimulated skin needs sufficient time to regenerate collagen and recover fully so that the effects of the next treatment can accumulate stably.

Generally, radiofrequency needling or fractional laser treatments are often planned at 4-week intervals for multiple sessions. However, the exact interval is adjusted based on treatment intensity, recovery status, and skin type, so it is not uniformly fixed.

If the interval is too short, stimulation can accumulate and slow recovery, so it is advisable to adjust it individually based on skin response.

Acne scars and pores generally improve gradually over multiple sessions, and it is realistic to view the entire process over several months. Collagen regeneration occurs not immediately after treatment but over the following 4 to 6 weeks, so improvement is progressive with each session rather than achieved all at once.

Deeper or more extensive scars may require more sessions and a longer period, while texture improvement focused on pores may be noticed relatively sooner. It is important to recognize that the degree and speed of improvement vary greatly between individuals.

For scars, setting a realistic goal of "making them less noticeable" rather than complete removal can help with satisfaction. We recommend consulting with a doctor to determine the appropriate number of sessions and duration based on your scar type and goals.