After acne heals, many people find colored marks left behind: red, brown, dark brown – collectively called “post-acne marks.” Red marks are post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) from capillary dilation, while brown marks are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from excess melanin. The causes are entirely different, requiring different laser types for targeted treatment. Rappoel Dermatology near Gangnam Station, Seoul, uses a combined vascular + pigment laser approach, precisely targeting different colored marks for clear, even skin tone.
Two Types of Acne Marks
| Type | Appearance | Cause | Duration | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIE (Post-inflammatory Erythema) | Pink to red | Inflammation causes capillary dilation | 3-6 months | Vascular laser |
| PIH (Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) | Light brown to dark brown | Inflammation triggers excess melanin | 6-12 months | Pigment laser |
Red Marks (PIE): Vascular Laser Approach
- Principle: Specific wavelengths (e.g., 585/595nm) selectively absorbed by hemoglobin, coagulating and shrinking dilated capillaries
- Common devices: Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064nm
- Sensation: Mild sting like a rubber band snap on skin
- Post-treatment: Mild redness resolves in hours, possible slight purpura resolves in 5-7 days
- Sessions: Red marks typically improve significantly after 3-4 sessions (4-week intervals)
Brown Marks (PIH): Pigment Laser Approach
- Principle: Specific wavelengths selectively absorbed by melanin, fragmenting pigment particles
- Common devices: Picosecond laser (755nm/1064nm), Q-switched Nd:YAG
- Sensation: Mild sting, short treatment time
- Post-treatment: Darkening slightly (crusting phase), lightening after crust falls off in 5-7 days
- Sessions: Brown marks typically improve after 4-6 sessions (4-week intervals)
Combined Approach: Type-Specific Treatment for Mixed Marks
- Assessment: Physician carefully evaluates mark colors, distinguishing PIE vs. PIH proportions
- Zone-specific treatment: Vascular laser for red areas, pigment laser for brown areas, in the same session
- Alternating treatment: Vascular and pigment lasers alternate across different areas in one visit
- Rejuran synergy: Post-laser Rejuran PDRN accelerates inflammation resolution and barrier repair
- Sun protection: SPF50+ PA++++ is the most critical post-care for all mark treatments
Acne Marks vs. Acne Scars
- Acne marks (flat): Skin surface is flat, only color change – red or brown, laser treatment is effective
- Acne scars (depressed): Skin surface has indentations – ice pick, boxcar, rolling, requiring Rejuran PDRN or deep laser treatment
- Mixed type: Both flat marks and depressed scars, requiring combined approach
Rappoel Dermatology is located 3 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 10. Our physicians carefully assess your mark type – PIE-dominant, PIH-dominant, or mixed – to create a personalized combined laser plan. Treatment is comfortable, ~30 minutes per session, with normal activities afterward. With daily sun protection and repair care, significant improvement is typically seen after 3-6 sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Type-specific acne mark treatment: Vascular + pigment laser combined
📍 77, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🕐 Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00
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