Acne scars are skin damage left after acne healing — approximately 70% of acne patients worldwide are left with varying degrees of scarring. Acne scars are not just a cosmetic concern but profoundly affect mental health — surveys show those with acne scars have 40% lower self-confidence and 60% increased social avoidance behavior. The complexity of acne scars lies in their mixed nature: (1) Atrophic scars — most common (80%), presenting as skin depressions. Subtypes include ice pick (deep narrow V-shape, opening <2mm), boxcar (wide U-shape, sharp edges), and rolling (wide shallow wave-shape, blurred boundaries). (2) Hypertrophic scars — collagen over-proliferation forming raised scars, common on chest, back, and jawline. (3) Pigmented scars — post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH, red or brown marks), technically not scars but post-inflammatory pigment abnormalities. The core cause of scar formation is the depth of acne inflammation — when inflammation penetrates the dermis, collagen and elastin are destroyed; if collagen synthesis is insufficient during healing, depressions form (atrophic), and if excessive, raised scars form (hypertrophic). Rappoel Dermatology near Gangnam Station, Seoul, uses Rejuran PDRN injection therapy — activating fibroblasts at the cellular level to regenerate collagen, repairing dermal damage and providing a root-cause regenerative treatment for acne scars.
PDRN Regeneration Mechanism for Acne Scar Repair
- A2A receptor activates dormant fibroblasts in scar areas: Dermal fibroblasts in acne scar areas enter a dormant state due to inflammatory damage and microenvironment deterioration — collagen synthesis capacity drops significantly. Deoxyadenosine from PDRN degradation binds A2A adenosine receptors, restarting the cAMP signaling cascade to awaken dormant fibroblasts for renewed proliferation and collagen synthesis — restoring the scar area’s self-repair capacity at the source
- Dual Type I and III collagen reconstruction: Activated fibroblasts simultaneously synthesize Type I collagen (structural support filling scar depressions) and Type III collagen (improving scar area skin elasticity and texture). Clinical studies show 25-35% increase in dermal collagen density and 30-40% average improvement in scar depth after PDRN injection
- Dermal thickening repairs depressions: PDRN promotes comprehensive dermal matrix synthesis (collagen + elastin + hyaluronic acid), gradually thickening the thinned dermis in atrophic scar areas — depressed scars are progressively lifted from below by newly synthesized matrix
- Anti-inflammatory repair of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: PDRN suppresses IL-6, TNF-a and other pro-inflammatory cytokines — resetting the chronic low-grade inflammatory microenvironment of scar areas to a healthy repair state. As inflammation subsides, red acne marks (vascular PIH) naturally fade, and brown mark pigment metabolism accelerates
- Angiogenesis improves scar microcirculation: PDRN upregulates VEGF promoting microvascular network reconstruction in scar areas — the chronically ischemic microenvironment is improved, providing nutritional and oxygen support for sustained collagen synthesis
PDRN Treatment Strategies for Different Acne Scar Types
- Rolling scars: Most suitable for PDRN — because rolling scars have wide shallow depressions that dermal thickening can effectively lift. 50-60% improvement after 3-5 PDRN sessions
- Boxcar scars: Moderately suitable — shallow boxcar (depth <0.5mm) responds well to PDRN; deep boxcar requires combination with fractional laser or TCA cross chemical peeling
- Ice pick scars: PDRN alone has limited effect — ice pick scars are deep, narrow, with sharp edges, and dermal thickening cannot fully fill deep V depressions. Requires combination with TCA cross (trichloroacetic acid chemical reconstruction) or micropunch excision with PDRN-assisted repair
- Pigmented scars (PIH): PDRN accelerates red mark fading through anti-inflammatory effects — typically 60-70% improvement in red marks after 3 sessions. Brown marks require combination with whitening ingredient delivery
- Hypertrophic scars: PDRN is not first-line — hypertrophic scars require combination with intralesional steroid injection (to suppress over-proliferation) or laser abrasion. PDRN can serve as adjunctive therapy during the repair phase to improve scar texture
Rappoel PDRN Acne Scar Repair Treatment Protocol
- Acne scar assessment and plan design (15 min): Professional skin analyzer assessment of scar type (ice pick / boxcar / rolling / PIH / mixed) and depth → evaluate scar distribution and quantity → assess skin sensitivity and active acne status → establish 3-5 session PDRN injection plan (3-4 week intervals) → determine if combination treatment is needed
- Disinfection and topical anesthesia (20 min): Deep facial cleansing → povidone-iodine preparation → apply lidocaine topical anesthetic cream → cover with film and wait 20 minutes → remove anesthetic
- PDRN micro-droplet injection (25-35 min): 32G ultra-fine needle for dense micro-droplet injection in scar areas and surroundings → focused injection at each scar depression → one injection point every 0.5cm, 0.01-0.02ml per point → uniform coverage of entire facial scar area with 2-3 bottles Rejuran (4-6ml)
- Post-treatment soothing and LED therapy (15 min): Apply soothing repair gel → 15-minute red LED irradiation to promote PDRN absorption and reduce injection reaction → provide post-care instructions
PDRN acne scar repair is a progressive regenerative therapy — skin texture improvement in scar areas begins 4 weeks after the first session, with scar depth visibly reduced after 3 sessions. Unlike destructive treatments like fractional laser, PDRN does not damage the skin barrier, has no downtime, and suits all skin types (no hyperpigmentation risk). Located 3 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 10, with seamless English and Chinese consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for acne scars: PDRN or fractional laser? Can they be combined?
They have different mechanisms, suit different situations, and can be combined: (1) Fractional laser — creates microscopic thermal zones (MTZ) by drilling holes in the skin, stimulating collagen regeneration through wound healing response. Advantage: significant single-session results, effective for ice pick and deep boxcar scars. Limitation: 5-7 day downtime (redness, swelling, crusting), PIH risk in Asians (15-20% incidence). (2) PDRN — directly activates fibroblasts at the cellular level for collagen synthesis. Advantage: no downtime, no PIH risk, suitable for all skin types, improves overall skin quality. Limitation: requires 3-5 cumulative sessions, limited effect on deep ice pick scars. Combination protocol (recommended): fractional laser first for deep scars (ice pick and deep boxcar), then PDRN course starting 4 weeks later to repair overall skin quality and shallow scars — laser lays the foundation, PDRN refines. For those with high hyperpigmentation risk (dark skin or PIH-prone), PDRN-only without laser is an option. Rappoel customizes the protocol based on individual scar types and skin color.
How many PDRN sessions for acne scar repair? What intervals? How long do results last?
Standard protocol: 3-5 sessions per complete course, 3-4 weeks between sessions. Session 1 — initiates regenerative signaling; visible change minimal but cellular-level repair has begun. Session 2 — cumulative regenerative effect; scar area skin texture begins improving; red marks lighten. Session 3 — significant collagen density increase; rolling and shallow boxcar scars visibly reduced — this is when most people see noticeable results. Sessions 4-5 — consolidation and deepening of results; addressing stubborn scars. Post-course results last 12-18 months — because newly synthesized collagen is metabolized naturally but far slower than exogenous fillers. Rappoel recommends: one maintenance injection every 6-12 months after completing the initial course. PDRN’s regenerative nature requires accumulation — not instant gratification but progressive improvement that compounds. For severe scarring (large area, mixed types), two courses (6-10 sessions total) may be needed for ideal results.
What are the post-injection reactions for PDRN acne scar treatment? How long to recover?
PDRN injection reactions are mild but slightly more noticeable than facial anti-aging PDRN — because scar area injection density is higher: Immediately post-injection — dense small papules appear (small wheals at each injection point), resembling numerous mosquito bites, beginning to subside within 1-2 hours. Day 1 — papules mostly resolved, mild redness and dense tiny needle marks (32G ultra-fine marks nearly invisible). Day 2 — mild dryness and tightness (PDRN’s water-absorbing property), recommend enhanced moisturization. Days 3-5 — return to normal, beginning to feel scar area skin texture improvement. Daily life is completely unaffected — normal work and socializing possible (needle marks invisible, redness concealable). Post-care: no water or makeup for 24 hours; enhanced moisturization and sun protection for 3 days; avoid high-temperature environments and vigorous exercise for 1 week; active acne must be controlled before PDRN injection. Rappoel uses 32G ultra-fine needles and micro-droplet injection technique to minimize post-treatment reactions.
I still have active acne. Can I start PDRN scar repair now?
PDRN is not recommended during active acne — reasons: (1) The inflammatory environment of active acne reduces PDRN’s regenerative effect — PDRN needs a relatively stable dermal microenvironment to effectively activate fibroblasts, and free radicals and inflammatory cytokines from active inflammation interfere with repair. (2) Injection may worsen active acne — while PDRN itself has anti-inflammatory properties, injection needles passing through active acne areas may carry surface bacteria into deeper layers causing infection. (3) New acne may create new scars — repairing during active phase is counterproductive. Correct sequence: control active acne first (topical + oral medications + chemical peels, typically 1-3 months) → acne basically stable (no new inflammatory papules or pustules for at least 4 weeks) → begin PDRN scar repair course. Rappoel provides one-stop acne treatment to scar repair — first a physician develops an acne control plan, then transitions to PDRN repair phase once stable. If 1-2 occasional new pimples appear during PDRN treatment, it doesn’t affect overall treatment but requires local management to prevent worsening.
Is PDRN acne scar repair suitable for all skin colors? Is it safe for Asians?
PDRN is among the few acne scar treatments completely suitable for all skin colors including Asians — because it does not rely on thermal damage or photothermal effects. Destructive treatments like fractional laser and chemical peeling have 15-20% post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) risk in Asians (Fitzpatrick III-IV skin types) — brown pigmentation may appear after treatment. PDRN activates regeneration through biological signaling, producing no thermal damage or chemical burns — zero PIH risk. Additionally, PDRN’s anti-inflammatory properties help fade existing PIH (red and brown acne marks). Additional advantages of PDRN for Asians: (1) Asians have higher post-acne PIH incidence than Caucasians — PDRN’s PIH-fading effect is particularly valuable. (2) Asian skin has higher laser-related pigmentation risk — PDRN provides a safe alternative. (3) Asian skin fibroblasts respond well to PDRN — clinical data shows Asian PDRN collagen density improvement equal to or greater than Caucasians. Rappoel is located in Seoul, Korea, with extensive experience in PDRN treatment for Asian skin.
Acne scars keeping you from going bare-faced? Rejuran PDRN regeneration therapy — repair depressions from the dermis for smooth skin!
📍 77, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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