Acne scars, dark spots, and uneven skin tone are among the most emotionally frustrating skin concerns — and among the most stubborn to treat with over-the-counter products alone. If you've tried every serum, peel, and brightening cream without seeing real improvement, it's likely because these conditions exist beneath the skin's surface, in layers that topical products simply cannot reach.
This guide covers the specific treatments available at PLADEN that target acne, scarring, and pigmentation — what each one does, which concern it addresses best, and how they can be combined for maximum results.
1. Understanding the Problem: Why Topical Products Aren't Enough
Each of these concerns involves a different mechanism beneath the skin:
- Active acne — Driven by excess sebum production, bacterial imbalance (C. acnes), and chronic inflammation in the pilosebaceous unit. Topical antibiotics and retinoids help mild cases, but moderate-to-severe acne often requires clinical intervention to break the cycle.
- Acne scars — Textural irregularities caused by collagen damage during the inflammatory healing process. The scar is structural — the collagen matrix was either destroyed (atrophic scars) or overproduced (hypertrophic scars). No cream can rebuild a damaged collagen structure.
- Pigmentation (melasma, PIH, sun spots) — Caused by excess melanin production triggered by inflammation, UV exposure, or hormonal factors. The melanin sits deep in the dermis, below where most topical brightening agents can penetrate effectively.
💡 Key insight: These three concerns often coexist. A patient may have active breakouts, scars from past acne, AND dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) all at once. The most effective approach treats all three layers simultaneously — not sequentially.
2. For Active Acne: LDM and O₂Derm Therapy
PLADEN offers two specialized device-based treatments for active acne that work through fundamentally different mechanisms than traditional antibiotics or chemical peels.
LDM Anti-Acne Mode
LDM (Local Dynamic Micro-massage) uses dual-frequency ultrasound to penetrate the dermis and create a mechanical anti-inflammatory effect. In Anti-Acne mode, the device targets the inflamed follicles, reducing bacterial activity and calming the surrounding tissue without chemicals or heat.
- LDM Anti-Acne 6 min — Quick maintenance session (₩33,000)
- LDM Anti-Acne 12 min — Full treatment session (₩49,000)
LDM is particularly effective for patients whose acne is inflammation-driven (red, painful cysts and papules) rather than purely comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads). The ultrasound energy reduces inflammation at the cellular level, which is why results are visible faster than with topical treatments alone.
O₂Derm Anti-Acne Oxygen Therapy
O₂Derm delivers concentrated oxygen directly to the skin's surface, creating an environment that is hostile to C. acnes bacteria (which thrive in low-oxygen conditions). The treatment simultaneously infuses active ingredients that support healing and reduce redness.
- O₂Derm Anti-Acne — ₩88,000 per session
- O₂Derm Calming + Anti-Redness — ₩88,000 per session (for post-acne redness)
- Package options: 3 sessions ₩230,000 / 5 sessions ₩360,000 / 10 sessions ₩660,000
💡 Combination protocol for active acne: LDM Anti-Acne (inflammation reduction) + O₂Derm Anti-Acne (bacterial control) + Cryocell Face (calming, ₩22,000–55,000). This three-step protocol attacks acne from multiple angles in a single visit.
3. For Acne Scars: Rejuran S, Juvelook, and Exosomes
Scar treatment requires rebuilding the damaged collagen matrix beneath the scar. PLADEN offers three injectable approaches that each stimulate collagen regeneration through different biological pathways.
Rejuran S (Scar-Specific Formula)
Rejuran S is a higher-concentration polynucleotide formula specifically designed for acne scars and textural irregularities. Unlike standard Rejuran Healer (which treats the entire face), Rejuran S is injected directly into individual scar sites, delivering concentrated regenerative signals precisely where the collagen damage occurred.
- Rejuran S 1cc — ₩264,000 per session
- Recommended: 3–4 sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart
PLADEN's painless injection protocol is especially important for Rejuran S, since scar tissue is often more sensitive than healthy skin. The clinic's refined numbing and injection technique makes it possible to complete the full course without the discomfort that causes many patients to quit early.
Juvelook Skin
Juvelook combines polylactic acid (PdLLA) with hyaluronic acid. The HA provides immediate hydration and mild volume, while the polylactic acid particles trigger long-term collagen production around each micro-particle as it dissolves over 12–24 months. For scars, this means gradual structural filling from within.
- Juvelook Skin 3cc — ₩297,000
- Juvelook Skin 6cc — ₩495,000
Exosome Therapy (QTCell)
QTCell Origin M delivers stem cell exosomes via MTS (microneedling). The exosomes carry growth factors (EGF, FGF, VEGF) that instruct skin cells to accelerate repair — making it a powerful booster for scar healing, especially when combined with Rejuran S or Juvelook.
- QTCell Origin M (MTS) — ₩275,000
- QTCell Origin M + RM Needle package — ₩440,000
4. For Pigmentation: Tranexamic Acid Injection and Skin Boosters
Pigmentation — whether it's melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or sun damage — requires treatments that suppress melanin production at the source, not just lighten the surface.
Tranexamic Acid Injection (기미주사)
PLADEN's painless tranexamic acid injection delivers the gold-standard anti-pigmentation compound directly into the dermis. Tranexamic acid inhibits plasminogen activation, which disrupts the melanin production pathway. This is clinically proven to be one of the most effective treatments for melasma and stubborn pigmentation.
- Butterfly Zone (나비존) — ₩110,000 — Targets the cheeks and nose bridge where melasma typically concentrates
- Full Face — ₩165,000 — Comprehensive treatment for widespread pigmentation
Rejuran HB for Skin Brightening
While not a pigmentation treatment per se, Rejuran HB (PN + hyaluronic acid) improves overall skin quality and cellular turnover, which supports the skin's natural ability to clear pigment over time. When combined with tranexamic acid injections, the regenerative effect of Rejuran HB accelerates the brightening process.
- Rejuran HB Butterfly Zone 2cc — ₩495,000
- Rejuran HB Mid & Lower Face 4cc — ₩920,000
- Rejuran HB Full Face 6cc — ₩1,200,000
Hydration Injection + Tranexamic Acid Combo
For patients who want brightening + hydration in one session, PLADEN offers a combination protocol:
- Hydration Injection (HA 25mg) + Tranexamic Acid 5cc by Dermashine — ₩250,000
This delivers both deep hydration and melanin-suppressing compounds simultaneously through a Dermashine device, ensuring even distribution across the treatment area.
5. Supporting Treatments: LDM, Cryocell, and Skin Botox
These aren't standalone solutions for scars or pigmentation, but they significantly enhance results when added to a primary treatment protocol.
LDM Modes
- LDM Hydrolifting 12 min (₩77,000) — Improves skin hydration and texture, creating a healthier baseline for other treatments
- LDM Anti-Redness 8 min (₩49,000) / 16 min (₩89,000) — Calms post-inflammatory redness, ideal after acne or between scar treatments
- LDM Calming & Repair 8 min (₩49,000) — General skin calming, useful after any injectable treatment
- LDM Aurora Ampoule 12 min (₩99,000) — Brightening-focused, good complement to tranexamic acid
Cryocell
- Cryocell Face 8 min (₩22,000) / 15 min (₩55,000) — Cold therapy that calms inflammation and reduces redness immediately after treatment. At ₩22,000, it's the most cost-effective add-on for any session.
Skin Botox for Pore Refinement
For patients whose acne scars are accompanied by enlarged pores, Skin Botox (micro-dose botulinum toxin) refines pore size and smooths overall skin texture. PLADEN offers full-face Skin Botox starting at ₩132,000 (Newlux) — a worthwhile addition once active acne is under control.
6. Building a Complete Protocol
Protocol A: Active Acne + Early Scarring
- LDM Anti-Acne 12 min + O₂Derm Anti-Acne (weekly for 4–6 weeks)
- Once acne is controlled: Rejuran S on scar sites + LDM Calming
- Maintenance: O₂Derm package (5 sessions) + monthly Rejuran S
Protocol B: Acne Scars + Pigmentation
- Tranexamic Acid Injection (Full Face) + Rejuran HB 4cc (first session)
- Rejuran S on worst scars + LDM Anti-Redness (session 2, two weeks later)
- Juvelook Skin 3cc for overall collagen rebuilding (session 3)
- QTCell Exosome MTS for healing acceleration (session 4)
- Maintenance: Tranexamic acid every 4–6 weeks, Rejuran S every 6–8 weeks
Protocol C: Pigmentation Only (Melasma Focus)
- Tranexamic Acid Injection Butterfly Zone (₩110,000) — every 2–4 weeks × 4 sessions
- Add Rejuran HB Butterfly Zone (₩495,000) at session 2 for regenerative support
- LDM Aurora Ampoule (₩99,000) after each injection session for brightening boost
- Maintenance: Monthly tranexamic acid, seasonal Rejuran HB
💡 For international patients: If you're visiting Seoul for a limited time, the most efficient approach is to combine treatments in a single visit. For example, a patient with both scars and pigmentation could receive Tranexamic Acid + Rejuran S + LDM + Cryocell in one session. PLADEN's team designs compressed protocols for international patients that maximize results within your available time.
Frequently Asked Questions
*Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary based on skin type, condition severity, and treatment protocol. Consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any procedure.
