What it is
Punch excision treatment in Korea is a minor surgical dermatological procedure designed to remove deep, narrow acne scars such as ice-pick scars and some boxcar scars. It involves using a small, circular surgical tool (punch), typically ranging from 1–3 mm in diameter, to excise (cut out) the scar tissue. The wound is then closed with sutures, skin glue, or left to heal naturally depending on the case.
Unlike chemical or laser treatments that resurface the skin’s surface, punch excision directly removes the scarred tissue and allows new, healthier skin to form in its place.
Types of scars best treated with punch excision include:
- → Ice-pick scars: deep, narrow, V-shaped scars
- → Small boxcar scars: sharply defined scars with a base
- → Resistant scars that do not improve with lasers or peels
Korean dermatologists frequently use punch excision as part of combination therapy, often followed by laser resurfacing, subcision, or fillers to refine the results.
Why it’s Done
Punch excision is chosen when other treatments fail to address deep, stubborn scars.
➤ Medical Reasons
- • To completely remove scar tissue that anchors the skin
- • To allow the skin to heal with new collagen formation
- • To improve overall skin health and elasticity
➤ Cosmetic Reasons
- • Reduces or eliminates deep, resistant scars
- • Smooths texture irregularities for a more even complexion
- • Prepares the skin for resurfacing treatments (like laser)
- • Helps achieve the Korean ideal of clear, glass-like skin
➤ Psychological Benefits
- • Restores confidence by reducing visible scars
- • Improves social interactions and self-image
- • Provides a sense of long-term improvement rather than temporary fixes
👉 Punch excision in Korea is seen as a definitive solution for scars that don’t respond to conventional methods.
Alternatives
While punch excision is very effective for ice-pick scars, other treatments may be used depending on scar type.
➤ Topical Alternatives
- • Retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) → encourage surface skin renewal
- • Vitamin C serums → brighten pigmentation but don’t fix deep scars
- • Scar creams with silicone or onion extract → limited impact on atrophic scars
➤ Procedural Alternatives
- • TCA CROSS → focal chemical peel for ice-pick scars
- • Subcision → best for rolling scars tethered by fibrous tissue
- • Laser resurfacing (CO₂, Fraxel, Er:YAG) → good for surface smoothing, less for deep scars
- • Microneedling → stimulates collagen, better for shallow scars
- • Punch grafting → excised scar replaced with donor skin (used rarely)
- • Dermal fillers → temporary solution for depressed scars
⚠️ For very deep and narrow ice-pick scars, punch excision remains one of the most definitive treatments.
Preparation
Proper preparation is essential for a safe procedure and good cosmetic results.
➤ General Preparation
- • Dermatology consultation to assess scar type and suitability
- • Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, or harsh products at least 1 week before
- • Avoid blood-thinners (aspirin, NSAIDs, alcohol) to minimize bleeding and bruising
- • Keep skin hydrated and healthy leading up to the procedure
- • Ensure skin is free from active acne or infections
➤ Specific Preparation in Korean Clinics
- • Topical numbing cream or local anesthesia is prepared before the procedure
- • Patients may receive post-op care instructions such as antibiotic ointments
- • Some clinics prescribe pre-treatment creams to reduce pigmentation risk after healing
How it’s Done
Punch excision is typically performed in an outpatient dermatology clinic and takes 15–45 minutes, depending on the number of scars.
Step-by-step process:
- → Cleansing and anesthesia: The area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
- → Punch tool insertion: A small circular punch tool is placed over the scar.
- → Scar removal: The punch cuts through the skin, removing the entire scar tissue.
- → Closure: The wound is either:
- Closed with fine sutures (stitches)
- Closed with skin glue/steri-strips
- Left to heal naturally (secondary intention healing)
- → Post-procedure dressing: An antibiotic ointment or protective dressing is applied.
Combination treatments in Korea:
- • Punch excision + Laser resurfacing → laser smooths surrounding skin
- • Punch excision + Subcision → for patients with mixed scar types
- • Punch excision + PRP/Rejuran Healer → accelerates healing and collagen production
Recovery
Recovery is slightly longer than non-surgical treatments but still manageable.
➤ Immediate Recovery (1–3 Days)
- • Mild soreness, redness, or swelling
- • Small puncture wounds covered with dressing
➤ Short-Term Recovery (1–2 Weeks)
- • Sutures (if used) are usually removed in 5–7 days
- • Small scabs or crusting may form and heal
- • Temporary pigmentation changes may appear around treated sites
➤ Long-Term Care
- • Apply sunscreen daily to prevent dark spots (SPF 30–50)
- • Use antibiotic ointments if prescribed
- • Avoid strenuous activity and makeup until wounds heal
- • Gentle skincare with non-comedogenic moisturizers
- • Final results visible over several months as skin remodels collagen
👉 Most patients return to work or daily life within 2–3 days, though complete healing takes longer.
Complications
Punch excision is safe when performed by experienced Korean dermatologists, but risks exist.
➤ Common Side Effects
- • Temporary redness, swelling, or bruising
- • Small scabs or crusts during healing
- • Mild soreness at the site
➤ Moderate Risks
- • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- • Minor skin texture irregularities
- • Small visible marks if closure isn’t optimal
➤ Rare Complications
- • Infection at the excision site
- • Hypertrophic or keloid scar formation (rare in ice-pick scars)
- • Persistent unevenness requiring follow-up treatment
👉 Korean clinics reduce risks through precise surgical technique, sterile environments, and combination therapies.
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea is recognized for advanced acne scar management, and punch excision is often included in customized scar revision programs.
➤ Popular Punch Excision Combinations in Korea
- • Punch Excision + CO₂ Laser → removes scar + resurfaces surrounding skin
- • Punch Excision + Subcision → for mixed ice-pick and rolling scars
- • Punch Excision + PRP or Rejuran Healer → enhances healing and collagen remodeling
- • Multi-step programs → repeated sessions combining excision, laser, and boosters
➤ Why Choose Korea?
- → Expert dermatologists trained in scar revision surgery
- → Advanced facilities with minimal downtime techniques
- → Affordable packages compared to Western countries
- → Medical tourism support with English-speaking staff and recovery plans
