Punch excision for scars in Gangnam, Seoul
A precise minor procedure that removes individual deep acne scars and replaces each with a fine, flat line that blends far better into the surrounding skin.
What is punch excision?
Punch excision is a minor surgical procedure that removes a deep acne scar using a small circular punch tool the size of the scar, under local anaesthetic. The wound is closed with fine sutures, replacing a pitted ice pick or deep boxcar scar with a small flat line that is far less noticeable. Sutures are removed after about 5–7 days.
Related techniques include punch elevation, where the scar base is lifted to skin level, and punch grafting. Fractional laser is usually done a few weeks later to blend the treated sites.
- Procedure time
- About 30–60 min
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthetic
- Sutures
- Removed in 5–7 days
- Downtime
- About 1 week
- Sessions
- Usually 1 per scar
- Best for
- Ice pick, deep boxcar scars
- Performed by
- MIN Clinic physicians
- Location
- Cheongdam, Gangnam
Punch techniques for deep scars
The technique is chosen for each scar.
Punch excision
Scar removed and closed with fine sutures.
Punch elevation
Scar base lifted to the skin level.
Laser blending
Fractional laser later smooths the sites.
Combined plans
Used alongside TCA CROSS and subcision.
A good fit if you…
- have a few deep, isolated ice pick or boxcar scars
- have scars that did not respond to resurfacing
- can return for suture removal after 5–7 days
- have stable skin without active acne
Consider alternatives if you…
- have many shallow or rolling scars — see rolling scars
- are keloid-prone — see keloid scars
- take blood thinners (discuss first)
- cannot stay in Seoul for the suture check
Before & after scar resurfacing
Drag the handle to compare. Photographed at MIN Clinic with the patient’s consent. This result shows fractional laser resurfacing, which is used to blend sites after punch excision.
Before
After
- Treatment
- LEGATO fractional laser (related scar result)
- Concern
- Acne scars, texture
- Downtime
- A few days
- Clinic
- MIN Clinic, Cheongdam-dong
Individual results vary. Photos are shown with patient consent and are not a guarantee of outcome. A doctor consultation is required before treatment.
View more before & afterHow your visit works
Most international guests complete the visit in one half-day, timed around their flight.
Message us
Send photos and your goals on WhatsApp. We reply in English with options and an estimated price.
Skin analysis
An AI 3D skin analysis and a one-to-one consultation with your physician.
Treatment
Punch excision is performed by your MIN Clinic physician, with numbing or comfort care where needed.
Aftercare
English aftercare notes, follow-up on WhatsApp and tax-free benefits with a foreign passport.
Small dressed wounds with fine sutures.
Fine pink lines remain.
Lines soften; strict sun protection.
Fractional laser smooths the sites.
How much does punch excision cost in Seoul?
Punch excision in Seoul typically ranges from ₩80,000 to ₩150,000 per scar depending on depth and closure method. MIN Clinic confirms your price after examining each scar.
Punch excision
VAT 10% added for non-exempt patients · prices may vary with promotions · tax-free benefits with a foreign passport. Your exact price is confirmed at consultation.
See current offers
Seasonal offers and combination prices are listed on our event page and confirmed in writing at consultation.
Punch excision vs other deep-scar options
Deep scars are often treated with more than one method.
| Treatment | Method | Downtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punch excision | Scar removed and sutured | About 1 week | Isolated deep scars |
| TCA CROSS | Acid inside the scar | About 1 week crusts | Narrow ice pick scars |
| Subcision | Releases tethering | Bruising 1–2 wks | Rolling scars |
| CO2 fractional | Ablative laser | 5–7 days | Blending texture |
Dr. Min Ji Kim
Director · Board-certified specialist, MIN Clinic Cheongdam
- Former Director, Apgujeong ORACLE Dermatology
- Member, Korean Society for Cosmetic Dermatology
- Academic exchange, Shibuya Scramble Dermatology (miraDry), Japan
Punch excision questions we hear most
Can’t find your answer? Message our English-speaking team on WhatsApp.
Does punch excision leave a scar?
It leaves a small, fine line, which is usually much less visible than the original pitted scar. Laser a few weeks later helps blend it further.
How long is recovery after punch excision?
Sutures are removed after about 5–7 days. The sites stay pink for a few weeks, so sun protection is important.
How many scars can be treated in one session?
Several scars can usually be treated in one session, depending on their location and size. Your doctor will plan this at consultation.
Which scars are suitable for punch excision?
Deep, narrow ice pick scars and sharply defined deep boxcar scars are the best candidates. Wide rolling scars respond better to subcision.
Is punch excision painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel only pressure. Mild tenderness afterwards is easily managed.
Often explored with Punch excision
Plan your Punch excision in Cheongdam
4F Daedong Tower, 326 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Sat from 10:00 · English & Korean
Results vary by individual. A doctor consultation is required before any treatment.
