What Are Boxcar Acne Scars?
Boxcar scar treatment in Seoul helps improve depressed acne scars with defined edges that often remain after moderate to severe inflammatory acne. At Dami Clinic Yeouido, personalized treatment plans may combine laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, subcision, collagen stimulation, and skin remodeling procedures.
Boxcar scars can affect skin texture, confidence, and overall facial appearance. Successful treatment focuses on stimulating collagen production, improving scar depth, and gradually creating smoother, more even skin.
International patients benefit from English-speaking consultations, comprehensive acne scar assessments, and customized treatment protocols designed for Asian and international skin types
Boxcar scars are among the most common types of atrophic acne scars. They appear as round or oval depressions with sharply defined edges and can vary from shallow to deep.
Boxcar scars typically appear as:
They most commonly occur on:
Many patients have a combination of boxcar scars, rolling scars, and ice pick scars.
- Round depressions
- Oval-shaped indentations
- Defined edges
- Visible skin texture irregularities
- Shallow or deep scars
- Areas of collagen loss
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Jawline
- Lower face
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Myung-Jin, member of the Korean Acne Society · Updated October 2026
What Causes Boxcar Scars?
Boxcar scars develop when inflammatory acne destroys collagen and supportive tissue beneath the skin.
Common contributing factors include:
Once collagen loss occurs, the skin may heal unevenly, resulting in permanent depressions.
- Severe acne
- Nodular acne
- Cystic acne
- Delayed acne treatment
- Genetic susceptibility
- Prolonged inflammation
Why Boxcar Scars Are Difficult to Treat
Boxcar scars involve structural changes beneath the skin surface.
Challenges include:
For this reason, effective treatment often requires collagen remodeling rather than topical skincare alone.
- Collagen deficiency
- Scar depth variation
- Multiple scar patterns
- Tissue loss
- Long-standing scar formation
Fractional Laser Treatment for Boxcar Scars
Fractional laser resurfacing is commonly used to improve boxcar scars.
Benefits may include:
Laser treatment can be particularly effective for shallow and moderate boxcar scars.
- Skin resurfacing
- Collagen stimulation
- Scar softening
- Texture improvement
- Enhanced skin renewal
RF Microneedling for Boxcar Scars
Radiofrequency microneedling combines controlled micro-injuries with thermal energy to stimulate collagen remodeling.
Potential benefits include:
Multiple sessions are often recommended for optimal improvement.
- Improved skin texture
- Scar depth reduction
- Skin tightening
- Increased collagen production
- Gradual skin smoothing
Subcision for Deep Boxcar Scars
Some boxcar scars may benefit from subcision when underlying tethering contributes to scar formation.
Subcision may help:
Subcision is often combined with other procedures.
- Release scar attachments
- Stimulate wound healing
- Encourage collagen production
- Improve scar elevation
- Enhance treatment outcomes
What changes with treatment
Drag the handle to compare.
Collagen-Stimulating Treatments
Collagen stimulation is a critical component of boxcar scar treatment.
Treatment options may include:
The goal is to gradually rebuild structural support beneath the scar.
- RF Microneedling
- Fractional Lasers
- Skin Boosters
- Biostimulatory Injectables
- Scar Remodeling Procedures
Combination Treatment for Boxcar Scars
Most patients achieve superior results through combination therapy.
Customized treatment plans may include:
Addressing multiple scar mechanisms simultaneously often produces the most significant improvement.
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing
- RF Microneedling
- Subcision
- Skin Boosters
- Collagen Stimulators
- Scar Revision Procedures
Boxcar Scars vs Rolling Scars
Boxcar Scars
- Defined edges
- Round or oval depressions
- Sharper borders
- Variable depth
Rolling Scars
- Sloping edges
- Wavy appearance
- Broad depressions
- Tethered skin
Proper diagnosis is essential because treatment strategies differ.
Boxcar Scars vs Ice Pick Scars
Boxcar Scars
- Wider openings
- More visible surface depressions
- Defined borders
- Moderate depth
Ice Pick Scars
- Narrow openings
- Deep penetration
- Sharp appearance
- Smaller surface diameter
Many acne scar patients present with multiple scar types simultaneously.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Treatment requirements vary depending on:
Most patients require a series of procedures performed over several months to achieve meaningful improvement.
- Scar severity
- Scar depth
- Skin quality
- Previous treatments
- Healing response
Recovery After Treatment
Recovery depends on the treatment method used.
Temporary effects may include:
Most side effects gradually resolve during the healing process.
- Redness
- Swelling
- Dryness
- Sensitivity
- Mild peeling
Dr. Park Deok-Gyu, Director
Acne scars · Laser dermatology. MD, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine; residency at Soonchunhyang University Hospital; cosmetic surgery training at UCLA. Member, Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology and Korean Academy of Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Medicine.
Meet all three physicians →Why Choose Dami Clinic Yeouido?
- Customized scar evaluation
- Advanced acne scar technologies
- Combination treatment protocols
- English-speaking consultations
- International patient support
- Focus on natural-looking improvement
- Treatment plans designed for Asian skin
