POTENZA in Gangnam & Seolleung Station: Same Tip, Why Different Results?

Summary: With POTENZA, results depend more on the settings than on the tip. If you are looking into POTENZA in Gangnam or near Seolleung Station, rather than focusing only on the number of shots, it is a good idea to have your pore distribution, scar depth, level of inflammation and sebum production examined first, and to check that the energy level, needle depth, and monopolar or bipolar mode are chosen accordingly. Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX is a 4-minute walk from Seolleung Station Exits 9·10.

Written by: Lee Ji-seung, Medical Director (Korean Medicine Doctor, PhD in Eastern and Western Medicine) · Date: 2026.10.30

Hello, I am Lee Ji-seung, Medical Director of Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX. In POTENZA consultations, I am often asked, "How many shots will I get?" The number of shots matters, but I look at the skin first. Even with the same device and the same tip, results can vary greatly depending on the settings used (results vary by individual). Today I will go over how POTENZA settings are decided.

Why results differ even with the same tip

POTENZA is a treatment in which fine needles enter the skin and deliver radiofrequency heat. Four main factors affect the result.

• Energy level — Decides how much heat is delivered. Too little may bring a weak response, while too much may lengthen recovery.
• Needle depth — Decides which layer the heat reaches. Pores, shallow scars and deep scars each have a different target depth.
• Energy delivery mode — Decides whether to use monopolar or bipolar mode, or to divide them by area.
• Number and distribution of shots — Decides the total number of shots and how many passes each area receives.

Even with the same tip, the combination of these four factors should differ from person to person. That is why results from treatments with the same name can vary widely.

Monopolar vs. bipolar: what is the difference?

• Monopolar — Radiofrequency flows from the needle tips toward a pad placed on the body, so heat spreads relatively wide and deep. It is considered for widespread pores, skin firmness and scars in deeper layers.
• Bipolar — Radiofrequency flows only between the needles, so heat gathers in a narrow area. It is considered when targeting a focused area, such as localized scars, inflammation or the area around the sebaceous glands.

Neither mode is better than the other; they serve different purposes. Because concerns differ by area even within one face, I consider both modes and plan them separately for each area.

Four things I check in the skin before treatment

• Pore distribution — Where pores are concentrated: the cheeks, beside the nose or the forehead.
• Scar depth and shape — Shallow scars, deeply sunken scars and scars with tethered bases each call for a different depth and mode.
• Level of inflammation — If many active breakouts are present, the energy and the order of treatment are adjusted.
• Sebaceous gland activity — For skin with heavy sebum production, the settings take into account the layer where the sebaceous glands sit.

These findings are the starting point for deciding the energy level, needle depth, delivery mode and number of shots.

How is the number of shots decided?

The number of shots is one of several factors that shape the result. Even with many shots, if the depth or mode does not suit the skin, the result may not meet expectations. On the other hand, even with the right settings, too few shots make it hard to treat the whole face evenly.

At Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX, we usually plan 500 shots or more for the full face and allocate more to areas of greater concern. The exact number of shots is explained after an examination, based on your skin condition (results vary by individual).

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are more shots always more effective?

Not necessarily. Along with the number of shots, the energy level, needle depth and delivery mode need to suit your skin. The number of shots is divided by area after an examination.

Q. Can I receive just one of monopolar or bipolar?

If you have only one concern, treatment is sometimes planned with one mode. However, when pores, scars and inflammation are present together, the two modes are often divided by area.

Q. Can I receive it if I have active acne?

It depends on the level of inflammation. If inflammation is severe, we may calm it first or adjust the energy before proceeding. The order is explained after an examination.

Q. Can I return to daily life right after treatment?

Washing your face and light daily activities are usually possible, but redness and small scabs may last a few days. If you have an important schedule, please let us know at your consultation.

After treatment, temporary redness, swelling, a warm sensation, small scabs or pigmentation may appear, and effects and side effects may vary from person to person. Please consult thoroughly with the medical team before treatment.

POTENZA is a treatment where how it is set matters more than the device name. If you would like to know the depth and mode that suit your skin, start with an examination. Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX is a 4-minute walk from Seolleung Station Exits 9·10.