How Does POTENZA Work on Acne Scars and Pores?

Summary: POTENZA is a radiofrequency microneedling device that inserts fine needles into the skin and delivers radiofrequency heat from the needle tips. Because it works by triggering a healing response in the dermis that helps increase collagen, it is used for both depressed acne scars and enlarged pores.

Written by: Lee Ji-seung, Medical Director (Korean Medicine Doctor, PhD in Eastern and Western Medicine) · Date: 2026.10.21

Hello, I am Lee Ji-seung, Medical Director of Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX. In scar consultations, I am often asked, "Can POTENZA treat both my scars and my pores?" Today I will explain how POTENZA works inside the skin and what it does differently for scars and for pores.

Why Needles and Radiofrequency Are Used Together

A depressed acne scar is a spot where collagen in the dermis has been destroyed. Treatments that only work on the skin surface find it hard to bring about a healing response down to the dermis. Because POTENZA releases radiofrequency heat from the tip after the needle reaches the desired depth, it can deliver heat directly to the dermis while reducing damage to the surface.

The tiny channels made by the needles and the radiofrequency heat restart the skin's wound-healing process. In this process, new collagen is formed, which helps the base of depressed scars and the tissue around stretched pores gradually become firmer (results vary from person to person). In 2012, the journal Dermatologic Surgery published a study applying radiofrequency microneedle treatment to acne scars and large pores.

Why Depth and Tips Differ for Scars and Pores

Even with the same POTENZA, the needle depth, the type of tip and the radiofrequency intensity vary depending on the goal. For scars, the needles need to reach the depth of the damage, while for pores, the treatment mainly targets the area around the sebaceous glands and pore walls.

• Depressed scars — Mainly targets the dermis where the base of the scar lies. We also look at scar type, depth and skin thickness.
• Enlarged pores — Mainly targets the area around the pore walls and sebaceous glands. We also look at sebum production and pore shape.
• Cheeks with both scars and pores — The areas are divided and treated at different depths. We also look at how the scars are distributed by area.

Before treatment, I shine light at an angle to record the location and depth of the scars first. Then, considering that skin thickness differs by area, such as the cheeks, temples and jaw, I divide the depth and intensity accordingly. Areas with deep scars and areas where only pores are the concern are not treated with the same settings.

Number of Sessions and Intervals

Rather than one strong session, POTENZA is done in several sessions spaced apart, because new collagen takes time to form and settle. The number of sessions and the intervals are decided together during consultation, based on scar depth, how quickly your skin recovers and any other treatments you are receiving.

At each session, we compare the skin with the first record to see how much the shadows of the scars have decreased, then adjust the depth and intensity for the next session.

Recovery Timeline

• Day of treatment — Redness, warmth and mild swelling may occur. Wash your face gently with lukewarm water.
• Around day 3 — Redness decreases, and tiny dot-like scabs may form. Do not pick the scabs, and apply a gentle moisturizer.
• Around 1 week — Most skin returns to its everyday condition. Be sure to use sun protection.

This timeline is a general guide and varies depending on treatment depth, intensity and skin condition (results vary from person to person).

Results Are Judged After a Few Months

Right after treatment, the skin may look smoother because of swelling. However, this change disappears as the swelling goes down. Changes from new collagen formation appear slowly over several months.

That is why I compare the skin a few months after the last session, using the same lighting and angle as the first record. The goal of scar treatment is not to erase scars completely, but to reduce their depth and shadows so they are less noticeable.

✅ CHECK POINT: Please Tell Us Before POTENZA

• If you are prone to keloids or have had wounds that healed raised
• Whether you take oral acne medication or blood-thinning medication
• Any electronic devices or metal implanted in your body, such as a pacemaker
• Any recent skin treatments
• Any important plans within 1 week after treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I have it if my skin is thin?

In many cases, yes. For areas with thin skin, we lower the needle depth and radiofrequency intensity and allow a little more time between sessions. We check the skin thickness of each area together during consultation.

Q. Can I go to work the next day?

Most people can go about their daily lives the next day. However, redness and small scabs may remain for a few days, so if you have an important presentation or photo shoot, it is a good idea to book around it.

Q. Can I have it if I have acne?

The basic approach is to avoid areas with severe inflammation and start after the inflammation has calmed down. If you only get an occasional pimple or two, treatment can begin with areas that are not inflamed.

After treatment, temporary redness, swelling, warmth, small scabs or pigmentation may occur. Results and side effects may vary from person to person. Please consult thoroughly with the medical staff before treatment.

At Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX, we record the location and depth of scars and pores by area, then guide you on the depth and number of POTENZA sessions. If both scars and pores concern you, please feel free to contact us. Medical Bloom Korean Medicine Clinic · COEX is a 4-minute walk from Exits 9·10 of Seolleung Station.

References

• Cho SI, Chung BY, Choi MG, et al. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of fractional radiofrequency microneedle treatment in acne scars and large facial pores. Dermatol Surg. 2012;38(7 Pt 1):1017-1024.
• Chandrashekar BS, Sriram R, Mysore R, et al. Evaluation of microneedling fractional radiofrequency device for treatment of acne scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014;7(2):93-97.