[Hinews] [Physician's Column] By Lee Su-min, Rodam Oriental Medicine Clinic

Plastic surgery may boost self-confidence through aesthetic improvements, but postoperative scars often become a new concern. Among them, atrophic scars—marked by sunken or depressed skin—are especially resistant to natural healing and can cause significant distress. They develop when the dermis does not regenerate adequately, often due to poor collagen production or tissue adhesion during healing, resulting in visibly indented skin.

Many contemporary plastic surgeries involve facial procedures—such as eyelid correction (blepharoplasty and epicanthoplasty), rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and facial contouring. Areas with thinner skin, such as around the eyes (periorbital region), carry a higher risk of developing atrophic scars. If sunken skin persists post-surgery, proactive scar treatment is advisable. Treatment should be tailored to the depth and extent of the depressed tissue.

Commonly, a combination of laser therapy, subcision, and dermal filler injections is employed. However, if normal tissue is overstimulated during treatment or if the patient’s skin lacks sufficient regenerative capacity, optimal results may not be achieved. Multiple treatments may not fully resolve the scar and can even result in hardened tissue (induration).
Recently, Saesalchim Coratherapy, a needle-based traditional Korean medicine technique, has gained attention as an alternative approach. This method uses fine acupuncture needles to stimulate atrophic scar tissue, triggering the skin’s natural healing processes. Like dermatologic subcision, it works by releasing adhered tissue, creating space within the dermis, and stimulating collagen production to support scar regeneration.

Photo: Saesalchim Coratherapy uses fine needles to treat atrophic scars from plastic surgery. Courtesy of Lee Su-min, Director of Rodam Oriental Medicine Clinic.
Photo: Saesalchim Coratherapy uses fine needles to treat atrophic scars from plastic surgery. Courtesy of Lee Su-min, Director of Rodam Oriental Medicine Clinic.


It has shown effectiveness for various types of depressed scars—whether from plastic surgery, acne, chickenpox (varicella), or mole removal. Early intervention, ideally within 4-6 weeks post-surgery before scar tissue becomes fibrotic, yields faster and more pronounced results.

By using ultra-fine needles, Saesalchim minimizes tissue trauma while enhancing scar depth and texture to help it blend naturally with the surrounding skin.
Rather than merely concealing scars, Saesalchim Coratherapy fosters an environment for the skin to regenerate naturally. For patients frustrated by the limitations of conventional treatments or minimal progress after multiple sessions, this approach offers a compelling alternative for atrophic scars.

키워드

#AtrophicScarTreatment#PlasticSurgeryScars#RodamOrientalMedicine
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