Acne Potenzain Gangnam, Seoul
Acne Potenza uses RF microneedling to target the oil-gland activity and inflammation behind active breakouts. Fine needles deliver RF heat into the deeper skin to calm the areas where acne forms, and a delivery tip can place a chosen solution where it is needed. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we assess your skin first and pair the treatment with medical guidance. A session usually takes about 20–40 minutes. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- Persistent or recurrent inflammatory acne
- Oily, congested skin prone to breakouts
- Adult acne along the cheeks, jawline and chin
- Anyone wanting a device-based option alongside topical or medical care
Acne has many causes, and management is usually multi-step. Acne Potenza is one part of a plan; medical treatment or skincare may be advised alongside it. Suitability is confirmed during consultation.
How it works
RF heat delivered into the deeper skin is used to target overactive oil glands and calm the inflammation that drives breakouts, while the micro-channels support renewal of congested skin. A delivery tip can place a soothing or sebum-directed solution into the treated zones. Because acne clusters in oil-rich areas, the doctor concentrates treatment along the cheeks, jawline, chin and forehead. It is generally combined with a broader acne plan rather than used alone.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01RF heat directed at oil-gland activity
Radiofrequency heat is delivered into the deeper skin to target overactive oil glands, which sit below the surface where breakouts begin.
02Calming inflammation, supporting renewal
The same heat is used to calm the inflammation that drives breakouts, while the micro-channels support renewal of congested skin.
03An optional delivery tip
A delivery tip can place a soothing or sebum-directed solution into the treated zones. Because acne clusters in oil-rich areas, treatment concentrates along the cheeks, jawline, chin and forehead.
04One part of a plan, working gradually
Acne has several causes, so this is generally combined with a broader plan rather than used alone, and change appears over the following weeks. (Results vary by individual.)
Treatment areas
- Cheeks
- A common site for inflammatory and clustered acne.
- Jawline and chin
- Where adult and hormonal-pattern acne often appears.
- Forehead and T-zone
- Oil-rich areas prone to congestion.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and skin assessment
- 2Cleansing and topical numbing for comfort
- 3RF microneedling over the affected zones
- 4Cooling, aftercare and skincare guidance
Time: A session takes about 20–40 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Recovery & aftercare
- Downtime is usually short; many people return to daily activities the same day.
- Temporary redness, mild swelling, dryness or a brief purge-like flare may occur.
- Follow the gentle cleansing, oil-control and sun-protection guidance we provide.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Treatment day
Warmth during treatment, then redness, mild swelling and dryness; tiny pinpoint marks may be visible. Most people return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 1-5 Settling
Redness and dryness generally ease. A brief purge-like flare can occur as the skin renews; follow the gentle cleansing and oil-control guidance provided.
WEEK 1-4 Early calming
Some people notice fewer new breakouts and calmer skin. This varies from person to person. (Results vary by individual.)
ACROSS A SERIES Gradual change
Over sessions spaced several weeks apart, often alongside skincare or medication, breakouts and oiliness settle progressively for many people. (Results vary by individual.)
MAINTENANCE Review & upkeep
Your doctor reviews the outcome and discusses ongoing skincare, medication or maintenance based on your skin.
Sessions & results
Acne care is usually planned as a series spaced several weeks apart, often alongside skincare or medical treatment, with gradual change. The plan is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
These procedures all address active acne in different ways, and are often used alongside medical care, so a plan is chosen after assessment.
| Comparison | Acne Potenza | Light or laser | Chemical peel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | RF microneedling — heat into deeper skin, with optional delivery | Light or laser targets bacteria and oil glands | Acids exfoliate and de-congest the surface |
| Where it works | Oil-gland activity and inflammation at depth | Surface to mid layers | Surface pores and dead cells |
| Often chosen for | A device option alongside medical care | Inflammatory acne and redness | Congestion, blackheads and oily surface |
| Sensation | Warmth with light pricking | Warmth or light snaps | Tingling or stinging |
| Downtime | Usually short | Usually short | Varies by depth |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary redness, mild swelling or dryness
- A brief purge-like flare as the skin renews
- Tiny pinpoint marks where the needles entered, and short-lived sensitivity
- Occasionally bruising, or temporary darkening in those prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation
When to take extra care
- Current or recent isotretinoin — particularly relevant for acne, so tell your doctor and timing can be planned
- Active, widespread infection or severe inflammation in the treatment area
- Recent peels, lasers or other resurfacing
- A history of keloid, or a tendency toward post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any implanted electrical device or metal implant in the area — let us know at consultation
Acne has many causes and is usually managed in several steps; Acne Potenza is one part of a plan, and medical treatment or skincare may be advised alongside it. Suitability is confirmed during consultation. Effects and downtime vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Doctor-led, with medical guidance
A board-certified doctor assesses your skin and pairs the treatment with medical guidance, since acne care is usually multi-step.
One platform, matched settings
We use the Potenza system with a delivery tip, adjusting depth and energy for the affected zones as part of a broader plan.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the areas treated and the number of sessions. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
It delivers RF heat into the deeper skin to target oil-gland activity and calm inflammation, and can deliver a soothing solution. It is usually combined with a broader acne plan. (Results vary by individual.)
Acne Potenza focuses on active breakouts and oil-gland activity, while Scar Potenza uses deeper settings to remodel the texture scars leave behind. Many people address active acne first.
A brief purge-like reaction can occur as skin renews. We explain what to expect and how to care for your skin afterward. (Results vary by individual.)
Acne care is usually a series spaced several weeks apart, often alongside skincare or medication. The plan is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
Often yes. Acne has several causes, so Acne Potenza is generally one part of a plan rather than used alone.
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Scar Potenza
Once active acne is controlled, Scar Potenza uses deeper settings to remodel the texture that breakouts can leave behind. Timing is decided by your doctor.
+Potenza Pore Tip
For the enlarged pores and uneven texture that often accompany oily, acne-prone skin, the pore tip focuses RF heat to refine the surface.
+Skincare or medical treatment
Topical or oral treatment often forms the core of an acne plan; the device is generally used alongside it rather than on its own.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.