Cystic Acne: A Guide for Seoul Visitors
Yaan Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, with deep, painful, inflamed lumps under the skin that often leave scars. This cystic acne guide explains why it needs prompt care from a board-certified dermatologist, what to expect if you are travelling to Seoul, and how Yaan Clinic's aesthetic treatments can help with the scars and marks afterwards.
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Cystic acne is a severe inflammatory form of acne in which blocked, infected follicles rupture deep in the skin and form large, tender, pus-filled lumps called cysts or nodules. At Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we are an aesthetic clinic, not a dermatology specialist clinic, so this cystic acne guide is designed to help you get the right care in the right order: medical treatment first, aesthetic scar repair later.
Good to know: Cystic acne should be diagnosed and treated by a board-certified dermatologist. It frequently needs prescription medicine, and early treatment is the best way to prevent permanent scarring. Yaan Clinic does not provide medical treatment for active cystic acne.
What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is acne in which inflammation sits deep in the dermis rather than near the surface. The lumps are larger, firmer and more painful than ordinary spots, last for weeks, and rarely come to a head.
Strictly speaking, many deep acne lesions are nodules (solid) rather than true cysts (fluid-filled), and doctors often use the term "nodulocystic acne". Both behave similarly: they damage the surrounding collagen as they heal, which is why they so often leave depressed scars and long-lasting dark or red marks.
What causes cystic acne?
Cystic acne develops from the same process as other acne, but with a stronger inflammatory reaction. Genetics and hormones play the biggest roles.
- Family history – severe acne often runs in families.
- Androgens – hormones that drive oil production; flares are common in the teens and, for some women, along the jawline in adulthood.
- Certain medicines – some steroids and other drugs can trigger acne-like eruptions.
- Squeezing – pressing a deep lesion can push inflammation further into the skin.
How is cystic acne different from ordinary acne?
The key differences are depth, pain, duration and scarring risk. Ordinary spots sit near the surface and usually heal within days; cysts sit deep, can last weeks, and are far more likely to scar.
| Feature | Ordinary acne (papules, pustules) | Cystic or nodular acne |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | Superficial | Deep in the dermis |
| Feel | Small, mildly tender | Large, firm, painful |
| Typical duration | Days | Weeks |
| Scarring risk | Low to moderate | High |
| Usual treatment route | Skin care, topical treatments | Prescription treatment by a dermatologist |
When should you see a dermatologist for cystic acne?
Book with a board-certified dermatologist as soon as you notice deep, painful lumps, especially if they are leaving marks or scars. Cystic acne rarely responds to over-the-counter products alone, and waiting increases the risk of permanent scarring.
A dermatologist may discuss options such as oral antibiotics combined with topical treatment, hormonal therapy for some women, oral isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne, or a corticosteroid injection to calm a single painful cyst quickly. These are medical decisions that depend on your health history and need follow-up, which is why it is usually best to start treatment with a doctor in your home country who can monitor you.
If a cyst becomes very swollen, hot or is accompanied by fever while you are travelling, seek medical care promptly.
Can you have cosmetic treatments with cystic acne?
Most cosmetic injections, microneedling and stronger lasers are postponed over active cysts because of infection risk and unpredictable healing. Once the acne is controlled, aesthetic treatments for scars and marks become much more effective.
- During isotretinoin: many clinicians delay microneedling, ablative or strong energy-based treatments during the course and for a period afterwards. Always tell your doctor your exact dates.
- After a flare: red or brown marks often fade gradually; vascular and pigment lasers can help when marks persist.
- Elsewhere on the face: lifting or injectable treatments in areas away from active lesions may still be possible; your doctor will decide case by case.
For international patients: If you are planning an aesthetic trip to Seoul, aim to travel when your cystic acne has been stable for some time. If a flare hits just before your trip, message us on WhatsApp (+82 10 5308 0499) with photos so our team can tell you whether it is better to adjust your plan. Our treatment trip planner helps with timing.
How can Yaan Clinic help after cystic acne?
Yaan Clinic's role begins once inflammation is under control: improving the depressed scars, enlarged pores and lingering red or brown marks that cystic acne leaves behind. These are aesthetic treatments and do not treat the acne itself.
- Potenza RF microneedling – delivers radiofrequency energy through ultra-fine needles at 0.5–4.0 mm depth to stimulate collagen; Yaan lists acne scars, pores and texture among its targets.
- Juvelook collagen skin booster – a PLA and hyaluronic acid injectable that Yaan uses for acne scars and skin quality, sometimes combined with Potenza in a three-session package.
- Personal Brightening – a Pico laser and V laser combination for brown and red acne marks, followed by LDM Recovery Therapy.
Our acne scar treatment guide compares these options in more detail, and the general acne guide for visitors covers milder acne types.
How much does acne scar care cost at Yaan Clinic?
Cystic acne itself should be treated by a board-certified dermatologist. For the scars and marks it leaves, Yaan Clinic's published prices start at ₩100,000 for a V-laser session and ₩150,000 for Pico Fraxel.
| Treatment at Yaan Clinic | 2026 guide price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Pico Fraxel, 1 session | 150,000 |
| Pico Fraxel + Rejuran S 1cc + LDM | 400,000 |
| Pico Fraxel + Juvelook Skin Booster + Rejuran S 1cc + LDM | 890,000 |
| Potenza Pumping + Juvelook Skin Booster + Rejuran S 1cc + LDM | 990,000 |
| V-laser (red marks), 1 session | 100,000 |
International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and your final price is confirmed at consultation. The consultation fee (10,000 KRW, or 30,000 KRW including a director consultation) is waived if you go ahead with a treatment. See the acne scar treatment price guide or the full Yaan Clinic price list.
How can you look after cystic acne day to day?
Do not squeeze or pick cysts, use a gentle cleanser and a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and wear sunscreen every day to reduce dark marks. Stick to the plan your dermatologist gives you, since most acne treatments take two to three months to show their full effect.
A cold compress can ease the pain of a swollen lesion. Avoid harsh scrubs and stacking several strong active ingredients at once, which can irritate already inflamed skin.
What should you look for in a clinic in Korea?
For active cystic acne, look for a doctor identified as a dermatology specialist. For scar treatment later, ask who will perform the procedure and how devices and consumables are verified.
At Yaan Clinic, our medical team treats patients directly, uses single-use, EO-gas-sterilized Potenza tips, and explains authenticity checks on our genuine products and safety page.
Frequently asked questions
Does Yaan Clinic treat active cystic acne?
No. Yaan Clinic is an aesthetic clinic, not a dermatology specialist clinic. Active cystic acne should be diagnosed and treated by a board-certified dermatologist, often with prescription medicine. Yaan can help later with aesthetic treatments for acne scars, pores and post-acne marks once inflammation is controlled.
Can I pop a cyst to make it heal faster?
Please do not. Cysts sit deep in the skin, and squeezing them usually pushes inflammation further down, increasing pain, the chance of infection and the risk of a permanent scar. A dermatologist can calm a single painful cyst quickly if needed.
How long after isotretinoin can I have Potenza or laser treatments?
There is no single answer that fits everyone, and practice varies. Many clinicians wait for a period after finishing isotretinoin before microneedling or strong energy-based treatments. Tell your doctor your exact course dates and dose; they will confirm safe timing at consultation.
Which Yaan treatment is used for scars left by cystic acne?
Common options are Potenza RF microneedling and the Juvelook collagen skin booster, which Yaan lists for acne scars, sometimes combined in a package. Red or brown marks may be addressed with Personal Brightening. Your doctor chooses after a 3D Meta-Vu skin analysis.
How much does acne scar treatment cost at Yaan Clinic?
At Yaan Clinic, acne scar programs cost ₩400,000 to ₩990,000 per session depending on whether Juvelook and Potenza are included; Pico Fraxel alone is ₩150,000 and V-laser for red marks ₩100,000. International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, confirmed at consultation.
Related pages
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About this information: Prepared from Yaan Clinic's published treatment information. Treatments at Yaan Clinic are performed by licensed physicians — meet our doctors. Last updated: October 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation; suitability, dosage and results are confirmed by your doctor.
