Enlarged Pores & Acne Scars — Treatment Options in Seoul

Enlarged pores and acne scars are two of the most common skin concerns that bring international patients to clinics in Seoul. While the two issues are related, they are not the same thing. Enlarged pores are usually caused by excess oil production, sun damage, or loss of skin elasticity around the follicle opening. Acne scars, on the other hand, are the result of tissue damage from inflammatory breakouts, and they can appear as shallow depressions, deeper pits, or uneven texture. Anyone researching an enlarged pores treatment in Seoul should understand that these two concerns often overlap, and a realistic treatment plan usually needs to address both skin texture and, in some cases, underlying volume loss.

This page explains the general concern and then reviews the treatment approach that is relevant to what TheLine Plastic Surgery currently offers. It is important to note that TheLine's published treatment list is centered on body and facial fat procedures — specifically SVF liposuction and SVF fat grafting — rather than dedicated laser or resurfacing programs for pores. Patients whose main concern is texture-only pore refinement should discuss with the clinic directly whether that falls within their current service scope, since the facts available for this page do not list a pore-specific laser or peel treatment.

Understanding the concern

Pore size tends to be influenced by genetics, skin thickness, and sebaceous gland activity, and it can appear more noticeable with age as collagen support weakens. Acne scarring varies widely from person to person — some scars are shallow and soften naturally over time, while others are deeper and more persistent. Because atrophic acne scars are essentially areas of collagen and volume loss, some patients explore fat-based volume restoration as part of a broader approach, alongside dermatologic texture treatments. This is where a clinic's fat grafting experience may become relevant, even though it is not a direct treatment for pore size itself.

What SVF Fat Grafting is

SVF Fat Grafting is an autologous procedure offered by TheLine that combines fat grafting with Stromal Vascular Fraction derived from the patient's own tissue. According to the clinic's treatment list, this option is available for several areas, including the face. It is generally used to restore volume in areas that have become hollow or uneven, which can include cheeks or temples affected by aging or, in some cases, deeper contour irregularities. It is not marketed as a direct enlarged pores treatment in Seoul, and patients should not expect it to shrink pore size on its own.

Who it may suit

This approach may be considered by patients who have noticeable volume loss or contour depressions in the face, sometimes seen alongside old acne scarring that has left the skin uneven rather than simply textured. It may also interest patients who are already considering body contouring with SVF liposuction and want to discuss combined facial volume options during the same consultation.

Who should avoid it

Patients whose main concern is surface-level pore visibility without volume loss are less likely to be good candidates, since fat grafting addresses depth and contour rather than pore diameter. Individuals with active skin infections, unmanaged medical conditions, or unrealistic expectations about scar removal should discuss alternatives with a physician before proceeding. Because results vary by individual, anyone expecting a uniform or guaranteed outcome should have a detailed conversation with the doctor first.

How a session generally goes

While exact protocols depend on the treating doctor, autologous fat and SVF procedures typically involve a small-volume fat harvest, laboratory processing to isolate the SVF component, and then careful reinjection into the treatment area. At TheLine, doctors such as Cho Jae-ho and Jung Yu-seok have long-standing backgrounds in fat and SVF work — Dr. Cho has performed a large number of liposuction procedures since 2007 and leads the clinic's SVF Cell Matrix Lab, while Dr. Jung has over three decades of surgical experience with a specialization in fat and SVF techniques. Consultations usually include an assessment of skin condition, scarring pattern, and facial volume before any procedure is planned.

Downtime and recovery

Recovery after fat grafting can include temporary swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness in the treated area, which usually settles over one to a few weeks depending on the individual and the volume grafted. Some fat resorption is expected in the months following the procedure, and final results are typically evaluated only after this settling period. Patients should ask their doctor for a personalized recovery timeline, since healing pace differs from person to person.

Pricing

The facts available for this page do not list a fixed price for SVF Fat Grafting, as cost depends on treatment area and volume required. TheLine does list a Mini Liposuction promotional price of 990,000 KRW, though this is a body-liposuction package and not a facial scar or pore treatment. Patients should confirm final pricing, and whether VAT or consultation fees apply, directly with the clinic before booking, since promotional prices and inclusions can change.

Safety considerations

Any procedure involving fat harvesting and injection carries standard surgical risks, including infection, uneven results, or the need for touch-up sessions. Results are not guaranteed and will differ between patients based on skin quality, scarring depth, and how the body responds to grafted tissue. Patients are encouraged to have a thorough in-person or virtual consultation, disclose their full medical history, and ask specifically how the treating doctor's experience relates to their particular concern before deciding to proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Can SVF Fat Grafting shrink enlarged pores directly?

No. This procedure is designed to restore facial volume rather than reduce pore size, so it is not considered a direct enlarged pores treatment in Seoul.

Does TheLine offer laser treatments for pores or acne scars?

Based on the treatments listed for this clinic, the current focus is on SVF liposuction and SVF fat grafting; patients should confirm with the clinic whether laser or peel options are available.

How long does it take to see results after fat grafting?

Swelling typically needs to subside first, and some of the grafted fat may be reabsorbed over the following weeks, so most doctors suggest waiting a few months before evaluating final results.

Who performs the SVF-related procedures at TheLine?

Doctors including Cho Jae-ho and Jung Yu-seok have extensive backgrounds in fat and SVF procedures, and consultations are typically arranged with a doctor experienced in this technique.

Is the outcome of fat grafting guaranteed to last?

No outcome can be guaranteed, and some volume loss over time is possible; individual results vary depending on the patient's tissue response and lifestyle factors.