Acne, Pores & Scars · Seomyeon, Busan

Agnes in Busan

#SelectiveSebaceous · #RecurrentAcne · #InsulatedNeedleRF · #RootCause

Agnes treats the oil glands that cause acne using very fine insulated needles. By working on acne that keeps returning in the same spots, it helps reduce how often breakouts come back.

Quick answer: Agnes is a radiofrequency (RF) treatment that places a very fine insulated needle into individual acne-prone oil glands, so energy is released only at the needle tip to damage the gland while sparing the skin surface. At Art of Shine Clinic in Seomyeon, Busan, it takes about 20–30 minutes after 30 minutes of numbing cream, with about 3–7 days of recovery. Sessions are repeated every 3–4 weeks as advised.

At a glance

What is Agnes?

Agnes uses microneedles that are insulated along their length and conduct radiofrequency energy only at the very tip. The needle is placed into the oil gland beneath an acne lesion, and a short pulse of RF heat damages that gland, while the insulated shaft helps protect the skin above it.

Because each gland is treated individually, Agnes is often chosen for acne that keeps returning in the same places. It can be combined with Extraction and, for painful inflamed spots, an Anti-Inflammatory Injection. For acne on a wider area, see the Accure Laser.

How Agnes works

Radiofrequency energy released at the tip of an insulated needle heats and damages the targeted oil gland, reducing its ability to produce the oil that feeds acne. The skin surface is largely spared, which supports healing.

1. Consultation: your doctor examines your acne, identifies recurring spots and plans the areas to treat.
2. Treatment: after about 30 minutes of numbing cream, the fine needle is placed into each targeted gland and RF energy is delivered. This takes about 20–30 minutes.
3. After: the skin is soothed. Small marks and redness settle over about 3–7 days, and the next session is usually in 3–4 weeks.

Why patients choose Agnes

• Selective — only the targeted oil glands are treated.
• For acne in the same spots — helps manage lesions that keep recurring.
• Works below the surface — addresses the gland rather than just the visible spot.
• Protected skin surface — insulated needles limit heat to the needle tip.

Who is Agnes for — and when we suggest something else

Good candidates

• People whose acne returns in the same spots again and again.
• People with a few stubborn, deep breakouts on the chin, jaw or cheeks.
• People who want to address the gland behind a recurring spot rather than each flare.
• People with oily skin and enlarged pores in limited areas.
• Anyone who can allow 3–7 days of visible recovery after each session.

We may suggest something else if…

• Breakouts spread widely rather than recurring in fixed spots. Accure Laser treats a whole area.
• You have a hot, painful lesion right now. An Anti-Inflammatory Injection calms it first.
• Acne is controlled but dents and scars remain. Potenza focuses on texture and collagen.
• You have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device. Radiofrequency treatments may not be suitable, so tell us first.
• You are pregnant or have an active skin infection. We usually wait.

What happens at your Agnes session in Seomyeon

1. Message us on WhatsApp first. Send photos showing where your acne keeps returning. Mention any implanted devices and current acne medicines.
2. Consultation with Dr. Park. She maps the recurring spots and checks which are active. She then decides how many glands to treat today.
3. Preparation and numbing. Your skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied for about 30 minutes.
4. The treatment. A fine insulated needle is placed into each target gland, and energy is released at the tip. It takes about 20–30 minutes; you feel pricking and brief heat.
5. Out the door and follow-up. Redness and small marks fade over about 3–7 days. Plan any further session in 3–4 weeks, and message us if a spot becomes swollen.

How Dr. Park plans your Agnes treatment

Gland by gland

Agnes uses needles that are insulated along the shaft. Energy is released only at the uninsulated tip. This lets Dr. Park treat the oil gland itself while protecting the skin surface.

Choosing targets

She focuses on spots with a clear history of recurrence. Fresh, inflamed lesions may be calmed first rather than treated straight away. Depth is matched to the area, as skin thickness differs between cheek, chin and jawline.

Spacing

If more than one session is needed, they are spaced about 3–4 weeks apart. This allows healing and shows which spots still recur.

Agnes results: what to expect and when

• Days 1–7: redness, small needle marks and mild swelling settle.
• Weeks 2–4: treated spots tend to break out less.
• After several sessions: fewer recurring lesions for many people.
• Following months: improvement may continue. Results vary by person.

Side effects, risks and who should avoid Agnes

Agnes is a minimally invasive treatment. Possible side effects include:

• Redness, swelling and small needle marks or scabs (usually settle within about 3–7 days)
• Bruising, especially if you bruise easily
• A temporary flare of breakouts
• Rarely, temporary darkening of the skin or small depressed marks

Not suitable if you: have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device; are pregnant; have an active infection or cold sore in the area; tend to form keloid scars; or have a bleeding disorder. Tell your doctor about blood thinners and recent isotretinoin use.

Agnes vs Accure Laser and Potenza: which should you choose?

These three handle different sides of acne.

Choose Agnes when you can point to the spots that keep returning. Choose Accure when breakouts are scattered. Choose Potenza for scars once breakouts are under control.

Aftercare after Agnes

• Scabs or flaking may form during recovery; do not pick or peel them.
• Protect your skin from UV thoroughly for 1–2 weeks after treatment.
• Follow our team's guidance on washing and makeup on the day of treatment.
• Avoid saunas, hot baths, strenuous exercise and alcohol for several days.
• Use a regenerating cream and moisturiser generously.

Travelling? Read our aftercare tips for travellers.

Downtime after Agnes, and flying home

Expect redness and tiny entry marks over treated spots for about 3–7 days. Some light swelling or scabbing can occur. You can walk around the same day, but protect your skin from UV for 1–2 weeks. Do not pick scabs or flaking skin.

Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths, hard exercise and alcohol for several days. Follow our guidance on washing and makeup for the first day. Flying is generally fine; use a regenerating cream and moisturiser on board. Tell Dr. Park your flight date and leave a few days before important photos. See our aftercare tips for travellers.

Agnes prices in Busan (KRW)

Pricing for Agnes depends on the area, dose and plan your doctor recommends. Ask us on WhatsApp for a quote before your visit.

Listed amounts are non-covered treatment fees in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Payment is made at the clinic on the day of your visit. Costs may vary with the treatment area and dosage, and results, recovery time and side effects differ from person to person. Details are explained during an in-clinic consultation.

Full price list → · Current special offers → · How prices & payment work →

Is Agnes acne treatment permanent?

Agnes aims to reduce acne from the specific glands treated, but lasting results cannot be promised. A treated gland is less likely to cause repeat breakouts in that spot. Other glands, hormones, stress and skincare can still trigger new acne elsewhere.

That is why results vary by person and why some people need more than one session. Dr. Park will suggest whether ongoing care is useful. Gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products and sun protection support your results between visits.

Why do the needles in Agnes need to be insulated?

Insulation keeps energy away from the skin surface. Only the tip of the needle releases radiofrequency energy. That tip sits at the depth of the oil gland.

Without insulation, energy would heat the whole track through the skin. This would mean more surface damage and a higher risk of marks. Insulated needles let treatment be precise in small, chosen spots. It is also why Agnes is used gland by gland, rather than as a full-face resurfacing treatment. Precision also helps keep recovery limited to the treated spots.

Can Agnes be combined with other acne treatments?

Yes, Agnes is often one part of a wider plan. Active, swollen spots may first be calmed with an Anti-Inflammatory Injection. Clogged pores may be cleared with Extraction.

Once breakouts settle, scar treatment may follow. Dr. Park spaces treatments so your skin is not overloaded. If you are visiting Busan briefly, tell her your dates. She can then prioritise what gives the most benefit in the time you have. Treatments that need recovery are usually placed early in your stay.

Agnes FAQ

Related treatments

• Accure Laser — laser for overactive oil glands
• Anti-Inflammatory Injection — fast relief for painful acne cysts
• Extraction — clears blackheads and trapped sebum
• Potenza — microneedle RF for scars and pores

See all Acne, Pores & Scars or browse all 98 treatments.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Park Yoon-soo— Head Director, Art of Shine Clinic Busan

Medical graduate of Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, intern at Asan Medical Center. Rejuran and Rejuviel Expert Member (PharmaResearch), Restylane Expert Member (Galderma), Belotero Key Doctor (Merz Korea) and 2026 Coretox Expert. Member of the Korean Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Society and the Korean Society for Laser, Dermatology and Trichology.

This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Results, recovery time and side effects vary from person to person.

Ready to plan your visit?

Send one WhatsApp message with the treatment and your travel dates. We reply during clinic hours (KST): Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–16:00.