Enlarged Pore Treatment in Korea: Laser and RF Options

October 25, 2026

Enlarged pores are one of the most common reasons visitors ask about Korean skin treatments, especially those hoping for the smooth, even texture often associated with Korean skincare. Clinics in Busan use several approaches, from fractional lasers to radiofrequency microneedling and skin injections. This guide explains why pores look larger, what each option can and cannot do, what it costs in Seomyeon and how much downtime to expect.

Quick answer: Pores cannot be closed or permanently shrunk, but they can be made to look smaller by improving the skin around them. RF microneedling such as Potenza is the main option for pores with scarring or loss of firmness, with about 3–7 days of recovery and sessions every 3–4 weeks. Fractional pico lasers and gentle lasers such as Genesis help texture with little downtime, and skin Botox can reduce oiliness and pore visibility for about 2–3 months. In Seomyeon, options start from around KRW 129,000 before 10% VAT.

Why do pores look enlarged?

Every hair follicle has an opening at the surface, and how visible it is depends on several factors:

  • Oil production: active oil glands stretch the pore opening, which is why pores are larger on the nose, cheeks and forehead in oily skin.
  • Congestion: trapped sebum and dead skin make pores look darker and wider.
  • Loss of firmness: with age and sun damage, collagen around the pore weakens and pores can sag into an oval or teardrop shape.
  • Acne history: past inflammation can leave pores wider, often mixed with shallow scars.
  • Genetics and skin type.

Knowing which of these applies to you is the key to choosing treatment. Oily, congested pores and sagging, scarred pores respond to different approaches.

Treatment options

RF microneedling (Potenza)

Fine needles deliver radiofrequency heat into the dermis, triggering collagen remodelling. Over the following weeks, the skin around the pores becomes firmer and smoother, and acne scars can soften. Different tips are chosen for pores, scars or firmness, and a skin booster can be delivered through the micro-channels in a "pumping" treatment. It takes about 20–30 minutes after roughly 30 minutes of numbing cream, with 3–7 days of redness or small marks.

Fractional pico laser

A fractional picosecond laser creates tiny zones of effect beneath the surface to stimulate renewal while leaving most of the skin intact. It is often used for texture, fine pores and dullness, with relatively mild downtime.

Genesis and gentle laser care

Genesis is a gentle, non-ablative Nd:YAG technique that warms the skin lightly. It is commonly added for texture, redness and glow, with no real downtime, but the effect on pores is modest and needs repeat sessions.

Skin Botox

Diluted botulinum toxin is injected in many shallow points into the skin rather than muscle. It may reduce oil and relax tiny fibres around pores, so pores look finer and shine reduces for about 2–3 months. It does not remodel scars.

Skin boosters

Boosters such as Juvelook Skin or Rejuran can support texture and hydration, often combined with microneedling. Exosome products are also offered alongside lasers, but evidence for their added benefit is still limited, so treat them as optional rather than essential.

Cleansing care

Medical extraction, Aqua Peel or Black Peel clear congestion and make pores look cleaner for a while. They help oily, blocked pores but do not change pore structure.

How much does pore treatment cost in Busan?

  • Full-face pico fractional laser + exosomes 1cc + cryo care + soothing mask : from KRW 129,000
  • Skin Botox : quoted on WhatsApp or at consultation
  • Potenza N25 + Juvelook Skin 4cc + soothing care, 1 session : from KRW 390,000 (tip charged separately)
  • Potenza N25 + Juvelook Skin 4cc, 3 sessions : from KRW 990,000 (tip charged separately)
  • Signature laser course for pores, 5 sessions with recovery care : from KRW 690,000

Prices checked October 2026. They exclude 10% VAT, added at payment, and prices can change. For Potenza, ask for the tip cost when you request a quote so the full amount is clear before you travel.

What happens during a Potenza session

  1. Consultation. The doctor assesses pore size, oiliness, scars and skin thickness, then chooses the tip, depth and any booster.
  2. Numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 30 minutes.
  3. Treatment. The handpiece is passed across the face for about 20–30 minutes. You feel pricking and warmth, stronger over bony areas.
  4. Soothing care. A calming mask or care is applied, and you can go back to your accommodation or light sightseeing.

Results and timeline

  • First week: redness, mild swelling and small grid marks settle over about 3–7 days.
  • Weeks 2–4: skin often feels smoother; collagen remodelling continues.
  • After 3 or more sessions: pores and texture usually look more refined.
  • Long term: oil production and ageing continue, so maintenance and good skincare matter.

Expect a visible improvement rather than poreless skin. Results vary with skin type, oiliness and age.

Side effects and aftercare

Common effects after microneedling are redness, swelling, dryness and small marks. Less common are breakouts, temporary darkening and, rarely, infection or scarring. Fractional pico laser can cause pinkness and slight roughness for a few days; skin Botox may cause small bumps or bruises.

Aftercare tips

  • Use gentle cleansing and plenty of moisturiser for several days.
  • Apply sunscreen thoroughly and avoid strong sun.
  • Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths, hard exercise, alcohol and swimming pools while the skin recovers.
  • Pause retinoids, acids and scrubs until the doctor says it is fine.

Who should choose something else

If you still have frequent active breakouts, the acne is usually treated first. RF microneedling may not be suitable with a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, during pregnancy, with an active infection, a keloid tendency or recent isotretinoin.

Planning around a trip

Skin Botox, Genesis and cleansing facials fit easily into a short stay. Fractional pico laser is fine for most trips if you can tolerate a few days of mild pinkness. Potenza is best booked at the start of a longer visit, so the 3–7 days of recovery pass before you fly home or have photos taken. Flying is generally fine, but cabin air is dry, so moisturise on the plane. Because pore treatments work best as a course, ask the doctor which single session will give the most benefit if you can only come once.

Frequently asked questions

Can pores be permanently shrunk?

No treatment can permanently close pores. Treatments make them look smaller by reducing oil, clearing congestion and firming the skin around them, and maintenance is needed.

Which works better for pores: laser or RF?

For pores with sagging or acne scarring, RF microneedling usually has more effect. For fine texture with minimal downtime, gentle or fractional lasers are often chosen. Many plans combine both.

How many sessions will I need?

Most people plan around three or more Potenza sessions every 3–4 weeks, or a longer course of gentler lasers. The doctor suggests a number after seeing your skin.

Thinking about pore treatment in Busan?
Send a front and side photo in natural light and your travel dates on WhatsApp to get a plan and today's price in English.

This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, results, recovery and side effects vary from person to person.

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October 25, 2026
Ultherapy is one of the most requested non-surgical lifting treatments in Korea, and Busan has become a popular place to have it done, especially for visitors who want to combine a treatment with a city break by the sea. This guide explains how Ultherapy works, who it suits, what it costs in Busan, and what recovery really looks like, so you can decide whether it fits your goals and your travel plans. Quick answer: Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound, guided by real-time imaging, to heat the deep supporting layer of the face (the SMAS) and trigger new collagen. A session takes about 30–60 minutes after numbing cream, there is usually no downtime, the lift builds over 2–6 months, and results typically last 6–12 months. In Busan, packages generally start from around KRW 790,000 before 10% VAT. What is Ultherapy? Ultherapy (often called Ulthera) is a micro-focused ultrasound device made by Merz Aesthetics. Like other HIFU treatments, it delivers concentrated ultrasound energy beneath the skin. What sets it apart is its built-in imaging: the practitioner can see the layers of the skin on screen and place each line of energy at the intended depth, including the SMAS, the same layer that is tightened in a surgical facelift. Each line creates tiny heated points that contract the tissue and start the body's collagen renewal process. Rather than an instant change, the skin firms and lifts gradually over the following months. Benefits of Ultherapy Reaches the deep support layer. Energy can be delivered down to the SMAS, which is why Ultherapy is used for sagging rather than surface texture alone. Imaging-guided precision. Seeing the tissue before each line helps place energy where it is needed and away from bone. No incisions and no downtime. Most people return to their day straight away. Natural, gradual change. The lift develops as collagen rebuilds, so results look like your own face, only firmer. One session a year for many people. A single treatment is usually enough for a visible change, repeated every 6–12 months. Who is a good candidate? Ultherapy tends to suit people in their 30s to 60s whose cheeks, jowls or brows have started to drop, or who have a softer jawline and some looseness under the chin. It is less helpful when the main concern is crepey texture rather than sagging (radiofrequency treatments such as Thermage FLX often suit that better), or when the face is very thin and hollow, in which case restoring volume may matter more than tightening. How much does Ultherapy cost in Busan? Ultherapy is priced by the number of lines (shots). Around 300 lines is typical for targeted areas such as the jawline and lower cheeks, while around 600 lines allows fuller coverage of the face and under the chin. In Busan, Ultherapy is often sold as a package combined with a skin booster or skin Botox. Ultherapy 300 lines + full-face skin Botox : from KRW 790,000 Ultherapy 600 lines + full-face skin Botox : from KRW 1,690,000 Prices checked October 2026. Korean clinic prices for cosmetic treatments are quoted in won and exclude 10% VAT, which is added at payment. Prices can change, so always confirm the current price when you book. When comparing quotes, check the number of lines included, whether the device is genuine Ultherapy or Ultherapy PRIME rather than a different HIFU machine, what is bundled in the package, and whether VAT is included in the figure you were given. What happens during a session Consultation. The doctor assesses sagging, fat and skin thickness, then plans the areas, depths and number of lines. Numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 30 minutes, then the skin is cleansed and a gel is applied for the imaging probe. Treatment. The transducer shows the skin layers on screen and delivers focused ultrasound over about 30–60 minutes. Areas close to bone, such as the jawline, can feel prickly or warm. Straight back to your day. Mild redness is common and usually fades within hours. Results: what to expect and when Right after treatment: some people notice slight tightening; mild redness is normal. Months 2–3: lifting and firmness become visible as collagen renews. Months 3–6: results usually reach their peak. Months 6–12: the effect gradually fades with natural ageing; a repeat session maintains it. Results and timing vary from person to person. Even, well-planned coverage matters more for a natural result than simply using the maximum number of lines. Recovery, side effects and aftercare Ultherapy has very little downtime. The most common effects are redness or mild swelling that settles within hours to a few days, and tenderness or a bruised feeling along the jaw that can last a few days. Rarely, people experience temporary numbness, small bruises, welts or nerve irritation. Aftercare tips On the day of treatment, avoid saunas and jjimjilbang, hot baths, alcohol and strenuous exercise. Use sunscreen carefully for 1–2 weeks and avoid rubbing or scratching the treated area. Keep the skin well moisturised; makeup can usually be applied once the skin has calmed. Who should wait or avoid it Ultherapy is not recommended during pregnancy, over an active skin infection, open wound or severe acne in the area, or near metal implants or a pacemaker. Tell your doctor about any recent fillers, threads or other procedures in the area. Planning Ultherapy around a trip to Busan Because there is no real downtime, Ultherapy fits easily into a short stay. You can usually go sightseeing the same afternoon, and flying is generally fine, although jaw tenderness can feel more noticeable when chewing on the plane. Booking the treatment early in your trip gives you a few days to settle before you fly home. Share your flight date at the consultation so the plan fits your schedule. Ultherapy vs other lifting options Ultherapy : Focused ultrasound with real-time imaging. Best for: sagging cheeks, jowls and brows. Ultherapy PRIME : Newer Ultherapy platform with upgraded imaging. Best for: the same goals on the latest hardware. Thermage FLX : Monopolar radiofrequency heating the deep dermis. Best for: crepey skin and overall firmness. Shurink Universe : HIFU at set depths, without imaging. Best for: jawline and budget-friendly maintenance. In short, choose Ultherapy for an imaging-guided lift of deeper sagging, Thermage FLX when skin texture is the bigger concern, and Shurink Universe for more frequent, lower-cost upkeep between sessions. Frequently asked questions Does Ultherapy hurt? Most people describe it as warm, prickly pulses, strongest over bony areas. 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