Acne care · Myeongdong, Seoul
Cystic acne Myeongdong Seoul: calmer skin, fewer deep breakouts.
Deep, painful acne needs a medical assessment, not just stronger skincare. At RE:BERRY Myeongdong, two minutes from Myeongdong Station Exit 8, a doctor combines calming in-clinic treatments with prescription advice where needed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Seung-Jae Baek, Chief Medical Director (licence No. 143338) · Updated 8 October 2026
Quick answer · What is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne in which blocked, inflamed follicles form deep, painful nodules that can leave marks and scars. It is driven by excess oil, bacteria, inflammation and hormones, and is controlled rather than cured. At RE:BERRY Clinic, a doctor assesses severity, advises when prescription medication is needed, and uses calming treatments such as LDM, toning lasers and medical facials. Sessions take 20–40 minutes with little or no downtime.
- Typical plan
- Sessions every 1–2 weeks
- Session
- 20–40 min
- Downtime
- None to mild redness
- Results
- Gradual over 4–8 weeks
How it works
Calm the inflammation, control oil and protect against scars
Cysts form when a blocked follicle ruptures deep in the skin and triggers strong inflammation. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and bacteria, regulate oil and clogging, and limit marks and scarring. Severe or persistent cases usually need prescription medication alongside in-clinic care, and your doctor will tell you if dermatology treatment is more appropriate.
-
Doctor assessment
Your doctor checks how deep and widespread the breakouts are, your skincare and medication, and whether prescription care is needed.
-
Tailored treatment
Calming and oil-controlling treatments such as LDM, toning laser or a medical facial are chosen for your skin that day.
-
Follow-up and maintenance
Sessions repeat every one to two weeks while acne is active, then space out, with written aftercare and WhatsApp follow-up.
Before & after
Fewer inflamed lumps and calmer-looking skin
Most patients see fewer new deep breakouts and less redness over several weeks; acne is kept under control rather than cured, and existing scars need separate treatment.
Photos published with patient consent. Results vary between individuals and are not a guarantee of outcome.
A good fit if you…
- Have deep, painful breakouts that keep coming back
- Want to reduce redness and the risk of new marks
- Prefer in-clinic care alongside any prescribed medication
- Want a plan that can address marks and scars later
Talk to your doctor first if you…
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take isotretinoin or other photosensitising medication
- Have a fever, spreading infection or very sudden severe acne
- Have irregular periods or other signs of a hormonal condition that has not been checked
Compare options
Treatment options for cystic acne compared
| Treatment | How it works | Session | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDM Treatment | Dual-frequency ultrasound micro-massage | 15–30 min | None |
| Genesis Toning | Non-ablative 1064 nm Nd:YAG warming | 15–30 min | Mild redness, hours |
| Laser Toning | Low-fluence 1064 nm laser toning | 15–20 min | None |
| Hydrafacial Glow | Vortex cleanse, extract and infuse | 30–45 min | None |
| RF Microneedling | Microneedles delivering RF heat | 45–60 min | 1–3 days redness |
Many patients combine treatments in one visit. Your doctor recommends a plan after examining your skin. See all skin concerns.
Your visit
From first message to flight home
-
Message us
Send your concern and travel dates on WhatsApp (+82-10-5719-2084), LINE or WeChat. A coordinator replies in English, Chinese, Japanese or Spanish.
-
Free doctor consultation
Skin analysis and photos, then a doctor confirms whether Cystic acne treatment suits you. You get the plan and price in writing first.
-
Same-day treatment
Most acne care visits take 30–60 minutes in a private room including the consultation, and you can usually go back to sightseeing the same day. Written aftercare in your language, plus WhatsApp follow-up once you are home.
Who reviewed this page
Dr. Seung-Jae Baek
Chief Medical Director · Korean medical licence No. 143338
JUVELOOK Meister & Speaker and Revinas Key Opinion Leader. Member of the Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Society (ASLS Korea), the Korean Academy of Obesity & Aesthetic Treatment (KOAT) and the Korea Filler Education and Research Academy. RE:BERRY Myeongdong is a KHIDI-registered foreign patient medical institution (Reg. No. M-2025-01-08-8519).
FAQ
Cystic Acne questions we hear every day
Can cystic acne be cured permanently?
Cystic acne is usually controllable rather than permanently curable, because hormones and oil production can trigger new breakouts. With in-clinic care, the right skincare and prescription medication when needed, most patients achieve long periods of calmer skin.
Which treatment is best for cystic acne?
It depends on severity. Mild to moderate inflammation often responds to calming care such as LDM treatment and toning lasers, while severe nodular acne usually needs prescription medication assessed by a doctor or dermatologist.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients start with sessions every one to two weeks for four to six visits, then move to maintenance. Your doctor adjusts the plan as breakouts settle.
Should I squeeze a cystic spot?
No. Cysts sit deep in the skin, and squeezing usually pushes inflammation further and raises the risk of dark marks and scars. Ask the doctor about safe in-clinic care for a painful lesion instead.
Can I fly home or sightsee after treatment?
Yes. Most acne treatments have little or no downtime, so you can usually fly or sightsee the same day. Use sunscreen and avoid saunas and heavy make-up for a day.
How much does cystic acne treatment cost in Myeongdong?
Price depends on the treatments chosen and the number of sessions. The same price list applies to every nationality and is given to you in writing before treatment. See our pico toning and acne price list.
Related treatments & guides
Struggling with cystic acne? Ask a doctor first.
58, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul · 2 min from Myeongdong Station Exit 8 · Open daily, weekdays 10:30–20:00, weekends 10:30–19:00.
General information, not medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is decided at consultation.
