Acne scars are a thorn in many people’s side – especially the depressed scars on the cheeks that makeup can’t hide and that show up in every light. Fillers collapse shortly after injection, and even after multiple laser sessions, the results are still underwhelming. CORA Therapy (Collagen Regeneration Acupoint Therapy), developed in‑house by Korea’s Noruram Korean Medicine Hospital, was designed precisely to solve this problem. It originates from “Saesalchim” (new flesh acupuncture) in Korean traditional medicine. Using specially designed L‑shaped needles, it precisely cuts the fibrous adhesions beneath scars, activating the skin’s own regenerative capacity to “grow new flesh” in depressed areas. What exactly is CORA Therapy? How does it differ from fillers and lasers? How long does a single session last? Are there side effects? This article will comprehensively walk you through the principles, suitable candidates, treatment options and prices, procedure experience, duration of results, and potential risks – giving you all the key information in one place so you can make a rational choice.
To understand why CORA Therapy can fundamentally improve acne scars, you first need to understand how depressed scars form. At its core, an acne scar is collagen loss and fibrous tissue adhesion following damage to the dermis, causing the skin surface to cave in. Fillers simply “fill” the surface – they don’t address the underlying adhesions. Lasers can stimulate collagen, but they cannot release deep fibrous adhesions.
CORA Therapy’s core logic can be summarised in three steps: “Cut adhesions → Create space → Induce regeneration.”
Step 1: Cut fibrous adhesions – Using a specially designed L‑shaped needle, the doctor treats each depressed scar individually, precisely cutting the fibrous adhesions beneath it. The goal is to “release” the tethered skin, creating space for subsequent regeneration.
Step 2: Create regenerative space – After the adhesions are cut, a tiny “cavity” forms beneath the scar. This space provides a “growth scaffold” for new collagen and elastin fibres.
Step 3: Induce collagen regeneration – The body’s natural repair mechanism is activated, and fibroblasts begin producing large amounts of new collagen and elastin fibres, gradually filling the cavity. As new tissue grows, the depression is slowly “lifted” until it becomes level with the surrounding skin.
Unlike subcision, CORA Therapy can destroy the scar walls one by one, making it particularly effective for boxcar and ice‑pick scars that have distinct walls. Subcision can only cut the adhesions beneath the scar and cannot destroy the scar walls, making it less effective for scars with visible walls.
Cheek CORA Therapy is primarily suitable for depressed scars, especially for the following groups:
However, not everyone is suitable for CORA Therapy. Conditions that are absolute contraindications or require careful evaluation include: scars in the acute inflammatory phase or with active infection; pregnancy and breastfeeding; severe coagulation disorders; keloid tendency; inability to tolerate the procedure.
At Noruram Korean Medicine Hospital in Korea, CORA Therapy is primarily priced by treatment area. The cheek plan is one of the most popular:
| Option | Best for | Features | Reference price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheek CORA Therapy | Cheek acne scars, depressed scars | Precise treatment for the cheek area, most common option | ~400,000 – 800,000 |
| Full‑face CORA Therapy | Multiple scars across the entire face | Full‑face coverage, comprehensive improvement | From ~1,500,000 |
| Forehead CORA Therapy | Forehead acne scars, depressed scars | Precise treatment for the forehead area | From ~400,000 |
| Bilateral temples CORA Therapy | Temple hollows | Precise treatment for the temple area | ~200,000 – 400,000 |
| Single scar (under 1cm) | Single small‑area depressed scar | Precise treatment for a single scar | From ~150,000 |
Note: Prices above are reference ranges from Noruram Korean Medicine Hospital in Korea. Actual pricing varies by scar count, depth, and complexity – please refer to your in‑person consultation. A course of 3‑6 sessions is typically recommended.
Your choice should be made after discussing the distribution and severity of your scars with a qualified doctor. For cheek acne scars, Cheek CORA Therapy is the most direct option.
Pre‑procedure preparation: On your first visit to Noruram Korean Medicine Hospital, the doctor conducts a detailed consultation, assessing your scar type, depth, and quantity. The doctor will discuss the treatment plan and expected results with you thoroughly.
During the procedure: The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia. The doctor uses specially designed L‑shaped needles to treat each depressed scar individually – destroying the scar walls one by one while cutting the fibrous adhesions beneath. Treatment duration depends on the number of scars; the cheek area typically takes about 30‑60 minutes. Pain level is mild to moderate and tolerable with local anaesthesia.
Immediately after: Mild redness may appear after treatment, with quick recovery. Compared to subcision, CORA Therapy causes significantly less bruising and swelling.
CORA Therapy results are progressive, following a cycle of “repair → stimulate → regenerate.” A full course typically requires 3‑6 sessions at 3‑4 week intervals (minimum 10 days).
Results unfold in three phases: Initial improvement (after 1‑2 sessions) – fibrous adhesions are cut, and the depressed areas begin to “release,” preparing for subsequent regeneration.
Mid‑term improvement (after 3‑4 sessions) – new collagen begins to fill the depressions; the centre of the scar gradually becomes shallower, and the transition between the scar edge and surrounding skin becomes smoother and more natural.
Stabilised results (after 5‑6 sessions) – the scar area becomes nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye, with natural integration of texture and colour. Results are permanent after stabilisation. Unlike fillers, CORA Therapy allows the skin to “grow” new tissue, making the results long‑lasting.
Q: Is Cheek CORA Therapy painful?
A: The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, and pain is mild to moderate – tolerable for most patients. Compared to subcision, CORA Therapy is significantly less painful.
Q: Are there side effects or long‑term risks?
A: Common short‑term reactions includemild redness, with quick recovery. Compared to subcision, CORA Therapy causes significantly less bruising and swelling. Choosing a reputable clinic and an experienced doctor makes the risks extremely low.
Q: What’s the difference between CORA Therapy and subcision?
A: Both aim to improve depressed scars, but their core mechanisms differ.CORA Therapydestroys scar walls one by one and cuts the adhesions beneath – significantly effective for boxcar and ice‑pick scars;subcisiononly cuts the adhesions beneath the scar and cannot destroy the scar walls – effective for rolling scars, but less effective for scars with visible walls. CORA Therapy achieves “three‑dimensional” reconstruction, while subcision achieves “overall” release.
Q: How many sessions of Cheek CORA Therapy are needed to see results?
A: A full course typically requires3‑6 sessions. The depressions begin to noticeably shallow after the 3rd session. Each session is spaced3‑4 weeksapart to allow adequate time for regeneration.
Q: How much does Cheek CORA Therapy cost in Korea?
A: At Noruram Korean Medicine Hospital in Korea, Cheek CORA Therapy costs approximately400,000‑800,000 KRW. Full‑face treatment starts from ~1,500,000 KRW, and a single scar (under 1cm) starts from ~150,000 KRW. Actual pricing varies by scar count, depth, and complexity – please refer to your in‑person consultation.
💡 Key note: CORA Therapy is not “filling” – it’s “regeneration.” It doesn’t use foreign substances to fill depressions; it allows the skin to “grow new flesh.” The results are progressive and long‑lasting, but require completing the full course.
Regarding safety: CORA Therapy originated from “Saesalchim” (new flesh acupuncture) in Korean traditional medicine and was independently developed and clinically applied by Noruram Korean Medicine Hospital since 2006. Noruram operates 8 branches in Korea, performing over 500 surgeries per month, with more than 60,000 cumulative surgical experiences. Patients from around the world (including Japan, China, the US, and Singapore) visit for treatment.
Post‑care essentials: Avoid rubbing the treatment area after treatment; use sun protection to prevent pigmentation; keep the treatment area clean and use repair products as advised by the doctor; avoid using irritating skincare products during the recovery period.
To maximise results, be sure to: choose a licensed medical institution and an experienced doctor – CORA Therapy requires high technical skill; the doctor’s ability to assess scar types and execute precise techniques directly affects results; complete the full course – single‑session results are limited – completing 3‑6 sessions as prescribed achieves ideal improvement; communicate thoroughly before treatment – clarify your goals, understand potential risks and the recovery process; be realistic about results – CORA Therapy is an “improvement” treatment, not a “perfection” treatment; results vary by individual and are closely related to scar type, depth, and personal constitution. Completing the course with patience and proper post‑care is how you truly achieve smoother skin.
Medical disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Aesthetic procedures involve individual variations – results and risks differ from person to person. Prices, treatment options, and other information mentioned are for reference only – please refer to actual consultations for current details.
All medical procedures carry potential risks (including but not limited to infection, redness, unsatisfactory results, etc.). Before making any decision, please consult a qualified medical professional in person, who can assess your suitability based on your health status, constitution, and needs. The author and publisher assume no legal liability for any decisions made based on this content.
If you experience any discomfort or have concerns, please seek prompt advice from a licensed physician.