Dermatology ClinicPost-Inflammatory Erythema Treatment in Busan, Korea Fade the red and pink marks left after acne, with vascular lasers that target the vessels
Red acne marks are not scars and not pigment. They are small dilated blood vessels, so they respond to vascular lasers. At JRYN Seomyeon, Excel V starts from ₩99,000 per session and Vbeam Perfecta is ₩200,000 .
What is post-inflammatory erythema (PIE)?
Post-inflammatory erythema, or PIE, is the flat red, pink or purplish mark that stays after a pimple has healed. Inflammation leaves tiny blood vessels near the surface dilated or damaged, so the spot looks red even though the skin is smooth. A simple check is to press a clear glass on the mark: PIE usually fades under pressure, while brown marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) do not. PIE can fade on its own over months, but vascular lasers can speed this up.
At JRYN Seomyeon, the vascular lasers used for PIE are Excel V at ₩99,000 per session and Vbeam Perfecta at ₩200,000 per session. Your doctor checks whether your marks are red, brown or textured, and plans the laser and number of sessions.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) at a glance
| What it looks like | Flat red, pink or purple marks where acne used to be, often on the cheeks, chin and jawline |
|---|---|
| Who gets it | Most common in lighter skin tones after inflamed acne, but anyone can get it |
| Why it happens | Inflammation dilates or damages small blood vessels close to the surface |
| Main treatment | Vascular lasers such as Excel V and Vbeam Perfecta |
| Downtime | Usually mild redness or swelling for hours to a few days; bruising is possible with some settings |
| Sessions | Often a few sessions a few weeks apart, depending on how deep and old the marks are |
| Price at JRYN | ₩99,000 Excel V · ₩200,000 Vbeam Perfecta (per session) |
| Important first step | Calm active acne; new breakouts create new marks |
PIE vs PIH vs acne scars
Red marks, brown marks and dents look similar at a glance but need different treatment.
| Mark | How to tell | Usual approach |
|---|---|---|
| PIE (red marks) | Red, pink or purple; fades when pressed | Vascular laser: Excel V or Vbeam Perfecta |
| PIH (brown marks) | Brown or grey; does not fade when pressed | Pigment care such as pico laser and brightening |
| Acne scars | Dents or raised texture you can feel | Resurfacing or microneedling, see acne scar treatment |
Many people have a mix of all three. Your doctor treats them in a sensible order.
Who it suits
- You have flat red or pink marks after acne
- Your marks fade when you press on them
- Your active acne is mostly under control
- You want the marks to fade faster than they would on their own
- You can avoid strong sun for a while after treatment
Your doctor may suggest another option if…
- Your marks are brown rather than red (pigment care fits better)
- Your main problem is dents or texture (scar treatment fits better)
- You still have many active breakouts (treat acne first)
- You are tanned or have recent heavy sun exposure. Tell your doctor.
- You use isotretinoin or photosensitising medication without telling your doctor
Your Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) visit , step by step
A laser session usually takes about 15–30 minutes, depending on the area. Use sunscreen daily and avoid picking new spots.
1:1 doctor consultation
In English. Your doctor checks whether your marks are red, brown or textured.
Laser plan
Excel V or Vbeam Perfecta is chosen, with the session price confirmed.
Vascular laser
Light energy targets the dilated vessels while the surface is cooled.
Fading over weeks
Marks lighten gradually; further sessions are planned as needed.
PIE laser prices at JRYN
A common starting point for red acne marks.
Get my plan on WhatsAppA pulsed dye laser often used for redness and vessels.
Ask about this optionListed clinic prices in Korean won, per session. Most PIE needs more than one session. Your doctor confirms the laser, number of sessions, VAT and final total at consultation.
Reviewed by a JRYN doctor
Dr. Kim Ji-young
Director, JRYN Clinic Seomyeon · Lasers, acne and redness
- Graduate of Inje University College of Medicine
- Former director, Centum Lin Clinic
This page is general information about Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) and does not replace an in-person consultation. Results vary between people; suitability, dose and expected results are decided by a doctor after examining you.
Related redness and acne mark pages
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) FAQ
Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp and we will answer in English.
What is post-inflammatory erythema?
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is the flat red or pink mark left after a pimple heals. It is caused by dilated or damaged small blood vessels near the surface, not by pigment or scarring.
How can I tell PIE from PIH?
Press a clear glass or your finger on the mark. PIE usually blanches and fades under pressure because it is blood vessel redness, while PIH stays brown because it is pigment.
Is PIE the same as an acne scar?
No. PIE is a colour change in smooth skin, while an acne scar changes the skin texture, as a dent or a raised area. Many people have both, and they are treated differently.
Will PIE go away on its own?
Often it fades slowly over months, but deeper or older marks can last much longer. Vascular lasers can help them fade faster, and avoiding picking and new breakouts helps too.
How much does PIE laser treatment cost at JRYN?
At JRYN Seomyeon, Excel V is ₩99,000 per session and Vbeam Perfecta is ₩200,000 per session. Most people need a few sessions, and your doctor confirms the plan and total at consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how red and how old the marks are and how your skin responds. Many people see clear improvement over a few sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
Is there downtime after PIE laser?
Usually it is mild: redness or slight swelling for hours to a few days. Some settings can cause temporary bruising, and your doctor will tell you what to expect before treatment.
Can I treat red acne marks while visiting Busan?
Yes, a single session fits easily into a trip, and you can return for more sessions if you visit again. Message JRYN on WhatsApp with photos and your travel dates.
Easy to find, easy to book.
Opening hours
| Mon · Tue · Fri | 10:30 – 20:00 |
| Wed · Thu | 10:30 – 19:00 |
| Saturday | 10:30 – 14:30 |
| Lunch (weekdays) | 13:00 – 14:30 |
| Sun & holidays | Closed |
Location
4F Samjung Tower, 672 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
8 min walk from Seomyeon Station (Line 1 & 2) Exit 2, or 3 min from Seomyeon Mall Exit 16. In-building parking, first 30 minutes free.
Consult in English
Send your concern, photos and travel dates. We reply with suitable options and the price before you book.
