Gangnam Potenza RF vs. Potenza Agnes: Which is better for acne and pore treatment?

March 20, 2026

Hello!

This is Dr. Hwang Bo-hwang from Cleor Gangnam.

"I'm concerned about my pores and acne scars...
I have so many skin concerns that I don't know what to get."

"I always see them together when I search, but aren't they the same procedure?"

There's a reason why you're confused.

Potenza RF and Agnes were originally separate RF needle devices.

However, in many dermatology clinics in Korea, theyconnect Agnes-style tips to the

Potenza device and perform the procedure,and

often group them together under the name "Potenza Agnes."

Since the two words always appear together in searches,

it's natural to feel like they're the same procedure.

However, even if the same device is used, the roles of the two procedures are completely different depending on the purpose

and how the energy is delivered.

Both use needles and radiofrequency (RF), but

Potenza aims to remodel the entire skin evenly,

while Agnes precisely targets only the sebaceous glands and sweat glands that cause acne, syringoma, and hyperhidrosis.

Today, I'll clearly explain the difference between Gangnam Potenza RF and Agnes.

Source: Potenza Homepage

What are Potenza RF and Agnes, respectively?

Potenza

is a procedure that inserts microneedles into the dermal layer of the skin

and delivers radiofrequency energy to promote collagen regeneration.There are a total of 14 tips, and depending on your skin concerns,

you can choose various tips to match the desired result

for effective customized treatment.

The biggest advantage of Potenza RF is that it addresses complex concerns such as pores, acne scars, skin elasticity, and fine wrinkles

at once.

In addition, the drag delivery system using radiofrequency technology efficiently penetrates active ingredients into the dermal layerwhile simultaneously promoting collagen production, which is also a characteristic of Potenza RF.

Agnes

works by inserting insulated microneedles

precisely into the depth of the sebaceous glands and

releasing RF energy to the targeted area to

coagulate the sebaceous glands.Unlike Potenza RF, which evenly stimulates the entire skin,

Agnes has a fundamental difference in that it pinpoints problematic sebaceous glands or

sweat glands.

Effects and Advantages - Which procedure is right for me?

Potenza RF

Pores and Skin Texture

As collagen increases, the skin around the pores becomes firmer,

and the overall skin texture is noticeably smoother.Acne Scars

  • It regenerates the dermis of the depressed scar area from the inside out,
    gradually smoothing out bumpy skin.
    Elasticity and Fine Wrinkles

  • It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin to
    revitalize sagging and loose skin.
    Complex Concerns

  • It can care for multiple areas at once by changing tips,
    making it particularly effective for those with more than one concern.

  • Agnes
    Recurrent Acne
    If acne keeps appearing in the same spot,


Agnes, which reduces the sebaceous glands themselves, can be a fundamental solution. Blackheads

  • It directly clears the sebaceous glands in areas where sebum is concentrated, such as around the nose,
    reducing the recurrence of blackheads that quickly fill up even after extraction.
    Hyperhidrosis

  • It selectively manages only the sweat glands in areas where you sweat a lot,
    helping to reduce discomfort in daily life.
    Syringoma

  • Syringomas, which appear as small bumps under the eyes,
    are not aesthetically pleasing. Agnes coagulates only the roots of the syringoma while protecting the epidermis,
    resulting in a shorter downtime compared to CO2 lasers.

  • How are the procedures different?

    Potenza RF Procedure Steps

    Skin condition and concern analysis → Tip combination and energy level setting
    Application of numbing cream (30~40 minutes)

Delivery of radiofrequency energy while changing tips for each area (20~40 minutes)

Injection of active ingredients such as skin boosters using pumping mode (optional)Cooling and soothing care, then return home

  • Agnes Procedure Steps

  • Precise identification and marking of problematic sebaceous glands and lesion locations

  • Application of numbing cream (30~40 minutes)

  • Precise insertion of insulated needles to the depth of the sebaceous glands, concentrated delivery of radiofrequency energy

Soothing carePre- and Post-Procedure Precautions

  • Common Precautions

  • Discontinue use of irritating ingredient products such as retinol and AHA/BHA 2 weeks before the procedure

  • If you have severe active inflammation, adjust the procedure schedule after soothing treatment

  • Procedure is not possible if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin infection

Post-Procedure Care

On the day of the procedure, use only moisturizer and sunscreen after washing your face

  • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and excessive drinking for 1 week

  • Apply sunscreen thoroughly every day

  • You can expect results with just one Potenza RF treatment,

but for acne, scars, pores, and redness, it is recommended to have at least 3 treatments at 4-6 week intervals.

  • (Individual results may vary, so a thorough consultation with a specialist is necessary)

  • Source: Potenza Homepage

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I get Potenza RF and Agnes together?

Yes, in fact, the two procedures are often performed sequentially.

For example, you can expect synergy by first treating the sebaceous glands with Agnes and then

improving overall skin texture and elasticity with Potenza RF.

The exact order and interval will vary depending on your skin condition,

so we recommend that you consult with a specialist thoroughly before deciding.

Q. When will I see the effects of Gangnam Potenza RF?

The effects of the procedure vary from person to person, but usually start to appear gradually 2-4 weeks after the procedure,

and consistent care is necessary for noticeable results.

Q. Can Agnes be performed on the nose?

The nose area has a high concentration of sebaceous glands, making the procedure more difficult.

Whether it is possible may vary depending on the clinic and practitioner,

so it is best to check accurately during the consultation.

Q. Are both procedures very painful?

Even if you apply enough numbing cream, you may feel

a 'tingling and hot stinging sensation' during the procedure.

It may be a little uncomfortable for those who are sensitive to pain, but most people can tolerate it.

Potenza RF and Agnes, both are excellent procedures, but their purposes are different.

If you are concerned about "pores, elasticity, and overall skin texture," Gangnam Potenza RF may be more suitable,

and if your main concerns are "recurrent acne, blackheads, and hyperhidrosis,"

Agnes may be a more appropriate choice.

Of course, if you have both concerns, it is certainly possible to create a plan together.

At Cleor Gangnam, we will carefully analyze your skin condition and then

propose the most efficient treatment plan for each and every customer ^^

"모공, 탄력, 전반적인 피부결" 이 고민이라면 강남 포텐자rf가,

"자꾸 재발하는 여드름, 블랙헤드, 다한증" 이 주된 고민이라면

아그네스가 더 적합한 선택일 수 있습니다.

물론 두 가지 고민이 모두 있다면 함께 계획을 세우는 것도 충분히 가능합니다.

클레오르 강남점에서는 피부 상태를 꼼꼼히 분석한 뒤,

고객 한 분 한 분께 가장 효율적인 시술 계획을 제안해 드리겠습니다 ^^