Smooth Depressed Acne Scars and Restore a More Even Skin Surface
Acne scars can remain long after active acne has resolved. For patients with rolling, depressed, or tethered acne scars, subcision can be an effective way to improve skin texture and create a smoother, more even appearance.
Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure that works beneath the surface of the skin to release the scar tissue that pulls certain acne scars downward. By freeing these attachments, the skin is able to lift and gradually remodel over time.
How Does Subcision Improve Acne Scars?
Some acne scars are caused by fibrous bands of scar tissue that attach the skin to the deeper tissue below. These bands create visible depressions and unevenness in the skin.
During subcision, a fine needle or specialized instrument is placed beneath the scar to carefully release these attachments. This helps elevate the depressed area while also stimulating the skin’s natural healing response and collagen production.
The result is a gradual softening of the scar and improvement in overall skin texture.
What Types of Acne Scars Respond Best?
Subcision is particularly well suited for:
- Rolling acne scars
- Tethered or bound-down scars
- Depressed acne scars
- Areas of uneven skin texture caused by deeper scarring
Because acne scarring often consists of several different scar types, subcision may be combined with other treatments to achieve a more comprehensive improvement.
What Are the Benefits of Subcision?
Subcision can help:
- Lift depressed acne scars
- Smooth uneven skin texture
- Soften the appearance of rolling scars
- Stimulate natural collagen remodeling
- Improve the overall contour of the skin
- Enhance the results of other acne scar treatments
What Should I Expect From Treatment?
The treatment area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic before the procedure. A small needle or specialized subcision instrument is then carefully passed beneath the skin to release the scar tissue.
Treatment is performed in the office. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are common afterward and typically improve over several days.
As the skin heals and remodels, the appearance of the scars continues to improve gradually over the following weeks and months.
Can Subcision Be Combined With Microneedling or Other Treatments?
Yes. Combination treatment is often particularly helpful for acne scarring because different scar types may respond best to different procedures.
Depending on your skin and the appearance of your scars, subcision may be combined with treatments such as:
- Microneedling
- Laser resurfacing
- Dermal fillers
- Chemical reconstruction techniques
- Other scar-revision procedures
Combining treatments allows us to address both the deeper tethering beneath the skin and the surface texture above it.
Is Subcision Right for Me?
Subcision may be an excellent option if you have depressed or rolling acne scars that are tethered beneath the skin.
During your consultation, we will carefully evaluate the type, depth, and pattern of your acne scarring and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible improvement in your skin’s texture and appearance.