Acne Scar Subcision
Acne scar subcision is a minimally invasive procedure that targets tethered scars caused by acne. These scars are often held down by fibrous bands beneath the skin. Subcision involves using a fine needle to break these bands, allowing the skin to lift and heal more naturally. This process stimulates the body’s collagen production, which helps to fill in the scarred areas over time.
Procedure Time
30-45 minutes
Results
Brighter and smoother skin
Downtime
1-2 days
Time To Work
Days to weeks
Numbing
Numbing cream
Lasts
Up to 6 months*
How Does Acne Scar Subcision Work?
Numbing
Before starting, the treatment area is thoroughly cleansed, and a local anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort. This ensures the procedure is as comfortable as possible for the patient.
Release of Tethered Scars
A specialised, fine needle is carefully inserted under the scarred area to break the fibrous bands anchoring the scar to the deeper layers of the skin. This process allows the skin to lift and even out, reducing the appearance of depressions caused by acne scars.
Collagen Stimulation and Healing
As the fibrous bands are released, the skin begins its natural healing process. The controlled trauma from the subcision stimulates collagen production, which helps repair the skin and improve its overall texture over time. This step is crucial for long-lasting results and further enhances skin rejuvenation.
What Can Acne Subcision Treat?
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars are a type of acne scar witch are wide, shallow depressions that create a wave-like appearance on the skin. These scars occur when the skin heals unevenly after inflammatory acne.
Boxcar Scar
A boxcar scar is a type of acne scar characterised by broad, rectangular depressions with well-defined edges. These scars occur when severe acne damages the skin, leaving a pitted appearance commonly found on the cheeks and temples.
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are a type of acne scar characterised by their narrow, deep, and pitted appearance. They resemble small holes or indentations in the skin, often giving it a textured or uneven look.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that form as a result of excessive collagen production during the healing process of a wound. They are often red, firm, and can feel itchy or painful, especially in the early stages.
Choosing the Right Technique for Acne Scar Subcision
When treating acne scars with subcision, using the right technique is key to achieving the best possible results. At Dr.Derme, we carefully select the most suitable tools to ensure your treatment is tailored to your unique scar type and skin needs. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most commonly used techniques:
Hypodermic Needle
This straight, fine needle is a versatile and cost-effective option for treating mild to moderate scars. While it’s widely available and effective for smaller areas, it lacks the precision needed for stubborn or deep scars, making it more suitable for general use.
Taylor Liberator
The most advanced tool for acne scar subcision, the Taylor Liberator is designed for severe or widespread scarring. Its blunt, curved design allows for a thorough release of fibrous bands with less trauma to surrounding tissue. This tool is often used for deeper scars or when a more extensive treatment is needed in a single session.
Nokor Needle
Designed specifically for acne scar subcision, the Nokor needle features a serrated edge that excels at cutting through fibrous scar tissue. It’s more effective for deep, tethered scars and offers improved control for targeted results with minimal trauma to surrounding skin.
Acne Subcision Before And After
What to expect during your Acne Scar Subcision Consultation?
Three simple steps to start your journey
Contact us
Make a no obligation enquiry on our website. You can attach photos for our doctors to asses so we recommend the best treatment options.
You can also WhatsApp us or call us directly on 0800 009 6109. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Your Consultation
Visit your Dr.Derme clinic and meet your specialist for a consultation. During the visit, we will:
- Complete assessment of your skin
- Explain your best treatment options
- Discuss the treatment or procedure
- Answer all your questions
Your Consultation
Start your Acne Scar Subcision treatment at Birmingham's leading skin clinic. Following the treatment, we provide will all the aftercare advice to get the best results. We are here for you with any follow-up queries:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Effective Is Acne Subcision?
Subcision is one of the most effective treatments for depressed acne scars, particularly rolling scars and some types of boxcar scars. This minimally invasive procedure targets the root cause of these scars by severing the fibrous bands that tether the skin to underlying tissue, allowing the skin to lift and smooth over time.
Why Subcision Works:
- Releases Tethered Scar Tissue: By breaking the fibrous strands pulling the skin down, subcision allows the treated area to return to its natural position, creating a more even skin surface.
- Collagen Stimulation: The micro-trauma caused by the procedure encourages the production of collagen, a key protein in skin repair and rejuvenation.
- Improves Skin Texture Gradually: Over time, the skin continues to improve as new collagen fills in the treated areas.
Is Acne Subcision Suitable For All Skin Types?
Subcision is generally safe and effective for most skin types, including lighter and darker skin tones. However, the suitability of the procedure can depend on individual factors such as skin condition, scar type, and healing tendencies.
Key Considerations for Different Skin Types:
Lighter Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick I–III):
Subcision typically produces excellent results with minimal risk of pigmentation issues. Healing is straightforward, with mild swelling and bruising subsiding in a few days.Darker Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI):
While subcision is safe for darker skin tones, there is a slightly higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or uneven pigmentation following the procedure. This risk can often be minimised with pre- and post-treatment care, including sun protection and the use of pigment-fading creams if necessary.Scar Type:
Subcision is most effective for tethered scars like rolling or some boxcar scars, regardless of skin type. Other scar types may require combination treatments for optimal results.
How Long Do The Results of Subcision Last?
The results of subcision for acne scars are long-lasting and often permanent for the treated areas. Once the fibrous bands tethering the skin are released, they typically do not reform, meaning the improvements achieved are maintained over time. However, the extent and longevity of results can depend on several factors such as aftercare and maintenance.
Protecting the skin from sun damage and maintaining a healthy skincare routine can help preserve the results. In rare cases, some scars may show slight re-tethering, which can be addressed with follow-up treatments
What Is The Downtime After Acne Scar Subcision?
The recovery time after subcision is relatively short, with most patients experiencing mild to moderate downtime. While the procedure is minimally invasive, some temporary side effects are common as the skin heals. Here’s what to expect:
Typical Recovery Timeline:
Immediately After Treatment: Mild swelling and redness around the treated area are common. Bruising at the needle insertion points is typical and may look pronounced initially.
1–3 Days Post-Treatment: Swelling and redness usually begin to subside. Bruising may persist but starts fading gradually.
1 Week Post-Treatment: Most patients notice significant improvement in bruising, although light discolouration may linger in some cases.
2–3 Weeks Post-Treatment: Full healing is typically complete by this stage. Results from collagen stimulation begin to develop and improve over time.
How Long Does Microneedling Take to Work?
Microneedling results can vary based on individual skin conditions and the specific concerns being treated. Generally, you may start to notice improvements in skin texture and tone within a few days to a week after the first microneedling session. More significant results, such as the reduction of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, typically become visible after 4 to 6 weeks as the skin undergoes its natural healing process and collagen production increases.
For optimal results, our doctors recommend a series of 3 to 6 microneedling treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the skin issues being addressed and your individual skin type.
It’s crucial to follow post-treatment care instructions provided by your skincare professional to maximise the benefits of microneedling and ensure proper healing. This includes protecting your skin from the sun and keeping it well-hydrated.