What Should You Know About Cannula Subcision?

Short answer
Cannula subcision uses a blunt cannula beneath depressed scars to release bands tethering the skin, with recovery and suitability decided after examination.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Used for
- Depressed, tethered scars, often rolling scars
- Instrument
- A blunt cannula beneath the skin
- Recovery
- Bruising and swelling may occur
How the procedure works
After the area is cleaned and numbed, a clinician makes a small entry point and guides a cannula under the scar. Its rounded tip is designed to move through the tissue plane and loosen fibrous attachments without repeatedly puncturing the scar surface. This approach is mainly considered for rolling or tethered depressions; it is not a universal treatment for every acne-scar type. Bruising, swelling, tenderness, temporary numbness, bleeding, infection, and uneven contour are possible concerns.
Preparing and recovering
Share medicines, supplements, allergies, bleeding problems, active skin infection, and any history of raised scars before treatment. Follow the clinic’s instructions about cleansing, pressure, exercise, heat, and skin products. Keep the entry site clean and avoid picking at crusts. A clinician may assess whether staged treatment or another scar procedure, such as laser treatment, would better match the scar pattern.
When to seek care
Contact the treating clinic promptly for spreading redness, increasing warmth, worsening pain, pus, fever, persistent bleeding, or swelling that is rapidly increasing. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Arrange review if a new firm lump, marked asymmetry, or persistent loss of sensation develops.
Questions for your doctor
Ask which scars are tethered, what result is realistic for their depth, whether cannula or needle entry is preferable, how aftercare will be handled, and when another treatment might be considered.
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Is cannula subcision suitable for every acne scar?
No. A clinician first identifies the scar type and tethering; sharply edged or deep scars may need a different or combined approach.
Can cannula subcision be combined with another treatment?
Sometimes. A treatment plan may pair scar release with resurfacing or another procedure when the skin texture and scar pattern support it.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.