What should you know about immediately after subcision?

Subcision uses a needle or similar instrument beneath the skin to release fibrous bands that tether a depressed scar. The treated area can therefore feel bruised, firm, numb or tender, and mild swelling may temporarily make the scar look different. Small puncture sites may ooze a little before settling.

The early appearance is not the final result. Healing beneath the skin continues after the surface looks calmer, and follow-up lets the clinician assess the scar and decide whether further treatment is appropriate. A new, rapidly increasing lump or worsening pain is not something to ignore.

Keep any dressing in place for the time advised, keep puncture sites clean, and avoid rubbing, massage, picking or pressure unless your clinician has prescribed a specific technique. Sleep with the treated area protected from friction, and avoid strenuous activity, heat exposure and swimming until you have been told they are suitable.

Use cold compresses only as directed and take prescribed or approved pain relief according to instructions. Avoid adding makeup, exfoliants or active skin products over fresh puncture sites. Protect the area from sunlight while it heals, and keep the review appointment so complications or persistent tethering can be assessed.

Contact the treating clinic for bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure, increasing redness, warmth, pus, worsening swelling, fever, or pain that is becoming stronger rather than easing. Seek urgent care for facial swelling with breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly spreading skin changes. Do not lance a swelling yourself.

Confirm dressing removal, cleansing, compresses, exercise and sun-exposure advice for your treatment site. Ask when to restart skincare, how bruising will be monitored, and whether [Acne Scar Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/acne-scar-laser-treatment/) might be considered later.