What should you know about skin subcision?

A clinician cleans and numbs the treatment area, then moves an instrument under the scar to separate restrictive strands from the deeper tissue. This creates space for the scar to lift and remodel. Subcision is mainly considered for rolling or tethered depressed acne scars; it is not a universal treatment for every scar type. Bruising, swelling, tenderness, and temporary unevenness can occur after treatment.

Before treatment, disclose medicines or supplements that increase bleeding, a history of keloids or raised scars, active acne, cold sores, allergies to local anaesthetic, and any recent procedures. Follow the clinic’s instructions about cleansing, makeup, exercise, sun exposure, and prescribed ointment. Do not pick at crusts or massage the area unless instructed. A clinician may combine subcision with acne scar laser treatment or another approach when the scar has more than one contributing feature.

Contact the treating clinic promptly if pain or swelling is increasing rather than settling, redness spreads, the area becomes hot, pus appears, or you develop fever. Urgent assessment is needed for facial swelling affecting breathing or vision, uncontrolled bleeding, or a rapidly expanding collection beneath the skin. Keep the follow-up appointment so healing and scar response can be checked.

Ask whether your scar is tethered, which instrument and anaesthetic will be used, whether combination treatment is appropriate, what downtime to plan for, and which warning signs require a same-day call.