When Subcision Goes Wrong: What to Do

Bruising, tenderness, swelling, mild numbness, and small entry points can be part of early recovery. They should be interpreted against the instructions and time course given by the treating clinician. A complication may involve infection, bleeding beneath the skin, an inflammatory reaction, delayed wound healing, or an injury to nearby tissue; an examination is needed to tell these apart.

A change in scar texture or contour can also be disappointing without being an emergency. Do not judge the final appearance while swelling is active, and do not press, massage, inject, or apply strong products to correct it unless a qualified clinician directs you.

Photograph the area in consistent light, note when the change began, and contact the treating clinic with the procedure date, symptoms, medicines, and temperature if fever is present. Follow only the written aftercare you were given. Keep the site clean, avoid picking and strenuous activity, and do not use leftover antibiotics or steroid creams without medical advice.

If the original clinic cannot assess you promptly, arrange evaluation with a qualified dermatology or medical professional. Bring product names and discharge instructions. Once the skin is stable, the clinician can discuss whether [Subcision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/subcision/) follow-up or an option such as [Acne Scar Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/acne-scar-laser-treatment/) is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness, confusion, severe pain, or a severe allergic reaction. Contact the clinic promptly for spreading redness, warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, a wound that opens, new marked colour change, or worsening numbness. Do not wait for a routine review when symptoms are escalating.

Ask what findings are expected at your stage, what examination is needed, and whether infection, bleeding, or another reaction is suspected. Clarify which products and medicines are safe, when to return, how the area will be monitored, and which changes require emergency help.