Subcision Healing Process: What to Expect

On the day of treatment, local anaesthetic may leave temporary numbness. Small entry points can be visible, and the area may feel sore or tight as the anaesthetic wears off. Swelling and bruising can make a scar or indentation appear different from its usual shape.

Over the following days, discomfort and swelling should follow the clinician’s expected pattern rather than steadily intensify. Bruising can change colour as it fades, while tenderness may remain with pressure. The skin surface and deeper tissue continue healing after the early marks have improved, so the meaningful assessment is made at the review recommended for your treatment.

Follow the clinic’s instructions for cleaning, dressings, bathing, and prescribed products. Keep puncture sites protected, avoid picking, rubbing, heavy exercise, heat exposure, and unapproved exfoliants while the skin is sensitive. Resume makeup, shaving, and active skincare only when advised. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Protect healing skin from sun once the clinician says it is appropriate, because irritation and inflammation can make colour changes more noticeable. Keep the follow-up appointment even if the surface looks better; the clinician can check scar release, healing, and whether another approach, including [Acne Scar Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/acne-scar-laser-treatment/), has a role later. The procedure overview is available under [Subcision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/subcision/).

Contact the clinic if pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage is increasing, if a wound opens, or if numbness is worsening. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, rapidly spreading swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness, severe pain, or a severe allergic reaction. Fever with feeling very unwell should be assessed promptly.

Ask how your own recovery should progress, which symptoms are expected, and when the treated area should be reviewed. Clarify washing, sleeping position, exercise, makeup, sun protection, and skincare instructions. Ask who to contact outside clinic hours and how a delayed or unusual change will be assessed.