What to expect from subcision for acne scars

A clinician cleans the skin, numbs the treatment area, and passes a sterile needle or similar instrument beneath selected depressed acne scars. The movement separates fibrous bands that pull the scar downward. A small amount of bleeding under the skin can help create space as the area heals. Subcision is mainly considered for rolling or tethered scars; deep, narrow scars may need a different or combined approach.

Before treatment, disclose medicines, supplements, bleeding problems, active acne, cold sores, and a history of raised scars. Afterward, follow the dressing and cleansing instructions, avoid rubbing or picking the area, and protect healing skin from strong sun exposure. Swelling, tenderness, bruising, and small areas of firmness can occur. Keep review appointments so the clinician can judge healing and decide whether another treatment or a complementary scar procedure is appropriate.

Call the clinic for increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure. Seek urgent care for facial swelling with breathing difficulty or a rapidly worsening allergic reaction. A firm lump, unusual colour change, or worsening asymmetry should be examined rather than treated at home.

Ask which scars are tethered, what improvement is realistic for their depth, how long bruising may last, whether combination treatment is useful, and how your current medicines affect bleeding or healing.