Acne scarring is a direct result of the inflammatory response triggered by acne. A natural occurring sugar known as collagen is required for the skin to repair itself. However, if the body produces too little collagen, depressed or pitted acne scars will form and persist long after the acne has resolved.

Subcision, also known as subcutaneous incisionless surgery, is a simple and safe procedure for treating depressed acne scars. It is an effective treatment that typically improves the acne scar appearance by up to 50%.

How is Subcision done and what is the principle behind it?

A local anesthesia will be applied to your skin which effectively renders the procedure painless, after which a small needle will be inserted into the skin. Our doctors will use the needle to break up bands of fibrous tissue which hold the skin down. This fibrous tissue is the cause of depressions, dimples and scarring and breaking it up will allow the skin to heal properly, generating new cells to fill in the gaps made. After the procedure, compression bandages are applied and patients are usually able to drive home unaided.

What are the side effects?

There will be noticeable needle marks and presence of bruising / small hematomas after the procedure as well as associated redness and swelling which is often transient and resolves within 24 hours. Minor pigmentation may develop at the treatment area but will resolve between few months to 1 year.

How many sessions are required?

This varies from client to client. For a more accurate estimation, a prior consultation is necessary. In general, we often recommend between 3-6 sessions. For more optimum results, subcision can also be combined with PRP or mesotherapy.