Scar Treatments

About Subcision for Scars

Benefits

Subcision, also know as subcutaneous incisionless surgery, is a minor surgical procedure for treating rolling scars. A needle is inserted parallel to the skin surface in order to detach the rolling scar from the deeper skin. The principle of this procedure is to break the fibrotic strands, which tether the scar to the underlying subcutaneous tissue. The depression is lifted by the releasing action of the procedure, as well as from connective tissue that forms during the course of normal wound healing

Alternatives

Scar revision surgery, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Fraxel Laser

How Does it Work?

Subcision is performed under local anaesthesia. A 20 gauge needle or a Nokor needle 18 gauge, is inserted adjacent to the scar with the bevel upwards parallel to the skin surface, and moved back and forth in a fan-like motion under the scar to release fibrous bands at dermal or deep dermal subcutaneous plane. A small bruise is allowed to be formed, which supports the released scar, because the blood under the skin helps prevent to fibrous strands from forming again.

Who is a Candidate?

Anyone with rolling, depressed scars

What Can I expect?

Subcision may be performed alone or as an adjunct to other procedures like fillers, chemical peels, fractional laser, etc. Subcision is a safe, simple technique that provides significant long-term improvement in the “rolling scars” of selected patients. It can be safely and easily combined with other treatments for acne scars. It usually requires at least 2-4 sessions, rolling acne scars response particularly well to this technique, with progressive improvement over time, which can be seen as less shadowing.

Safety & Side Effects

Very safe procedure.  Side effects are rare and generally temporary. The specific risks and the suitability of extractions can be determined only at the time of the consultation.

Recovery Time

There will be some swelling for 2-3days and possible bruising for 7-10 days.

Does it Hurt?

Local injection of an anesthetic solution allows this to be a comfortable procedure.

Before Treatment Instructions

Avoidance of blood thinners for a couple of weeks prior to procedure is recommended

After Treatment Instructions

Ice should be applied the first day.  The more bruising and swelling, the more beneficial results.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners