At Dynasty Dermatology, we take great satisfaction in providing superior skin care by combining knowledge, training, and cutting-edge technology. Our group of highly skilled cosmetic surgeons is committed to providing excellent treatments to achieve your goals. For acne scars, we offer subcision in Pasadena, CA. 

What Is Subcision?

For acne scars that show up on the skin as boxcar scars or rolled depressions, subcision is a great treatment option. Fibrous tissue found in these pitted scars connects the bottom of the damaged skin to the healthy tissue underneath. Treatment for rolling and boxcar scars is particularly challenging because of this abnormal connection, which can also inhibit the regeneration of healthy tissue in the area.

Subcision is a procedure performed under local anesthesia to break up scars that are tethering the skin, causing depression such as rolling acne scars and traumatic scars that have left an undesired texture to the skin. Topical numbing is applied for an hour, and then nerve blocks are administered.  Each scar is then injected with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure.  

During subcision, a small needle is inserted through a slit, and this needle contains a small blade to release the fibrous bands tethering the scar.  By breaking up the scar tissue, the procedure stimulates collagen production. This can be combined with PRP or hyaluronic acid fillers to enhance results and promote tissue regeneration.  

Lasers, peels, PRP/PRFM, or TCA CROSS can also be used concurrently or after subcision to treat other types of acne scars.  A series of three subcision procedures, separated a month apart, is recommended for the treatment of rolling and traumatic scars. Recovery is fairly quick and mostly dependent on the level of bruising following subcision.  It is recommended to pre-medicate with arnica or bromelain and to avoid over-the-counter blood-thinning products to reduce bruising and swelling, which can last a few days.

Target the Root Cause of Depressed Acne Scars

Subcision is a simple and safe office surgery procedure for the treatment of depressed acne scars. It can be combined with laser, microneedling, and chemical peels for optimal results. If you have several boxes or rolling scars that don’t go away when you smile or when you stretch your skin, this treatment is right for you.

With subcision, even scars with minimal visible tethering may get better. This is because the depressions are probably caused by some tethering, and subcision encourages the production of new collagen. Contact our dermatology office to book your appointment or learn more about subcision in Pasadena, CA.