What Is Subcision for Acne Scars?

Subcision is a minimally invasive acne scar treatment designed primarily for depressed scars that are tethered to deeper tissue by fibrous bands.

During treatment, a specialized needle or cannula is inserted beneath the scar to carefully release these fibrous attachments. This allows the depressed area to lift while triggering a healing response that may support new collagen formation and scar remodeling.

What Types of Acne Scars Can Subcision Treat?

Subcision may be considered for:

• Rolling acne scars
• Tethered acne scars
• Depressed acne scars
• Atrophic acne scars
• Broad, shallow depressions
• Selected boxcar scars
• Uneven post-acne texture
• Mixed acne scarring

Not every acne scar responds equally well to subcision, making scar assessment important before treatment.

Subcision for Rolling Acne Scars

Rolling scars are one of the most common reasons patients consider subcision.

These scars often develop when fibrous tissue beneath the skin pulls the surface downward, creating a rolling or wave-like appearance.

By releasing these attachments, subcision can help make the depressed areas appear shallower and smoother.

Subcision for Tethered Acne Scars

Some depressed scars remain visibly pulled downward even when the surrounding skin is stretched.

These may indicate deeper tethering beneath the scar. Subcision specifically targets these fibrous attachments rather than simply resurfacing the skin from above.

How Does Acne Scar Subcision Work?

The treatment is performed beneath the skin rather than on the surface.

The basic process involves:

1. Identifying scars suitable for subcision
2. Preparing and numbing the treatment area
3. Inserting a specialized needle or cannula beneath the scar
4. Releasing selected fibrous bands
5. Allowing the area to heal and remodel

The exact technique depends on scar depth, location, and individual anatomy.

Subcision vs. Fractional CO2 Laser

Subcision and Fractional CO2 Laser address acne scars differently.

Subcision works underneath the scar to release tethering, while Fractional CO2 Laser resurfaces the skin and stimulates collagen remodeling from controlled treatment zones.

For patients with both tethered scars and surface texture irregularities, the treatments may be used as part of a combination approach.

Subcision vs. RF Microneedling

RF Microneedling treatments such as Potenza or Secret RF stimulate collagen remodeling using microneedles and radiofrequency energy.

Subcision physically releases fibrous scar attachments.

Patients with rolling scars, enlarged pores, and generalized uneven texture may therefore benefit from a customized program incorporating both approaches when appropriate.

Subcision vs. TCA CROSS

The appropriate treatment depends heavily on scar type.

Subcision is commonly considered for rolling and tethered scars, while TCA CROSS is particularly associated with deep, narrow ice-pick scars.

Patients with mixed acne scars may require both targeted treatments.

Why Combine Subcision with Other Acne Scar Treatments?

Most patients do not have only one type of acne scar.

A patient may simultaneously have:

• Rolling scars
• Boxcar scars
• Ice-pick scars
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven texture
• Red acne marks
• Brown acne pigmentation

A personalized acne scar program may therefore combine subcision, TCA CROSS, RF microneedling, fractional resurfacing, and laser treatments according to each concern.

How Many Subcision Treatments Are Needed?

Some patients may notice improvement after one treatment, while others require multiple sessions.

The recommended number depends on:

• Scar type
• Scar depth
• Degree of tethering
• Number of scars
• Previous acne scar treatments
• Individual healing response
• Combination procedures being performed

Results generally develop gradually as the treated area heals and remodels.

Subcision Downtime & Recovery

Temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, redness, or small treatment marks can occur following subcision.

Because treatment takes place beneath the skin, bruising may be more noticeable than with some surface-based procedures.

Recovery time varies according to treatment intensity, the number of scars treated, and individual healing.

Does Subcision Permanently Release Acne Scars?

Successfully released fibrous bands do not simply regenerate in exactly the same way, but acne scar improvement varies and re-tethering can occur.

Some patients may therefore require repeated subcision or additional treatments to achieve further improvement.

Subcision for International Patients in Seoul

Located in Cheongdam, Gangnam, Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic provides subcision and customized acne scar treatments for international residents and visitors in Seoul.

International patients can discuss their available recovery time and determine whether subcision alone or a combination acne scar program is appropriate during their stay in Korea.

Why Choose Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic for Subcision?

• Personalized acne scar assessment
• Rolling scar treatment
• Tethered acne scar treatment
• Customized subcision planning
• Combination acne scar programs
• RF microneedling options
• Fractional resurfacing options
• TCA CROSS for appropriate scars
• Individualized recovery planning
• Convenient Cheongdam, Gangnam location
• International patient-friendly consultation

FAQ – Subcision for Acne Scars in Gangnam

What acne scars are best for subcision?

Subcision is most commonly considered for rolling, tethered, and selected depressed acne scars caused partly by fibrous attachments beneath the skin.

Does subcision work for rolling scars?

Yes. Rolling scars are among the acne scar types most commonly treated with subcision.

Does subcision work for ice-pick scars?

Subcision is generally not the primary treatment for narrow ice-pick scars. Treatments such as TCA CROSS may be more appropriate depending on the scar.

Is subcision better than Fractional CO2 Laser?

Neither is universally better. Subcision addresses deeper scar tethering, while Fractional CO2 focuses more on resurfacing and collagen remodeling. Combination treatment may be appropriate.

How many subcision sessions do I need?

The number varies depending on scar depth, degree of tethering, and individual response. Some patients require multiple sessions.

Does subcision have downtime?

Yes. Temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness may occur after treatment.

Can foreigners get acne scar subcision in Gangnam?

Yes. International residents and visitors can consult Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic about subcision and combination acne scar treatments in Seoul.