Are my Scars Suitable for Subcision? (photo)

Hi Andrew.  Yes, you are a candidate for subcision.  In this procedure, we use the needle of the Restylane syringe to release hard, fibrous scar tissue below the depression and then we injection the Restylane in the void created by releasing the scar tissue.  

While this will give you immediate benefits, the best results are when we perform the procedure every 6 - 9 months over a period of years.  This increases your chance of having collagen remodeling fill the scar from below.  

Take a look at the before and after photos at the link below and call us for a free consultation if you are in the Los Angeles area.

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

You would likely benefit from a subcision procedure to lift and smooth your scars. However, it’s not possible to say for sure just from looking at a single picture. It is very important to examine acne scars under different types of lighting and to palpate and stretch the skin to see how it will respond.   In general, subcision is one of my favorite treatments for rolling scars and some boxcar scars. I have been performing subcision for approximately twenty years. Traditional subcision is performed with a sharp needle which can result in significant bruising and some lumpiness during the healing period. My technique has evolved over time. I usually avoid using sharp needles nowadays and prefer to do a blunt subcision using a cannula rather than a sharp needle. Results are still good but there is much less bruising, swelling, pain, and lumpiness in the recovery period. I usually inject some filler such as Restylane Lyft immediately after completing the subcision to give the most improvement. Overall, I feel that subcision is a very valuable technique that is under-utilized for treatment of acne scars.Regards,Dr. Ort