I am a black male with ice pick scars on both cheeks. Am I a good candidate for subcision? (photo)

Subcision lifting is best reserved for treating broader-based indented (atrophic) scars, such as rolling scars and some boxcar scars. Ice pick scars are just too deep and narrow to respond well. On the other hand the TCA CROSS  Technique utilizing TCA concentrations of 90%-100% placed down the narrow shafts of the pit scars is a simple, quick and relatively inexpensive method for treating these kinds of scars. It is also useful for shrinking dilated facial pores. Medical microneedling (aka fractional microneedle resurfacting or simply dermal needling) may subsequently be used to  to better blend the surface tone and texture of the treated pits with the surrounding normal skin. Make sure you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician. 

A combination approach would be best for these types of scars. I recommend lasers, microneedling/prp, TCA cross, punch excision and fillers. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question. Have you considered microneedling? This treatment can help to resurface scars in 3-5 sessions, has a quick recovery period and the results are great. Microneedling has minimal risk of causing any discoloration, and is a very safe treatment when performed by experienced practitioners, and will work better than subcision. Best of luck, Dr P.