Can subcision be performed on the temples to target rolling scars? Are there alternatives to this procedure? (photos)

Question

I have some rolling scars on both my temples and it seems that the most effective produce, subcision, would actually be dangerous to do in that position due the nerves there. Do I have any alternative for my scars or is subcision possible to have here?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have personally been peforming subcisions on a practically daily basis for elevating and smoothing boxcar and rolling scars since 1995. It has an impressive track record for safety and efficacy in all skin types. I regularly treat the temples with Field Subcisions when appropriate and individual subcisions. In experienced hands the temples pose no particular problems. No doubt you will be offered laser treatments somewhere along the line. However, contrary to what you may have seen on Dr. Instagram regarding lasers, you should be know, in the words of a recent 11/22 article in the peer-reviewed medical journal JDD,  "social media posts are not standardized and carry a high risk of misinformation."  The fact is that the hard science to support, expensive "bells and whistles" lasers lags woefully behind the heavy marketing and social media influencer-promoted hype. So, exercise a great deal of buyer beware when being offered these approaches You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with extensive acne scar treatment experience. Best of luck.

Can subcision be performed on the temples to target rolling scars? Are there alternatives to this procedure? (photos)

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Can subcision be performed on the temples to target rolling scars? Are there alternatives to this procedure? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Subcision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.