Subcision caused hardness of the skin e.g fibrosis. What is the solution?

Question

Had subcision months ago and I was left with under skin hard bumps. Doctor said it's scar tissue formed by the needle but I shouldn't worry?!?! I did subcison because I wanted to release scar not get a new one! This will probably destroy my chances with fillers because the hard skin may push them away. Unbelievable. Now what's the solution? Kenalog is too risky for an already depressed area? I'm clueless.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne scars require a combination approach using our HIDEF 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 acne 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 acne scars and indented acne 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 been 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 laser 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.

Subcision works well alone and in combination with other laser and RF platforms, including fillers and air subcision. TCA Cross can be combined with subcision. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your acne 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

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I've never experienced this. I imagine it will loosen up over time. It might just be inflammation. I prefer to use cannulas now for subcision and I think it is less traumatic on the tissues. Results and downtime have been shown to be better according to patients and doctor's evaluation. I would try to gently massage the area.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Haematomas are more common with needle or NOKOR subcision- around 12% even in expert hands. This is why most specialist use Cannula as this DECREASES but not eliminates the risks. Treatment is super easy, dilute ILCS injections and massage. May take 2-3 rounds but they all settle, so don't worry. Dr Davin S. Lim

Subcision caused hardness of the skin e.g fibrosis. What is the solution?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Subcision

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

Subcision caused hardness of the skin e.g fibrosis. What is the solution?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Subcision

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