Would subcision work for my acne scars? (photos)

Question

I have done CO2 laser (3X) and RF microneedling for my acne scars. I have not seen the improvement I would like to see. Would subcision without or without filler be a good option for my acne scars? Unless I am mistaken they are mostly rolling scars with some boxcar.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

HD closeup photos would allow for a better assessment, In general, however, subcision works well for elevating and smoothing boxcar and rolling scars and TCA CROSS for treating ice pick scars and dilated pores. Each is a relatively inexpensive technique that has a more than two decades long track record for efficacy and safety, something which cannot be said for all the relatively expensive laser and other faddish energy-dependent devices that are so heavily hawked out there these days, as you have unfortunately learned the hard way. Sorry. Make sure that you consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with experience and expertise in acne scar treatments. Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Would subcision work for my acne scars? (photos)

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.

Would subcision work for my acne scars? (photos)

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.