Can subcision be performed on forehead acne scars?

Question

Can subcision be performed on forehead acne scars? I was told it’s not safe for the forehead

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

subcision can be done on the forehead, vessels and anatomy needs to be payed attention to.
Acne scar treatment needs a combination approach for improvement.  For the best results, one should target the acne scar type.  As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one.  Typically you need fillers like bellafill and sculptra for atrophic indented type scars with or without subcision.  Subcision for depressed tethered scars.  Vascular lasers like yellow laser, aerolase, excel V or IPL for redness or thick scars. And lasers such as fraxel, erbium, co2 or fractional radiofrequency like venus viva, skinfinity, intensif or fractora microneedling RF for textural issues and superficial scarring.  Deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars are best treated with TCA CROSS and punch excision.  All lasers are combined with microneedling and PRP to get even better results and improve healing times.   The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment plan is needed by an expert physician.  It is never about the laser or product that gives the results, its about the expert behind the equipment that gets you the outcome.  Scars cannot be cured and will need life-long treatments to maintain and build on the results.  For those at high risk for hyperpigmentation (darker skin types or asian or hispanic or mixed ethnicities) we alreayd pre-treat the skin with cosmelan or enlighten lightening peels to prevent complications from energy-based or chemical-based treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

There is no contraindication to performing subcision on the forehead.One must recognize that there are many blood vessels, especially in the glabella, and stay superficial to them.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself All-star

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is perfectly safe to subcise forehead acne scars. I use cannulas for this often. In my experience, forehead scars don't respond to subcision as well as check scars.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

The forehead is an area where one needs to be careful with subcision. There are arteries and veins located fairly superficial in the forehead. My subcision technique has evolved over time. Whereas I used to use a sharp needle, I usually prefer to use a blunt cannula now. This is less traumatic with lower risk of hematoma or lumpiness after the procedure. In the forehead, using a blunt cannula rather than a sharp needle would be my preference. The most important thing is to choose your doctor wisely.Regards,Dr. Ort

Can subcision be performed on forehead acne scars?

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Answer: Subcision for forehead acne scars?

Answer: Subcision for forehead acne scars?

Answer: Can subcision be performed on the forehead

Answer: Can subcision be performed on the forehead

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Can subcision be performed on forehead acne scars?

Answers (6)

Answer: Subcision for forehead acne scars?

Answer: Subcision for forehead acne scars?

Answer: Can subcision be performed on the forehead

Answer: Can subcision be performed on the forehead

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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.