Will subcision (or saline subcision) help with my acne scars? (Photos)

Question

I have tried microneedling (4 sessions @ 1mm) without much result. Wondering if subcision would help my type of scars? I have heard some shallower scars can’t be treated with subcision? Also waiting to have PRP microneedling done aswell for a combined approach

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Microneedling is a good option but why did they only stop at 1mm?  An experienced provider with the right tools definitely adjusts your treatment setting accordingly and I would have pushed it to 2mm or deeper. Those scars are deep and fibrosed.  You need many more sessions to see results.  Combination therapy is always more successful in treating scars than a single modality. In my experience, the best results are achieved from combination of PRP + Microneedling + PicoSure Focus Laser. Individual results vary and consultation is always required to determine the best result for you.  Best, Dr.Avaliani

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach will give the most improvement. These types of scars need a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, Cosmelan, subcision and fillers. It will take a series of treatments and will need some treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

I agree with Doctor Lim' s approach and response. We have been using PRP recently instead of saline with subcision. Multiple sessions may be needed.  Find an acne scar expert. Ask to see photos.Acne scar nj.com

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hard to tell. The tell tale signs of saucer scars is dermal fibrosis- this means the scars are actually hard under the depression. If this there is significant subdermal-dermal fibrosis subcision can help, but it will take more than just one or two sessions. The use of saline is preferred in this situation as if dermal filler was used with fibrosis, a DONUT effect will occur. Filler will always find the path of least resistance. In this case the 'rim' around the depression- hence why I agree with saline. Technique is extremely important. Dr Novick and Dr Rapaport are experts in this special skill set in the US, I wish you well. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Will subcision (or saline subcision) help with my acne scars? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Subscision plus microneedling; Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Subscision plus microneedling; Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Subcsion and saline for acne scars....

Answer: Subcsion and saline for acne scars....

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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.

Will subcision (or saline subcision) help with my acne scars? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Subscision plus microneedling; Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Subscision plus microneedling; Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Subcsion and saline for acne scars....

Answer: Subcsion and saline for acne scars....

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.