The average cost of subcision is $2,383, but it can range from $500 to $9,000, according to 115 patient reviews on RealSelf.
This minimally invasive procedure improves the appearance of depressed scars (including acne scars) and cellulite dimples. In rare cases, it’s also used to help smooth nasolabial folds.
Read on to learn which factors will impact your subcision cost—and whether or not real patients think their results were worth the money.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Subcision
Subcision has a 85% Worth It Rating from reviewers on RealSelf. Most who were happy with their outcome say it dramatically improved the appearance of their acne scars, even ones they’ve had for years, which boosted their self-confidence.
Among the few who weren’t satisfied with their results, most experienced side effects, including new scarring.
A skilled provider is key to achieving a good outcome, so be sure to thoroughly research the credentials of a doctor before booking a consultation. Pay careful attention to their patient reviews and photo galleries, too.
These are the biggest factors that will impact the price you’ll pay for your treatment.
Subcision is a minor surgical procedure, so it’s typically performed by a dermatologist, dermatological surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or plastic surgeon.
As with all aesthetic procedures, physicians with more advanced credentials and experience, such as board certification, will likely charge higher fees than physicians who are just starting their careers.
Acne subcision and the treatment of cellulite dimples are considered by some to be specialty procedures, and those who perform them routinely and effectively are able to charge more for their time and expertise.
The higher costs of living in major metro areas impact the prices of all aesthetic treatments. Especially if you book at a high-end med spa in the heart of downtown, you’ll be paying more to help cover your provider’s overhead.
For more reasonable prices, look for a qualified provider (with stellar patient reviews) who operates a relatively modest practice or shares it with other physicians.
Some doctors charge per scar or dimple, while others charge a flat fee for a treatment area. During your consultation, you and your provider should discuss their pricing structure, how many areas they will treat, and how that will affect your total cost.
The cost of subcision for a few acne scars can be significantly less than what you’d pay for to treat widespread cellulite. One cellulite dimple can have up to 20 septa bands that need to be released to smooth out the skin’s surface, so treating multiple dimples on the thighs or buttocks can be time-consuming.
If your scarring or dimpling is severe, you may need multiple treatment sessions to see your desired results.
Also keep in mind that while subcision can be a permanent treatment for rolling and boxcar acne scars (as long as the released tissue doesn’t re-anchor as it heals), it’s not a permanent way to get rid of cellulite. Dimples usually come back again after a few years, so you may want to budget for periodic maintenance treatments.
Especially if you’re being treated for depressed scars or pockmarks, your provider may suggest combining subcision with other treatments, such as microneedling, TCA Cross chemical peels, and laser resurfacing.
Dermal filler can also help smooth the depression, promote new collagen growth, and help prevent the severed tissue from tethering back down while you heal.
These combo treatments could significantly improve your results (and reduce the need for additional sessions), but they may also add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your bill.
Yes, most people can finance aesthetic procedures like this one. Some providers offer their own monthly payment plans and financing options, or you can explore other options like CareCredit.