What is subcision for acne scars?
Subcision is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed in the office of Dr. Behnam. It takes about 20 minutes and then the patients go home. To understand why subcision would work, we have to understand the anatomy of an acne scar. Rolling acne scars and boxcar acne scars are depressed scars, which means that the scars are below the surface of the skin. The reason why they are depressed is because there are fibrous bands underneath the skin that are pulling down the surface of the skin. The goal with subcision is to insert a needle through the surface of the skin and cut the fibrous scar tissue pulling down the surface skin. This allows the skin to be lifted since it is not bound down anymore.
A recent showed that a handheld vacuum is used after the subcision procedure will yield much better results. In Dr. Behnam’s clinic, after every subcision procedure a handheld vacuum is given to the patient to take home.
What is subcision acne scar treatment?
Subcision is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed where a needle is used to puncture through the surface of the skin and cut the fibrous scar tissue pulling down the surface skin. This allows the skin to be lifted since it is not bound down anymore.
Can I bruise after a subcision procedure?
Yes, it is possible to bruise after a subcision procedure.
How many subcision sessions do I need to see results?
Typically, several sessions of subcision are required to achieve satisfactory results. The results will be better if it is combined with other acne scar treatments, such as fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.
Can subcision be combined with other procedures, like CO2 laser resurfacing?
Yes. Dr. Behnam typically performs the procedure 2 weeks prior to the CO2 laser resurfacing.
Can I have subcision for rolling and boxcar scars?
Yes. it will work for rolling and boxcar scars. The goal of subcision is to remove the fibrous bands that are pulling down the skin and causing the depressed scars.
Can I have subcision for icepick scars?
No it will not work for icepick scars. TCA Cross technique is the gold standard treatment for icepick scars. In this technique, TCA 80% is applied sparingly in the icepick scar and let it frost. THis will induce collagen production in the scar and lift it up.
What is a saline injection technique?
Saline injection is form of a subcision, where bacteriostatic saline in injected within the skin. The act of injection will stretch out the scar. When this process is performed multiple times, the act of stretching the scar will ultimately loosen up the scar underneath the skin, thus allowing the skin to raise.