Reviews
3.4
61 Reviews
Good or Excellent Response
20%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
80%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Medium
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Read All About Subcision
Compare To Other Treatments
5
25.8%
4
24.2%
3
22.6%
2
14.5%
1
12.9%

Used Subcision? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 17, 2009

Pros:

Very cost-effective and little down time expected. Subcision appears to make the most sense to me for the rolling scars that I have. The doctor goes right to the source of the problem and fixes it. TCA appears to be ideal for ice pick scars.

Cons:

Like most acne scar treatments, one treatment probably will not suffice.

I had subcision and the TCA Cross Method performed on my rolling and ice pick scars today by my dermatologist. After doing a lot of research on the internet, I decided that these two treatments were the best ones for my type of scarring. I found a terrific dermatologist five minutes from my home who was very gracious and understanding and explained everything very thoroughly to me.
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January 22, 2014
Subscion

Pros:

Shallower scars
Not as noticeable scars
More self confidence

Cons:

2 days down time. With bandage on

I'm having excellent results and glad I did it. I was so scared and waited 1 year to make sure I needed this treatment. I researched on acne.org and found dr. Mamalak and dr Hansen in austin Texas!!!!iExcellent doctors , reduced the anxiety I was having and did an excellent job. Will post pictures so far if I can figure out how. It has now been 3 weeks and I'm still happy with the results. I know the collagen is still growing and is getting better and I'm more able to cover with makeup. I was surprised that it didn't hurt more I was mildly uncomfortable for about 2 days then I took off bandage and washed with nutogena extra mild liquid soap and covered with aquaphor . The brusing lasted about 7 - 10 days but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't go out. Sanova dermatology is the best I've found in austin Texas. I highly recommend these dermatologists as they know what their doing and are very honest with you. I had rolling scar. And 3 big acne scars done at once. It has been 1 month now and the results are so good. I will give it 6 months and then decide if I need anything more.
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November 12, 2016
Can you please tell me the name if your doctor who performed this? Congratulations on the improvement!! I'm praying for the same.
October 29, 2019

did the subcision leave a scar on the entry point?

March 1, 2023
Hi,did have only one subcision?
April 7, 2009

Pros:

Works well with an experience physician and multiple treatments. Meant to be used on individual scars as first step before fillers or laser/dermabrasion.

Cons:

Bruising & swelling, but can mostly be covered with makeup.

It's worth trying to improve your larger/more noticable scars.
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January 26, 2011

Pros:

I seems to have lifted the depressed scar. Not painful and only took about 15 minutes.

Cons:

Some mild bruising and swelling. I had this done late in the afternoon and was able to easily cover with make up and go to work the next day

I'm giving this a 4 even though it's only been 6 days. The swelling is gone and it does seem to have lifted the depressed scar. My doctor only wanted to do one to see how well it would work. Also, she did not charge for this one, so I have no idea how much she will charge to have this procedure for other scars.
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October 29, 2019

Does subscion leave a scar on entry point??? Im afraid it might 

June 27, 2007

Pros:

My indented scar is flat again

Cons:

Bruising

I had this performed three days ago, and although I've heard you often need multiple treatments I am THRILLED with what I see now! I had one indented scar on my chin, it looked like a dimple - fairly shallow and I could cover it with make-up, but enough to really bother me. The area is still bruised, but the scar is completely flat now, with no indenting at all. This might be the swelling that comes along with the treatment, but after all it's been 3 days! I am SO glad I did this - I went to another derm who tried to sign me up for VBeam and Restylane, which total would have been about $1000. This is much cheaper, and did EXACTLY what I wanted, which was to heal a scar that had healed improperly in the first place. So I say try subcision! If it doesn't work out for you, you can always go back for pricier treatments.
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August 3, 2007

Pros:

actually work for some of my ice pick, but not really

Cons:

made most of the scars on my face a lot worst, i cant even stand to look at people in the face any more, cause my nose got soo mess up people start looking at me all weird, made my scars a lot worst.

bottom line is that it is too risky to take a chance to either make your scars a little better or a lot wrost
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January 20, 2008

Pros:

Surgiwire and Wire Scalpel are two products used to perform subcision.

Cons:

from what I've read, complications can range from hypo/hyperpigmentation, scaring (reduced with new procedures) and bruising that can range from 1-4 weeks. Keep in mind everyone reacts differently.

I've had a hard time finding Doctors that perform said procedure. ASK QUESTIONS! Make sure your physician is qualified and experienced. Also...I would avoid fat transfers. There isn't any controlling how much fat takes..or where. I had fat transfer done years ago...and the dr. truely made things worse. Although, it's not noticeable to anyone but me...it's bothersome. Fat CANNOT be removed for fear of causing facial paralysis. Just factors to keep in mind. Subcision appears to work on rolling scars and deep wrinkles. Google the brands given above, and they'll show you how operation is performed. Possible to use fillers after tx. To avoid the flesh to reattach with depression. Fillers absorb over time. The Dr. I found, performs the procedure at $700 base, and $100 per extra area performed. I will have more information once I see the physician that performs the operation. That's in about 4 days. Good Luck
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

No downtime. Heals quickly

Cons:

I noticed a very slight improvement after 3 treatments

Everyones skin accepts treatments differently. What works well for some may not work for others. Hard to find a good Doc in CT willing to even attempt to help, especially scaring on the back!
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March 2, 2016
hmm
i had experience to do e-matrix with subcision 1 time i had excellent result but i wasnt continue the treatment as the cost of treatment is expensive
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July 22, 2016
how much was it?
November 4, 2007

Pros:

regain confidence

Cons:

none

I have been performing subcision myself to 2 depressed rolling scars on my forehead and nose. I have done the procedure about 4 times now, and each time there has been an improvement..to the extent that the one on my nose is not now noiticeable with makeup. It was a case of trial and error, I dont think I was doing it right the first couple of times, as I didnt hear the'clicking' sound that you are supposed to hear. I would recommend this procedure absolutely.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.