Resurfacing
Release Scars. Restore Smoothness.
Scar subcision is a minimally invasive, results-driven treatment designed to improve the appearance of depressed acne scars and skin indentations by addressing the underlying cause — not just the surface of the skin. At Carrington Medical, subcision is performed with precision and advanced technique to help restore smoother, more even skin texture and support long-term collagen regeneration.
Unlike treatments that focus only on resurfacing, subcision works beneath the skin to release tethered scar tissue that pulls the skin downward. By freeing these attachments and stimulating the body’s natural healing response, subcision helps lift depressed scars and improve overall skin quality over time.
What Is Scar Subcision?
Scar subcision is a targeted in-office procedure that uses a small needle or cannula to gently break up fibrotic scar bands beneath the skin. These bands form when scar tissue anchors the skin to deeper layers, creating visible indentations commonly seen with rolling or tethered acne scars.
By carefully releasing these attachments:
The skin is allowed to rise naturally
Blood flow to the area increases
Collagen production is stimulated
Skin texture gradually becomes smoother and firmer
This dual action — mechanical release plus biological regeneration — makes scar subcision a powerful option for patients whose scars have not responded well to topical treatments or surface-level procedures alone.
What Can Scar Subcision Treat?
Subcision is most effective for scars that are caused by underlying tethering rather than pigment or surface texture alone. It is commonly used to improve:
Rolling acne scars
Depressed or tethered scars
Certain traumatic or surgical scars
Uneven skin texture caused by fibrotic scar tissue
Treatment areas most often include the cheeks, temples, jawline, and chin, though other areas may be treated depending on individual scar patterns and skin anatomy. Your provider will assess whether scar subcision is appropriate for your specific scar type and location during consultation.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Scar subcision is performed in-office and may be combined with topical or local anesthesia to maximize comfort. The procedure itself generally takes less than an hour, depending on the number and depth of scars being treated.
During treatment:
A specialized needle or cannula is inserted beneath the skin
Fibrotic scar bands are gently released
Controlled micro-injury stimulates collagen production
After treatment, it is normal to experience:
Mild to moderate swelling
Temporary bruising
Tenderness at the treatment site
These effects typically improve over several days to a week. As healing progresses, collagen remodeling continues for weeks to months, leading to gradual and ongoing improvement in skin texture and firmness.
How Many Sessions Are Typically Needed?
The number of scar subcision sessions required varies depending on the depth and severity of scarring, individual healing response, and treatment goals. While some patients notice visible improvement after a single session, most benefit from a series of 2 to 4 treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
Because collagen remodeling continues after each session, improvements often build gradually, with skin becoming smoother and more even over time.
Scar subcision Pairs Beautifully With
For enhanced results, subcision is often combined with other aesthetic treatments that support collagen production, skin regeneration, and surface refinement. Combining therapies allows multiple layers of scarring to be addressed simultaneously.
Stimulates additional collagen production and improves overall texture, complementing the structural release achieved with subcision.
Supports regenerative healing, reduces inflammation, and enhances collagen response following treatment.
Improves pigmentation, tone, and surface texture, creating more comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
Can be used in select cases to restore volume and further smooth deeper depressions once tethering has been released.
Supports healing, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps maintain long-term improvements.
Help address surface congestion, brightness, and overall skin clarity while supporting ongoing maintenance.
