Subcision is a minor surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of indented scars, stretch marks and wrinkles. It is performed using a special hypodermic needle, which has a sharp edge on one surface, to cut the collagen ligaments in the subcutaneous tissue that pull the base of the scar down.

The relaxation of the collagen bonds and the formation of new collagen, which is produced during the healing process after the procedure, improves the appearance of the indented scars and some wrinkles.

What are the indications for subcision?

The decision to perform a subcision is based on the type of scar, its location on the body and shape, the patient’s wishes and expectations.

Subcision can be used for:

• indented scars and stretch marks (after acne, trauma or surgery)
• indented and cutaneous scars (after acne, chickenpox, trauma and surgery)
• wrinkles                                                                                                                                                     
• cellulite related dimples/skin indentations

 

What are the contraindications to subcision? 

Subcision is not suitable:

• in the case of a tendency to keloids and hypertrophic scars
• during treatment with medicines that affect skin healing
• in the case of diseases of the haematopoietic organs or taking medicines that affect blood coagulation
• in the case of active infection of the skin with fungi, viruses or bacteria in the area of the subcision

What are the stages of the subcision treatment?

1. Cleaning the subcision area of impurities and cosmetic creams.
2. Injecting a local anaesthetic.
3. Piercing the skin with a subcision needle having one sharp edge. The latter is placed parallel to the surface of the skin and, with precise movements, the ligaments and bundles of collagen fibres that bind the base of the scar to the subcutaneous tissue are cut.
4. Pulling the subcision needle out of the skin.
5. Performing a few minutes of compression on the subcision area.

Steps following the procedure

Immediately after the procedure:

• Skin pressure and cooling reduce the chance of hematoma formation and bleeding after the procedure.
• Covering the entry site for the subcision needle with a patch.
• A tinted cream can be used to cover bruising.

 

How many treatment repeats are needed?

Individual’s ability to form collagen and scar tissue after skin damage varies. Such individual characteristics also lead to differences in the number of recurrences of indented scarring due to the type of scar, its location on the body, the depth of the indentation and the intensity of the procedure. In most cases, one to six repetitions are required for mild to moderate scars. The recommended interval between treatments is at least one month.

What are the risks and complications associated with subcision?

These include:

• bruising and bleeding (small bruises are an expected complication after subcision),
• pain/sensitivity to touch in the treated area,
• appearance of hypertrophic scars or keloids (subcision is not advised if there is a known tendency to such scars),
• skin infection,
• transient excessive hyperpigmentation after inflammation – appearing in darker skin phototypes (prevented by using SPF 50+ creams and avoiding the sun),
• damage to nerves and blood vessels is more common when applied to the jaw area, in front of the ears or in the temples.

 

Which procedures are often combined with subcision?

Subcision to treat scars after acne can be combined with :

• • topical retinoids, fruit acids

• SkinPen microneedling

Fractora

• medium-depth chemical peel

• fractional superpulsed CO2 laser CO2RE 

• Er: YAG laser

 

Appointments and further information

To book an appointment, contact us Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00 on the following telephone number: 064 12 80 15 or send an e-mail: info@derma-rogaska.si