What Is Subcision?

Subcision is a minimally invasive dermatologic procedure designed to treat depressed acne scars.

The treatment involves using a specialized needle or cannula beneath the skin to release scar tissue that is tethering the skin downward.

Subcision is commonly used for:

• Rolling acne scars
• Tethered scars
• Depressed acne scars
• Uneven skin texture
• Post-acne skin irregularities
• Acne scar revision
• Facial scar remodeling
• Collagen stimulation

Subcision is widely performed at dermatology clinics throughout Hongdae and Seoul.

How Subcision Works

Many depressed acne scars are attached to deeper tissue by fibrous scar bands.

These bands pull the skin downward and create visible depressions.

During subcision:

• A small entry point is created
• A specialized needle or cannula is inserted beneath the skin
• Fibrous scar attachments are released
• The skin is allowed to elevate naturally
• Collagen production is stimulated during healing

The treatment addresses the structural cause of many rolling acne scars.

Types of Acne Scars Treated with Subcision

Rolling Acne Scars

Subcision is considered one of the most effective treatments for:

• Rolling scars
• Tethered scars
• Broad depressed scars
• Wavy skin texture

These scars are often caused by fibrous tissue pulling the skin downward.

Depressed Acne Scars

May help improve:

• Shallow depressions
• Moderate depressions
• Textural irregularities

Mixed Acne Scars

Subcision is often combined with other procedures for patients who have:

• Rolling scars
• Boxcar scars
• Ice pick scars
• Enlarged pores

Acne Scar Types Less Suitable for Subcision

Ice Pick Scars

Ice pick scars are:

• Deep
• Narrow
• Sharp-edged

These scars often require additional treatments such as:

• TCA CROSS
• Laser resurfacing
• Scar reconstruction procedures

Boxcar Scars

Some boxcar scars may benefit from subcision, but combination treatments are often recommended.

Benefits of Subcision

Potential benefits may include:

• Release of tethered scar tissue
• Improved rolling scars
• Smoother skin texture
• Natural collagen stimulation
• Improved skin contours
• Long-term scar remodeling
• Enhanced results when combined with other treatments
• Minimally invasive treatment

Many patients experience gradual improvement over several months as collagen remodeling continues.

Subcision Combined with Other Acne Scar Treatments

Combination therapy is common because acne scars often involve multiple scar types.

Potenza RF Microneedling

May help:

• Stimulate collagen
• Improve scar texture
• Enhance skin remodeling

Secret RF

Often combined for:

• Acne scar revision
• Pore improvement
• Skin rejuvenation

Sylfirm X

May support:

• Collagen production
• Skin texture improvement
• Acne scar management

Fractional Laser Treatment

Commonly used for:

• Skin resurfacing
• Scar remodeling
• Texture correction

Skin Boosters

May help improve:

• Skin hydration
• Skin quality
• Treatment recovery

Collagen Stimulators

May be used to:

• Support tissue regeneration
• Improve volume deficiencies
• Enhance scar correction

Combination treatment plans are common throughout Korean dermatology clinics.

What Happens During a Subcision Procedure?

Consultation

Patients typically receive:

• Acne scar assessment
• Skin analysis
• Scar type classification
• Treatment planning
• Photography documentation

Treatment

The procedure generally involves:

• Local anesthesia
• Small skin entry points
• Scar release using a needle or cannula
• Treatment of selected scar areas

Most procedures take approximately 20–60 minutes depending on treatment extent.

Recovery After Subcision

Temporary side effects may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Mild discomfort
• Temporary skin irregularities

Most patients return to normal activities within several days.

The healing process continues over weeks and months as collagen remodeling develops.

Results Timeline

Immediate Changes

Patients may notice:

• Reduced scar tethering
• Early skin elevation
• Improved scar appearance

Progressive Improvement

Over the following months:

• Collagen production increases
• Scar remodeling continues
• Skin texture gradually improves

Multiple treatment sessions may be recommended depending on scar severity.

Estimated Subcision Cost in Seoul

Subcision costs vary depending on:

• Number of scars treated
• Treatment area size
• Severity of scarring
• Combination procedures
• Clinic expertise
• Number of sessions required

Most clinics provide individualized treatment recommendations following consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Subcision?

Subcision may be suitable for individuals who:

• Have rolling acne scars
• Have tethered scars
• Have depressed acne scars
• Have uneven skin texture
• Have post-acne skin irregularities
• Want minimally invasive scar treatment
• Want collagen stimulation
• Are seeking acne scar revision

A dermatologist can determine whether subcision is appropriate based on scar type and skin condition.

Why Subcision Is Popular in Seoul

Subcision is commonly performed by acne scar specialists throughout Seoul because it directly addresses the structural causes of rolling scars.

Advantages include:

• Advanced scar treatment expertise
• Personalized treatment planning
• Combination treatment options
• Modern dermatology technology
• Comprehensive acne scar programs
• International patient services

Many international patients travel to Hongdae and Seoul for customized acne scar revision procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is subcision?

Subcision is a minimally invasive acne scar treatment that releases fibrous scar bands

beneath the skin to improve rolling and depressed acne scars.

Does subcision work for rolling acne scars?

Yes. Subcision is considered one of the most effective treatments for rolling acne scars and tethered scars.

Is subcision good for ice pick scars?

Ice pick scars often require additional treatments such as TCA CROSS or laser resurfacing.

Subcision alone may not adequately treat deep ice pick scars.

How many subcision treatments are needed?

The number of treatments depends on scar severity and treatment goals.

Some patients benefit from multiple sessions.

Is subcision painful?

Local anesthesia is typically used to improve comfort during the procedure.

What is the recovery time after subcision?

Patients may experience swelling and bruising for several days, with ongoing scar remodeling occurring over several months.

Can subcision be combined with RF microneedling?

Yes. Subcision is frequently combined with Potenza, Secret RF, Sylfirm X, fractional lasers, and other acne scar treatments.

Is subcision available for international patients in Seoul?

Yes. Many dermatology clinics in Hongdae and Seoul offer subcision

and comprehensive acne scar treatment programs for international patients.