Subcision for Deep Acne Scars: What It Is, How It Works & The Results You Can Expect

Acne scars can be some of the most stubborn skin concerns—especially deep, tethered scars such as rolling scars, boxcar scars, and certain ice-pick scars. These types of scars form when fibrous bands pull the skin downward, creating visible indentations. At Hi Beautiful Aesthetics, we offer one of the most effective treatments for these deeper scars: Subcision.

Subcision is a specialized, minimally invasive procedure designed to break the scar tissue from beneath, releasing the skin and allowing new collagen to form. If you’ve tried microneedling, chemical peels, or lasers without fully addressing deep scars, subcision may be the missing piece.

✨ What Is Subcision?

Subcision (short for “subcutaneous incisionless surgery”) is a dermatologic technique used to treat depressed acne scars caused by tethered bands under the skin.

During this procedure, a trained provider uses a fine, sterile needle to gently break up the fibrotic strands that are holding the scar down. Once these bands are released, the skin begins to rise and smooth out naturally.

This treatment is ideal for:

• Rolling scars

• Deep boxcar scars

• Long-standing, severe acne scars

• Scars that don’t improve much with surface-level treatments

✨ How Subcision Works

The power of subcision comes from working under the scar—not just on top of it.

1. Local Numbing for Comfort

The area is numbed to ensure a comfortable treatment experience.

2. A Specialized Needle Breaks the Scar Tissue

A small needle is inserted beneath the scar to carefully break the fibrotic bands. This releases the skin from the tethering underneath, allowing the indentation to lift.

3. Controlled Trauma Stimulates Collagen

Once the band is released, the body begins repairing the treated area by producing new collagen. This creates long-term improvement in texture and depth.

4. Optional PRP or Filler for Enhanced Results

Some clients choose to add:

• PRP to speed healing and collagen production

• Filler to immediately lift and support the released scar

These additions can amplify your final outcome.

✨ Results: What Clients Can Expect

Subcision delivers noticeable, long-lasting improvement, especially when combined with other treatments like microneedling, lasers, or TCA CROSS for ice-pick scars.

✔ Smoother Skin Texture

Indented scars become less visible as tethered skin is lifted.

✔ Progressive, Natural Improvement

Collagen continues to build over the next 3–6 months, so results keep getting better with time.

✔ Significant Improvement After 1 Treatment

Most clients see real improvement after just one session, though multiple treatments may be recommended depending on scar severity.

✔ Minimal Downtime

Mild swelling or bruising is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

✔ Long-Term Correction

Because the fibrotic bands are broken and collagen is regenerated, results are long-lasting—not temporary.

✨ Why Subcision Is Essential for Deep Acne Scars

Deep, tethered scars cannot be fully corrected with surface treatments alone.Subcision targets the root cause by releasing the scar from underneath, allowing the skin to heal more evenly.

If you’ve struggled with acne scars for years and feel like nothing has worked, this procedure can be truly transformative.

Interested in Subcision at Hi Beautiful Aesthetics?

Our trained clinicians specialize in advanced acne-scar revision and will customize a treatment plan based on your scar type, severity, and skin goals. Many clients combine subcision with microneedling, PRP, or chemical peels for optimal results.

Schedule your consultation today and start your journey to smoother, more confident skin.