Acne Scar & Skin Quality

Subcision

Releasing technique for rolling acne scars

A minor in-office procedure that releases the fibrous bands tethering depressed acne scars, allowing the skin to lift and smooth — often combined with biostimulators.

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Subcision acne scar release — Hori Clinic Bangkok

Quick answer

Subcision: what to know first

Subcision releases fibrous bands beneath selected tethered or rolling acne scars. It is not suitable for every scar type: ice-pick, sharply edged boxcar and active acne may require different or staged treatment, so scar typing comes before choosing the procedure.

Suitable for: Rolling or tethered atrophic acne scars confirmed by examination
Discuss first: Discuss active acne or infection, bleeding tendency, medicines, abnormal scarring, pigment history and previous scar treatments
Discomfort: Local anaesthetic reduces sharp pain, but pressure, pulling or release sensations may still be felt
Downtime: Bruising, swelling, tenderness, lumps, infection or pigment change can occur; recovery varies with technique and area
When change may be noticed: Initial lifting may be obscured by swelling; scar remodelling is assessed over weeks to months
Alternatives: TCA CROSS, fractional laser, RedTouch Pro, microneedling, filler or combined scar treatment

Acne Scar

What is Subcision?

Many depressed acne scars are held down by fibrous bands of scar tissue that tether the skin surface to the deeper layers. Subcision uses a fine needle or a blunt cannula, passed just under the scar, to mechanically cut these tethers so the skin can rise back toward the surface.

Releasing the tether is only half the work — the controlled micro-injury then triggers new collagen to form in the space, helping fill the depression over the following weeks. Subcision is often combined with laser, microneedling or a biostimulator for rolling and tethered scars; ice-pick scars usually need a different technique.

How it works

A fine needle or cannula severs the fibrotic tethers under the scar.

Releasing the tether lets the depressed skin rise back toward the surface.

Controlled healing stimulates new collagen to fill the released space.

Why it may help

Why Subcision

✦Directly releases tethered, rolling acne scars
✦Lifts depressions the surface lasers can’t reach
✦Stimulates new collagen in the released space
✦Pairs well with laser and boosters

A doctor may consider it for

—Rolling or tethered atrophic acne scars
—Scars that pull the skin down when smiling
—Limited improvement from lasers alone
—Want a structural approach to scars

On the day and afterwards

After numbing, the doctor inserts a fine needle or cannula beneath each scar and gently moves it to cut the fibrous bands tethering the skin. A session takes about 20–40 minutes depending on the number of scars.

Bruising and swelling for several days is expected and part of the process. Your doctor may combine subcision with filler or biostimulator to support the released area. Sun protection aids healing.

When changes may appear

Improvement builds as new collagen fills the released space over weeks to months. Deep or multiple scars usually need a few sessions, often combined with laser, for the best result.

Everyone responds differently. Before treatment, your doctor will examine the area and talk through a plan that makes sense for you.

Subcision, answered.

Is subcision painful?+

Local anaesthetic keeps it comfortable. Some pressure is felt; bruising afterward is normal and temporary.

How many sessions for acne scars?+

It depends on scar depth and number; a series combined with laser or boosters usually gives the best outcome. Your doctor will plan it.

Will the scars come back?+

Released tethers don’t simply reattach, but new collagen support matters — which is why combination treatment and aftercare are advised.

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Before you decide

A few things to know about Subcision

We last reviewed these sources on 23 July 2026. They can help you prepare for a consultation, but they cannot replace an examination or a consent discussion with your doctor.

What the evidence says

Subcision is mainly considered for selected tethered atrophic acne scars. Scar subtype, depth and attachment should be examined because rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars do not respond in the same way.

Risks worth discussing

Pain, bruising, infection, lumps and pigment change are reported complications. Instrument, anatomical plane and any combined treatment affect both benefit and risk.

Tell us before you book

Ask which exact product or device will be used and where.
Tell us about medicines, allergies, pregnancy, medical conditions and recent procedures.
Ask about alternatives, recovery and warning signs.

Sources we reviewed

Regulatory references describe their own jurisdictions and are used for safety context; they do not by themselves establish Thai registration or an indication for a specific product.

The final choice depends on an examination by a licensed doctor. Meet the doctors

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