Is Subcision The Right Acne Scar Treatment For You?
Acne scars can feel like a frustrating reminder of breakouts long past. Many people try treatment after treatment, only to be left disappointed with minimal results. But here’s the good news: some acne scar treatments actually work, and subcision is one of the most effective options for certain types of scars.
If you’ve been exploring subcision acne scars treatment in Singapore, understanding how it works and whether it’s suitable for your skin can help you make a more confident decision.
What Is Subcision?
Subcision, short for subcutaneous incisional surgery, is a minor in-office procedure designed to release acne scars from the underlying tissues. Using a blunt cannula or a specialized Nokor needle, your doctor gently inserts the instrument beneath the scarred area. Through controlled sweeping motions, the fibrous bands tethering the skin down are broken, allowing the scar to lift and the skin surface to smooth out.
An added benefit? This process also stimulates collagen production in the treated area, which helps further repair and rejuvenate the skin over time. It’s a technique loved for its simplicity, effectiveness, and relatively low cost compared to other scar treatments.
However, subcision is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It tends to work best on specific scar types, especially tethered or anchored scars.
What Are Tethered Acne Scars?
Tethered scars are caused by fibrous bands that pull the skin downward, creating visible indentations. A quick way to tell: smile or talk in front of a mirror. If you notice the depression becoming more pronounced, chances are your scars are attached to the underlying tissue layers like muscle or SMAS.
This is exactly where subcision shines. By breaking up those fibrous bands, the skin is released, allowing it to rise back up. Subcision is most commonly used for rolling scars, but it can also be an effective part of a combination approach for deeper boxcar or icepick scars.
Is Subcision Right for You?
If topical treatments, chemical peels, or laser procedures haven’t delivered the results you hoped for, subcision may be a strong next step. That said, choosing a skilled and experienced aesthetic doctor is crucial. While subcision is considered a straightforward treatment, poor technique or lack of anatomical knowledge can lead to less desirable outcomes.
It’s also important to note that scars can sometimes re-tether after treatment. That’s why many doctors recommend pairing subcision with other procedures like Edge Fractional CO₂ Laser, RF microneedling, TCA Cross, or dermal fillers to maximize and sustain results.
Research backs this up—a 2017 clinical study found that combining subcision with fractional RF microneedling yielded safe, effective improvements for mixed acne scar types. A 2021 Dermatology Times review also highlighted that using multiple modalities can significantly boost patient satisfaction.
Personalized Subcision Treatments at The Clifford Clinic
While dark spots or mild blemishes can often be concealed with makeup, uneven skin texture caused by acne scars is much harder to hide. At The Clifford Clinic, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to acne scar treatments.
Here at our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, our doctors will first assess your skin and scar type before creating a tailored treatment plan that prioritizes your comfort, safety, and long-term results.
We also offer advanced combination therapies. For instance, pairing subcision with INFINI RF allows us to target deeper layers of the skin—up to 3.5 mm—while stimulating collagen for tightening, lifting, and rejuvenation. Unlike traditional ablative lasers, INFINI RF is safe for all skin types with shorter downtime.
For even better outcomes, our doctors may combine subcision with dermal fillers or injectables like Rejuran Healer. This Salmon DNA-based treatment supports healing and boosts collagen production, helping to enhance and maintain your results over time.
Many patients also trust us for their acne and hair restoration needs, thanks to our team’s expertise in advanced aesthetic treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subcision
1. How many sessions will I need?
Most patients require 2–6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. Noticeable results typically appear 2–6 months after the first treatment, as collagen remodeling continues beneath the surface.
2. Am I a good candidate?
Subcision works best for tethered atrophic scars, especially rolling scars. It may not be suitable for hypertrophic or keloid scars. Those taking oral retinoids or with active infections, acne, or clotting disorders may need to postpone treatment.
3. Does the procedure hurt?
Mild pain, swelling, or bruising is normal, but local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Ready to Smooth Out Acne Scars?
If stubborn acne scars are affecting your confidence, subcision could be the treatment that makes a difference. Our experienced doctors are here to guide you through a safe, personalized plan designed to give you smoother, more even skin.
Book a consultation with The Clifford Clinic today to discover how subcision and other advanced treatments can help you achieve your skin goals.