Subcision works by releasing the fibrous bands beneath the skin that pull acne scars downward. A specialized needle or cannula is inserted beneath the scar to break these tethered bands, allowing the depressed scar to lift naturally. The controlled injury also stimulates collagen production, helping the skin rebuild and smooth itself over time.
Why Do Depressed Acne Scars Form?
Certain acne scars develop because fibrous scar tissue forms beneath the skin during the healing process.
These fibrous bands act like tiny anchors.
They:
- Pull the skin downward
- Create visible depressions
- Prevent the skin from sitting evenly with surrounding tissue
As long as these attachments remain intact, the scar often stays depressed.
Step 1: A Needle or Cannula Is Inserted Beneath the Scar
The procedure begins by placing a fine needle or blunt-tip cannula beneath the skin.
The instrument is carefully guided into the layer where the scar attachments are located.
The goal is not to treat the skin surface but to reach the tethered tissue beneath it.
Step 2: Fibrous Scar Bands Are Released
Once the instrument reaches the scar tissue, controlled movements are used to separate the fibrous bands.
These scar bands are responsible for pulling the skin downward.
When they are released:
- Tension beneath the scar decreases
- The skin gains more freedom to move upward
- The depressed appearance becomes less pronounced
This mechanical release is the primary mechanism of subcision malaysia.
Step 3: The Skin Begins to Lift
After the tethering bands are broken, the scar is no longer being pulled downward with the same force.
The treated area may immediately appear slightly elevated because the restrictive attachments have been released.
The degree of lifting varies depending on:
- Scar depth
- Scar age
- Amount of tethering present
Step 4: Controlled Healing Is Triggered
The release of scar tissue creates a controlled wound-healing response.
The body naturally begins repairing the treated area.
This process activates:
- Tissue remodeling
- Fibroblast activity
- New collagen formation
These healing mechanisms help improve skin structure beneath the scar.
Step 5: New Collagen Forms Beneath the Scar
Collagen is a structural protein that supports skin strength and volume.
As healing progresses:
- New collagen develops
- The treated area gains support
- The skin becomes more even
This collagen-building process continues for weeks and months after treatment.
Step 6: Scar Remodeling Continues
Subcision is not solely a mechanical procedure.
The biological healing response continues long after the fibrous bands are released.
Over time:
- Scar tissue remodels
- Skin support improves
- Depressions gradually become less visible
The combination of scar release and collagen formation is what contributes to long-term improvement.
What Happens Beneath the Skin After Subcision?
Immediately after treatment, a small amount of controlled bleeding may occur beneath the skin.
This is part of the normal healing process.
The blood and healing factors released into the area help:
- Support tissue repair
- Stimulate collagen production
- Encourage skin remodeling
This biological response contributes to gradual scar improvement.
Why Subcision Is Effective for Tethered Scars
Subcision specifically targets scars that are attached to deeper tissue layers.
These scars often include:
- Rolling acne scars
- Tethered acne scars
- Certain depressed traumatic scars
Because the procedure addresses the underlying cause of the depression, it works differently from treatments that only resurface the skin.
How Long Does the Healing Process Continue?
Although the scar bands are released during the procedure, tissue remodeling continues afterward.
Immediately After Treatment
- Scar attachments are released
First Few Weeks
- Healing response begins
- New collagen production starts
1 to 3 Months
- Collagen continues developing
- Skin structure gradually improves
Several Months Later
- Scar remodeling continues
- Texture improvements become more apparent
Conclusion
Subcision works by targeting the underlying fibrous bands that pull depressed scars downward. By mechanically releasing these attachments, the skin is allowed to lift while triggering a natural healing response beneath the surface.
The procedure combines two important mechanisms: immediate scar release and long-term collagen remodeling. Together, these processes help improve skin structure and reduce the appearance of tethered acne scars over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does subcision remove acne scars?
Subcision releases the fibrous scar bands beneath the skin that pull acne scars downward, allowing the skin to lift and remodel naturally.
2. What exactly is cut during subcision?
The procedure targets and releases tethered fibrous scar tissue located beneath depressed scars.
3. Does subcision stimulate collagen?
Yes. The controlled healing response triggered by subcision encourages new collagen production beneath the treated area.
4. Why do scars look better after subcision?
Scars improve because the underlying attachments are released and new collagen helps support the skin during healing.
5. Is scar improvement immediate after subcision?
Some lifting may be visible immediately after the fibrous bands are released, but collagen remodeling continues for several months.
