Subcision is a simple procedure that smooths out scars and cellulite. A thin needle goes under your skin and cuts the tight bands holding the scar down. Once those bands are cut, your skin can lift back up and look smoother.
It’s done in-clinic, under local anaesthesia, usually in under an hour. Most people go back to work the next day.
This guide walks you through how it works, what it treats, recovery, cost in Malaysia, and how it compares to other scar treatments.
What is Subcision?
Subcision means “cutting under the skin.” A dermatologist inserts a fine needle or cannula through a tiny puncture point. They move it back and forth under the scar to cut the fibrous bands pulling your skin down.
Once these bands are released, your skin can rise again. Your body then heals the area with fresh collagen, which helps hold the improvement in place.
No cuts. No stitches. Just a needle and local numbing.
How Subcision Differs from Other Scar Treatments
Most scar treatments — peels, microneedling, lasers — work on the surface of your skin. Subcision works underneath it.
It goes straight to the root cause: the tight band pulling your scar down. That’s why it’s often paired with a surface treatment. Subcision fixes the depth. Lasers or peels fix the texture on top.
Types of Scars Treated with Subcision
Subcision works best on scars that are “tethered” — meaning something underneath is pulling them down. It’s commonly used for:
- Rolling acne scars (soft, wave-like dips)
- Boxcar scars (sharper-edged, flatter dips)
- Cellulite dimples
- Some scars from surgery, injury, or chickenpox
- Certain wrinkles and folds
It doesn’t work well on ice pick scars (too narrow and deep) or scars caused by lost tissue rather than tethering.
What Does Subcision Treat?
Acne Scars (Rolling & Boxcar Scars)
This is the most common use for subcision. If creams, peels, or microneedling haven’t worked on your rolling or boxcar scars, subcision may help. You’ll often see a mild lift right after treatment, with more improvement over the following weeks as new collagen builds.
Cellulite Reduction
Cellulite dimples happen when tight bands pull your skin down between pockets of fat. Subcision cuts these bands to smooth the surface. A single dimple can have many bands, so larger areas like thighs or buttocks may need more sessions.
Results aren’t permanent — new bands can form again after a few years, so you may need touch-ups down the line.
Wrinkles and Depressed Scars
Subcision can also help with certain deep wrinkles and scars, like some nasolabial folds or old injury scars, if a tight band is part of the problem. It’s usually paired with filler for extra support.
How Does Subcision Work? (Procedure Explained)
Pre-Procedure Consultation and Assessment
Your provider first checks whether your scars are truly tethered, or just missing volume. This tells them if subcision is the right fit. They’ll also check for things that could affect safety, like active acne, a history of keloid scars, or bleeding issues.
You’ll usually be asked to stop blood thinners or certain supplements a few days before, and to come in with clean, product-free skin.
Step-by-Step Subcision Procedure
Here’s what a typical session looks like:
- Clean and numb — the area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
- Insert the needle — a fine needle or cannula goes in through a tiny puncture point.
- Release the bands — the provider moves it back and forth under the scar to cut the tight tissue. You may feel or hear a small “pop” as each band releases.
- Compress the area — pressure is applied afterward to limit bruising and swelling.
Most sessions take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much area is being treated.
Subcision with Fillers/PRP (Combination Therapy)
Many providers combine subcision with other treatments for better results:
- Dermal filler can be added to support the area and stop the band from reattaching.
- PRP (made from your own blood) can be injected to help the area heal faster.
- Laser resurfacing or microneedling is often done weeks later to polish the surface texture.
Benefits of Subcision
- Treats the actual cause of tethered scars, not just the surface
- No cuts or stitches
- Often shows a visible lift right after treatment
- Quick procedure, quick return to normal activities
- Works across most skin tones and types
- Can be combined with filler, PRP, or lasers for a fuller result
- Long-lasting results for acne scars, in most cases
Subcision Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
Expect some swelling, redness, and bruising right after. Ice helps in the first day or two. Avoid hard workouts, skip makeup and skincare for at least a day, and stay out of direct sun while healing.
Downtime and Healing Timeline
Most people return to normal life, including work, within a day or two. Bruising is the most common side effect and usually fades within a week. Bigger areas (like cellulite treatment on the thighs) may look puffy for a couple of days.
Full results build up over the following weeks to months as your skin makes new collagen.
Tips to Maximize Results
- Skip blood thinners before and after, if your provider advises it
- Follow any massage or movement instructions — this helps stop the band from reattaching
- Wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure while healing
- Go to your follow-up sessions — most people need more than one
- Add a resurfacing treatment later if your provider recommends it
Subcision Results: Before and After
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Most people need 2 to 3 sessions for acne scars, spaced a few weeks apart. For cellulite, it depends on how much area needs treating — some see good results in one session, others need several over a few months.
When Will You See Results?
You may notice a mild lift right after treatment, partly from swelling. As the swelling goes down over 1–2 weeks, the real improvement from new collagen starts to show. Results usually keep improving for up to 3 months.
Subcision Cost (Malaysia)
Subcision cost depends on how many scars or how large the area is, plus your provider’s experience and clinic location.
- Acne scars: roughly RM 500 – RM 3,000 per session, depending on the number of scars treated
- Cellulite (larger areas like thighs or buttocks): roughly RM 3,000 – RM 8,000 per session
Most people need more than one session, so it’s worth asking your clinic for the full cost of your treatment plan — not just a single visit.
Factors Affecting Subcision Cost
- Number of scars or size of area — more scars, more time, more cost
- Treatment area — cellulite treatment on the thighs usually costs more than a few acne scars on the cheek
- Provider experience — experienced dermatologists or plastic surgeons often charge more
- Add-on treatments — filler, PRP, or lasers add to the total
- Number of sessions — most plans involve more than one visit
Is Subcision Covered by Insurance?
No, in almost all cases. Subcision is considered cosmetic, so insurance won’t cover it. The rare exception is if a scar is causing a real functional problem, like restricted movement — but this is uncommon. Check with your insurer directly if you think this might apply to you.
Risks and Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Swelling, bruising, and soreness at the treatment site — usually gone within a week
- A firm or lumpy feeling under the skin while it heals
- Mild discomfort during and shortly after treatment
Rare Complications
Less often, subcision can cause infection, nerve irritation, longer-than-usual bruising, or changes in skin colour. The scar or dimple can also partly come back if the band reattaches, which may need another session to fix.
How to Minimize Risks
- Choose an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon
- Share your full medical history, including any keloid tendency or bleeding issues
- Follow your provider’s before-and-after instructions closely
- Give your skin enough time to heal between sessions
Who Is a Good Candidate for Subcision?
You’re likely a good candidate if you have moderate to severe rolling or boxcar acne scars, or cellulite dimples, caused by tight bands under the skin. You should be in good general skin health, free of active breakouts in the treatment area, and comfortable with needing a few sessions.
Subcision isn’t ideal if you have a strong history of keloid scarring, an active skin infection, or certain bleeding disorders. A consultation with an experienced provider is the best way to check if it’s right for you.
Subcision vs. Other Scar Treatments
Subcision vs. Laser Resurfacing
Lasers work on the surface. Subcision works underneath. They’re often used together — subcision to release the depth, laser afterward to smooth the texture on top.
Subcision vs. Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates collagen with tiny surface injuries. It helps mild scarring and overall texture, but it can’t reach or release deep, tethered scars the way subcision does. The two are often used together, not as replacements for each other.
Subcision vs. Dermal Fillers
Fillers add volume to fill in a dip. Subcision releases the tight band pulling a scar down. If a scar is both tethered and low on volume, providers often use both — subcision first, then filler in the same visit to support the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Subcision
Is subcision painful? Not usually. It’s done under local anaesthetic, so most people feel little to no pain during the procedure. Some soreness or bruising is common for a few days after.
How long do results last? For acne scars, results often last a long time, sometimes permanently. For cellulite, results usually aren’t permanent — dimples can return after a few years, so occasional touch-ups may be needed.
Can I do subcision at home? No. It involves a needle going under your skin, so it should only be done by a trained medical professional. Doing it yourself risks infection and nerve injury.
Does it hurt more than microneedling or lasers? It can feel a bit more intense than microneedling, since the needle goes deeper. Bruising afterward is also usually more noticeable. Local anaesthetic keeps the procedure itself comfortable.
How soon will I see results? You may notice a small lift right away, but that’s partly swelling. The real, lasting improvement builds up over 1 to 3 months as new collagen forms.
Will I need more than one session? Most people do. Acne scars usually need 2 to 3 sessions. Cellulite may need more, depending on how much area you’re treating.
Is it safe for all skin types? Generally, yes. If you’re prone to keloid scars or dark marks after healing, talk to your provider first so they can plan accordingly.
What’s the difference between subcision and Cellfina? Cellfina is a specific device that automates subcision for cellulite using a vacuum-assisted tool. Traditional subcision is done by hand with a needle or cannula. Both release the same tight bands — just with different tools.
