Subcision Acne Scar Treatment
Treat Depressed Acne Scars with Subcision
I have some purplish, dark marks on my face. Are those permanent scars?
It is important to be clear on the difference between acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These pink, red or purple marks you see on your face are PIH and these are not acne scars. It is perfectly normal for the affected area to take on a different color compared to the surrounding skin as the wound repairs itself after the inflammatory process. Such skin discoloration can be improved with Dual Yellow Laser and/or Retin-A.
Types of acne scars
Acne scars can be classified into several types based on their appearance and the depth of the scar. Here are some of the most common types:
Ice Pick Scars: These are deep, narrow, and sharply defined scars that look like tiny holes or punctures in the skin.
Boxcar Scars: These scars are wider and have a box-like shape with sharp edges. They can be shallow or deep, and are usually found on the cheeks and temples.
Rolling Scars: These scars have a wavy, rolling appearance due to the presence of fibrous tissue bands that pull the skin down.
Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised, thickened scars that form when there is an overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): This is not a scar but is a discoloration of the skin due to increased melanin production after an acne lesion. The color of PIH ranges from pink, red, brown to black.
Atrophic Scars: These are the result of tissue loss from the skin and can be a combination of ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars.
Frequently asked questions about Subcision Treatment in Singapore
Acne scars are often very difficult to treat. While CO2 skin resurfacing laser is excellent for treating some acne scars, subcision acne scar treatment is a clinically-proven treatment that is specifically beneficial for people with rolling scars and boxcar scars.This procedure is carried out by inserting a hypodermic needle into the skin directly beneath the scar. The doctor gently uses the needle to loosen and break down the fibers that connect the scar to the skin tissue underneath it. This manual process of breaking down the fibers not only helps to break the connecting fibers that pull your scar downwards, it also triggers the production of collagen at the treatment site to plump up the scar to give a smoother appearance.
Before starting the treatment, your doctor will clean the area and apply a topical anesthetic to numb the skin so that you will be comfortable during the treatment. Your doctor will then insert the needle horizontally into the skin, beneath the scar. The doctor then moves the needle from side to side to gently break down fibers and release the tension in the underlying tissue. You may experience some tugging and resistance as the needle attempts to break down the fibers. When the procedure is over, a cold compress may be applied to the wound to help reduce inflammation and stop the bleeding.
You should be able to see good results after the first session. Depending on the type of scar and how deep it is, the doctor may advise you to repeat the treatment 3 to 4 more times with an interval of 4 weeks to achieve the best outcome.
Just like all other aesthetic treatments, you should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun. Should there be a need to go under the sun, ensure that you have applied sufficient sunscreen to avoid any possible complications.
This treatment can cause a certain of trauma to the skin. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and pain. The treated area may bruise and swell as well. Although rare, some of the more serious side effects are:
- Infection of the wound
- Severe bruising caused by the injury to the blood vessels
- Temporary nerve damage
- Numbness and tingling sensation
- Skin discoloration
Side effects should subside between 5 and 7 days. If your skin is sensitive, you may experience swelling for up to 2 weeks. Follow the doctor’s post-treatment care instructions carefully and you should be on your way to a speedy recovery.
There aren’t any large-scale studies to explore the effectiveness of subcision on acne scarring. However, there have been some studies to suggest that subcision can permanently reduce the appearance of depressed scars. In 2005, there was a small-scale study conducted in 40 patients. Subcision was administered and it was reported that 90 percent of treated patients noticed visible improvement in rolling scars. The study concluded that subcision appears to be a safe and effective treatment for rolling scars.
Benefits
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Improve appearance of depressed acne scars, especially rolling scars and boxcar scars
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Achieve smoother appearance of the skin
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Stimulate collagen production in the skin to reduce visible scarring
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Effective adjunct therapy for other acne scar treatments, such as RF microneedling and skin resurfacing laser treatment