Many people feel self-conscious every time they look in the mirror due to uneven skin texture. Once depressed acne scars form, they don't fill in on their own over time. So, what treatments can help achieve smoother skin? To put it simply, a combination treatment tailored to the scar's shape and depth is key, with subcision at its core.
Why Depressed Scars Aren't All the Same Shape
Acne scars may look similar on the surface, but their patterns vary as much as individual facial features. Broadly, they can be categorized as follows:
- Rolling: Large, rounded forms with gentle borders
- Boxcar: Square-shaped depressions with relatively distinct edges
- Ice pick: Deep, pointed scars that penetrate into the dermis
Even with the same depressed scar, effective treatments differ because of variations in shape, depth, skin condition, and cause. Therefore, a customized approach to acne scars that combines multiple methods, rather than relying on just one treatment, is necessary.
What Subcision Does
In the clinic, when examining the skin of patients concerned about depressed scars, it's often found that the area beneath the scar is firmly pulled down. This is because fibrous tissue within the dermis is pulling the skin downwards.
Subcision is a procedure that uses a medical needle to break these pulling tissues. Once the pulling fibrous tissue is released, the depressed area can fill with new tissue, making the height difference with the normal skin more gradual. It's easy to understand this as a principle of lifting the scar from below, rather than shaving it from the surface.
Treating depressed scars isn't just about smoothing the surface. Improvement in texture can be expected when the process of releasing the dermal tissue that pulls the skin down is also performed.
Treatments That Go Well With Subcision
Subcision alone cannot resolve all scars. Therefore, procedures that aid regeneration are added to enhance the effect.
| Combined Treatment | Role |
|---|---|
| Ultrapulse Encore Laser | Stimulates dermal regeneration to refine scar texture |
| Rejuran Healer | Supports skin recovery with cell regeneration injection |
| Scar Filler | Fills deeply depressed areas from within to match height |
Ultrapulse Encore Laser is known for its regenerative power, which is more than 5 times that of Fraxel, and is used in various scar treatments. Adding Rejuran Healer, a cell regeneration injection, or Filler allows for a multi-stage approach to scars.
If you are curious about treatment directions, please use Acne Scar Treatment Chat Consultation.
Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon's Acne Scar Triple Repair
Combining subcision with regenerative lasers and regenerative injections is precisely the Acne Scar Triple Repair treatment method. This approach adjusts the proportion of each procedure according to the scar's shape and depth, and it has been reported to have a high scar improvement effect.
Five dermatologists with over 20 years of experience develop treatment plans considering the individual's scar pattern, constitution, and skin regeneration capabilities. Even with the same Triple Repair, the emphasis might be placed more on subcision for some, while for others, the proportion of laser and injections might be adjusted. Please note in advance that individual results may vary.
Post-Procedure Care Determines Recovery
Just as important as receiving good treatment is post-procedure care. Please follow these guidelines after depressed scar treatment:
- Stop alcohol and smoking. They can hinder skin regeneration.
- Refrain from makeup for about a week.
- Avoid saunas and strenuous exercise for about a week.
- Reduce sun exposure and focus on moisturizing.
For two weeks after the procedure, scabs, redness, bruising, and swelling may appear. These symptoms usually subside over time. However, if symptoms do not disappear after two weeks, we recommend visiting the clinic for a consultation without delay. Bruising that occurs after the procedure can also be part of the recovery process, but if severe, it is safer to consult with medical staff.
Smoother Skin Texture is Achievable
Clear and even skin texture is something everyone desires, and treatment might seem daunting. However, consistent combination treatment tailored to the scar's shape and depth can lead to significant improvement, so rather than worrying alone, please seek an accurate diagnosis first.
💬 Consult Now
Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, completed dermatology residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First published 2023-10-06 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This article is for general information purposes only, and treatment effects and recovery patterns may vary individually. Accurate diagnosis and treatment plans must be determined through consultation with medical staff.