[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] All About Subcision for Depressed Scars: New Skin Fills In | Sinchon Yonsei Star Dermatology

Round, depressed scars on the face are a bothersome concern that makeup struggles to conceal, drawing attention every time you look in the mirror. Many wonder why deep indentations remain even after multiple laser treatments. The answer lies in the tissue pulling the scar down from below, and Subcision is a procedure that directly severs this tissue, helping new skin to fill in.

It's not uncommon for acne, chickenpox, or fingernail scratches to heal, leaving behind sunken skin. Typically, laser treatments that stimulate skin cells to induce regeneration are performed first for such marks. However, some scars don't fill in with laser alone, and in these cases, procedural treatments like Subcision, Suture-Free Punch, or Dot Peeling are applied in conjunction. Today, we'll detail Subcision, the most widely used treatment for depressed scars.

Subcision is a name combining "Sub" (meaning below the skin) and "Cision" (meaning to cut). Scars become depressed because the area is hardened or being pulled down by underlying tissue. By inserting a fine needle deep into the skin to sever the tangled tissue, the depressed skin can rise.

Particularly for round, rolling scars, highly satisfactory results are reported. Subcision is also well-suited for scars that are pulled down like a string from below. If you have depressed acne scars of this shape, we recommend considering Subcision in combination with laser treatment.

With Subcision, some individuals notice a change after just one session. However, scar treatment differs from surgery, so results tend to become more distinct with accumulated sessions.

Immediately after the procedure, a hematoma may appear under the skin, which is a natural process that generally subsides within about a week. As the hematoma is absorbed, new collagen is generated, so you may feel new skin filling in more than before after about a month. These established changes are reported to be relatively long-lasting.

Here are some helpful management tips during the recovery process:

• For the first week after the procedure, avoid strong massages or excessive exercise.
• Do not press or rub the hematoma or bruised area with your hands.
• Pay attention to UV protection to prevent pigmentation.
• If oozing or pain persists longer than usual, inform the medical staff.
• Follow the prescribed ointment and adhere to your scheduled follow-up visits.

If you're curious about Subcision but hesitant whether it's right for your scar, you can easily inquire through chat consultation about scar treatment directions by type.

Not all scars are the same. Some marks are well-suited for Subcision, while others are more appropriate for laser.

Icepick scars, which are narrow and deep like an awl, have a small area being pulled from below. In such cases, procedures that fill the scar or narrow its opening are more effective. Conversely, for widely depressed scars, such as those next to the nose, Subcision tends to be a good fit.

Deeply depressed scars on the nose can also be effectively approached. Distinguishing the shape first is the starting point for acne scar treatment.

It's difficult to definitively say that bruising always occurs after Subcision. Depending on the scar tissue, bruising may be intentionally induced during the procedure, or minimized. At our clinic, we approach each case flexibly based on the individual's scar condition.

Bruising after the procedure occurs beneath the skin, so its color is generally not as dark as typical bruises. Common bruises usually fade within about a week, and if intentionally made deeper during the procedure, they may disappear after 2-3 weeks. Recovery speed may vary among individuals.

Laser treatments like Fraxel are well-suited for scars with an uneven surface. In contrast, Subcision is effective for deeply depressed scars, like a puddle. You can understand it as the procedures targeting different depths and objectives.

Comparing the effect of a single session, Subcision often shows greater changes for deep indentations. However, any treatment begins with a personalized plan designed after consultation with a dermatologist, and it's common to combine laser and procedural methods rather than sticking to just one. If the indentation is deep and wide, combining various methods, such as Premium Customized Acne Scar Care, can also be considered.

Subcision is a procedure where a needle severs tissue beneath the skin, meaning the practitioner cannot directly see the area. Therefore, the sense of touch and accumulated experience greatly influence the results. In the examination room, for the same scar, the degree to which it fills in varies depending on the depth and type of tissue released.

Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon has accumulated extensive research and numerous procedural experiences with Subcision. After the procedure, we also operate a management system to aid recovery. For scars requiring more precise restoration, Surgical Scar Revision may also be considered.

If you want to know which combination is right for your scar, consult us right away below.

More detailed information on today's topic can be found on the Yonsei Star Dermatology YouTube channel. After watching the video, please leave your feedback in the comments and subscribe, and we will incorporate it into future content.

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 2023-10-13 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16 Since the appropriate treatment varies depending on the shape and depth of the scar, please ensure an accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan through consultation with medical staff.