SUBCISION

It is recommended to lift tethered acne scars so that the skin is level.

This is very individual and depends on the patient, how many scars they have and how they respond. Generally, 2-3 visits at 4–6-week intervals are recommended for the majority of scars.

Each patient is different and will have different scars of different sizes and in varying locations so this can only be determined after a consultation.

No but local anaesthetic is usually injected to make it more comfortable.

It is usually well tolerated although sometimes local anaesthetic can be injected to help with the discomfort. The area to be treated is cleaned. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated. The special needle or cannula is inserted adjacent to the scar and the needle is advanced through the skin back and forth in a fan- like motion.

The needle is removed and squeezed around the exit point to prevent a large haematoma developing, but a little amount of bleed is beneficial.

Manual pressure is applied to the wound for several minutes.

Sometimes polynucleotides or dermal filler is injected during this procedure.

Yes, bruising is very common after subcision and this can take a 1-2 weeks to resolve completely. However, it can usually be hidden with make-up.

Yes.

Initial swelling and bruising is to be expected. This can take a week or two to settle depending on the size of the area treated. Rarely persistent swelling or lymphoedema- if the draining lymphatic vessels are damaged. Large haematoma (a small haematoma is normal). This is a small amount of bleeding around the treatment site and occurs because of the cutting of the fibrous tissue. If more bleeding occurs than expected and collects under the skin, this may require further treatment. Pain and tenderness of the treated sites. Numbness of the treated area. This occasionally can last for a few months. Permanent numbness can occur if an underlying nerve gets damaged- this is rare. Damage to a nerve serving a muscle would cause muscle weakness- this is rare. Hypertrophic or keloid scars can occur after any surgical procedure. Infection. Inflammatory nodules under the skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sub-optimal response.