The Secret to Scar-Free Skin: Acne Scar Subcision in NYC
A highly effective treatment for depressed acne scars performed by world-class subcision specialist, Dr. Julia Tzu of Wall Street Dermatology
- Last Updated: November 26, 2025
- By Julia Tzu, MD FAAD
Subcision For Acne Scars At Wall Street Dermatology
If you need help with scheduling or have any questions, call (212) 931-0538.
Dermatologist Dr. Julia Tzu's Approach to Acne Scar Subcision
“Most of the acne scar subcision patients that come to me have tried every option from chemical peels, to lasers, to radio frequency micro-needling, but found limited improvement in everything they have tried. Acne scar subcision is a profoundly different and highly effective way that has helped numerous of these patients finally see improvement in their skin. Instead of being the method tried last, this procedure should be the first option that patients with rolling acne scars need to try.”- Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD
BONUS: Watch Dr. Tzu's 2-minute Acne Scar Subcision explainer on Instagram
What is Acne Scar Subcision?
There are many different acne scar revision modalities, depending on the type of acne scar targeted. Subcision is a specific acne scar treatment that addresses the depressed type of acne scarring. It is most effectively used to treat rolling scars, but can also moderately improve the appearance of boxcar scars, and minimally (if at all) improve the appearance of ice pick scars.
Subcision for acne scars is a technique in which a sharp instrument is used to “subcise”, or break apart, the firm scar tissue that tethers the upper layer of the skin to its underlying layers.
This technique involves precise sweeping motions of a sharp instrument to free the upper skin from being bound down below. Filler material, known as hyaluronic acid, can also be injected at the same time to temporarily fill in the opened spaces, while waiting for the body to eventually create its own collagen (stimulated from subcision) to fill in the gaps.How Acne Scar Subcision Works – Step-by-Step
- Dr. Julia Tzu will clean and numb the treatment area to keep you comfortable.
- A tiny needle is inserted beneath the scar.
- The instrument gently breaks up the fibrous bands pulling the scar downward.
- This releases the indentation and allows the skin to lift.
- Controlled injury stimulates new collagen production for smoother texture over time.
- Mild pressure or massage may be applied to ensure the area is evenly released.
- Ice is applied to the skin after the procedure to decrease swelling and bruising.
Acne Scar Subcision Before and After
Acne scar subcision Cost NYC
The cost of an acne scar subcision in NYC depends on the anatomic location of treatment, extent of the scar subcision performed, surface area treated, and severity of scarring. On average, the cost of acne scar subcision range between $1,500 to $2,700 per session per area. Total cost per session will depend on how many areas are treated. Additional cost of hyaluronic acid filler may apply. Multiple sessions are usually required for optimum outcomes.
Laser Acne Scar Treatment vs. Subcision: Which Is Right For You?
Most people hear about lasers for acne scars, but lasers only treat the surface — the real improvement for indented scars comes from subcision.
- Lasers help with color and surface texture, but cannot lift an indented scar because lasers cannot penetrate deeply enough to reach the deep bands of scar tissue pulling the skin down.
- Those vertical fibrous bands have to be physically released, and subcision is the only treatment that can cut them so the skin can be lifted..
- Once the scar is freed, treatments like lasers or microneedling simply refine the top layer — but subcision is what makes the biggest difference underneath.
In short, lasers polish the surface, but subcision solves the real problem that keeps acne scars indented.
Why Choose Dr. Julia Tzu as Your Acne Scar Treatment Specialist?
- Johns Hopkins-trained MD & cosmetic dermatologist with 15+ years experience
- One of the most experienced acne scarring specialists in NYC with thousands of successful treatments
- One of very few Acne Scar Subcision specialists in NYC to treat indented, rolling acne scars
- Top-rated reviews on Google & Yelp
- Top-of-the-line cosmetic outcomes (see Before & After)
- Full range of acne scarring procedures performed (microneedling, laser, subcision)
- Bachelor of Science from Stanford, Medical Doctorate from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , dermatology residency at University of Miami, post-doctoral fellowships from NYU (dermatopathology) & University of Pennsylvania (skin surgery and cosmetic dermatology)
- Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine since 2012
- Castle Connolly “Top Doctor” since 2015
- Cosmetic Advisory Board at IT Cosmetics (L’Oreal)
- Easy online scheduling. Book anytime.
Taking the Next Steps for Subcision
If you are interested in exploring subcision for acne scars, you can learn more about booking a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Tzu. We’d love to explore how we may be able to restore the natural beauty of your skin, and treat your acne scars once and for all.
FAQ
A topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure. With appropriate numbing, the procedure is painless. There may be some mild discomfort and swelling in the several days after the procedure, but this can be easily controlled with over the counter pain medication, if needed.
Acne scars can be broadly categorized into acne erythema (red discoloration from early stage acne scarring), hypertrophic scars (firm, pink, “bumpy” scars), rolling scars (scars with a sweeping, depressed contour), boxcar scars (scars with an abrupt drop-off depression), and ice pick scars (scars with deep, punctate, or “icepick” depression). These clinical categories are important because they direct the acne scar treatment methods.
While individual results vary, an average of 4 treatment sessions are recommended for optimal results. Visible improvement can be seen as soon as after one treatment session.
Most of the swelling and bruising occur during the first week of the procedure, while some residual effects may run into the second week. Most people wish to avoid working the first two days after the procedure due to the postprocedural bruising that can occur. We recommend avoidance of any medically unnecessary blood-thinning medications or supplements (aspirin, advil, fish oil, etc) two weeks prior to the procedure to decrease the amount of post-procedural bruising. Exercise, saunas, and intense physical activity should be avoided in the two weeks after the procedure.
Acne scar subcision may not be the most appropriate procedure for every patient with acne scarring. There are also other procedures that can help minimize the appearance of acne scars such as laser treatments, and microneedling. Sometimes, a combination approach is utilized for the best outcome. During your consultation, Dr. Tzu will review your medical history, explore the individual characteristics of your acne scars, and develop a customized acne scarring treatment plan.
