Acne Scar Subcision NYC
A highly effective treatment for depressed acne scars
- Last Updated: May 22, 2023
- By Julia Tzu, MD FAAD
Subcision For Acne Scars At Wall Street Dermatology
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 only important because they direct the treatment methods.
At Wall Street Dermatology, our dermatologist in NYC offers acne scar subcision.
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
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 to fill in the gaps. The injected hyaluronic acid aids in stimulating the body to produce more collagen.
Acne Scar Subcision Before and After
The left image shows rolling and boxcar acne scars prior to subcision. The right image shows significant improvement after one acne scar subcision treatment.
Acne scar subcision Cost NYC
The cost of an acne scar subcision in NYC depends on the extent of the scar subcision performed, surface area treated, and severity of scarring. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per session. However, multiple sessions are usually required for optimum outcomes.
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 3 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.
