Severe acne scarring can lead to uneven skin texture from the scar tissue and how it adheres to the dermis. As part of an acne scar removal the surgical procedure called a subcutaneous incision or a subcision can be done to flatten and smooth out the underlying tissues for deep rolling scars. Deep rolling scars are the result of severe cystic acne or other skin diseases. Depressed pitted or ice pick scars can be softened with this procedure.
A subscision is performed by a physician who physically separates the subcutaneous tissue away from the dermis breaking up the fibrous bands that hold the scar in place. This is done with a special needed moving back and forth to break up the bands. Once the dermis is released blood then pools under the affected areas causing clot formation. The blood clot helps the connective tissue under the previously scarred area causing it to level off with the rest of the skin. Once the skin surface becomes level, other skin treatments such as resurfacing, microdermabrasion or chemical peels can then be used to rejuvenate and smooth out the skin.
Post operatively bruising and swelling can take up to two weeks to resolve. Often 1-3 treatments may be required to achieve a flat surface. The levelness of the skin is not immediate and may take several weeks to become evident as the skin heals. Subscision can be very effective when combined with other acne scar removal treatments such as resurfacing. |
