contact us today (949) 448-0487 Acne scars are stubborn and frustrating. They affect the mental and emotional health of many men and women who struggle to find a reasonable solution to getting rid of them. Unfortunately, over-the-counter methods come with a lot of trial and error, and most are ineffective.
Subcision acne scar treatment in Orange County can permanently break up scar tissue. This minor surgical procedure, also called subcutaneous incisional surgery, can be used for more than acne scar removal.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure breaks up the fibrous bands that pull scar tissue down so the skin can rise and smooth out. Dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Lenore Sikorski will evaluate your scar tissue during a consultation to determine if it is suitable for subcision treatment.
Subcision acne treatment simultaneously releases fibrous strands and triggers the wound-healing process that can stimulate new collagen. Subcision acne scar treatment should always be done by a trained dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon in a sterile environment. When it is not done properly, it can create new scars, damage the underlying tissue, and increase the risk of infection.
Your scar tissue is graded for severity and quality, allowing an objective comparison for pre- and post-treatment and determining whether your scars can be treated using subcision.
Macular scars are red, brown, or pale flat marks. They do not rise above the surface or are depressed like other scars. Atrophic or hypertrophic scar tissue is not typically obvious at a social distance and can usually be covered by makeup.
Mild atrophic or hypertrophic scar tissue is visible and not easily covered, but it can still be flattened by manually pulling the skin. Severe atrophic or hypertrophic scarring cannot be flattened by manually stretching the skin.
The decision to use subcision acne scar treatment in Orange County depends on the scar tissue’s location, type, and severity. It is typically chosen for depressed scars resulting from acne or surgery. Wrinkles and cellulite dimples may also respond well to subcision treatment.
Depressed scar tissue is often caused by fibrous bands that pull the surface of the skin down and create a pitted appearance. Subcision uses a fine tri-beveled hypodermic needle to break the fibrous bands. The needle is inserted under the skin and directed under the scar.
Dr. Sikorski moves the needle in a fanning motion beneath the scar, cutting through the fibrous bands that tether the scar to the deeper tissue. When these bands are severed, the skin is allowed to lift and smooth out. Breaking these bands also starts localized wound healing and stimulates the production of new collagen. This elevates the depressed area and improves skin texture over time.
Immediately after their treatment, most people experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness, but this typically subsides within a few days to one week. Collagen production is evident in the following weeks and months. Depending on the severity of the scar tissue, you may require multiple sessions to achieve your desired results.
There are several circumstances in which a person should not have a subcision acne scar treatment. People with a history of hypertrophic or keloid scars may find the scar tissue gets larger instead of smaller.
If you are currently taking systemic oral retinoid treatment or have taken it within the last 12 months, you may not be a good candidate. Medications that affect wound healing or increase the risk of bleeding, such as corticosteroids, must be adjusted or discontinued before treatment.
People with a blood clotting disorder or active bacterial or viral infection are also not good candidates for the procedure. Other contraindications include a severe skin infection, active acne outbreaks, or severe cystic acne scars, which typically do not respond to this treatment.
Most people in Orange County who receive subcision acne scar treatment find the results are long-lasting. The improvements are typically permanent once the fiber bands are broken and new collagen is formed. However, the extent of the improvement varies based on your skin type, overall health, and the severity of the scar tissue.
Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results. Subcision acne scar treatment can be combined with other treatments like microneedling, dermal fillers, or laser therapy to enhance the overall results. Maintaining overall skin health must be accomplished through proper skin care, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle, including adequate rest and good nutrition. This helps sustain the improvements and prevents new scar tissue from forming.
Acne scars may lead to anxiety, social isolation, and depression. Fortunately, subcision acne scar treatment in Orange County can reduce the appearance of these scars. We encourage you to call our office and schedule your consultation with Dr. Sikorski to learn more.
Dr. Sikorski offers cosmetic & dermatology procedures to patients in all Orange County communities. We provide facelifts, neck lifts, blepharoplasty, CoolSculpting, and other surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Schedule your cosmetic dermatology consultation today!
(949) 448-0487