Skin surface & scars / LANGEVIAX
Indented scars, flat marks and raised scars are different problems. Subcision releases tethering beneath selected depressed scars; examination of the scar pattern determines whether it fits.
Sources checked: 17 October 2026 · Independent clinical review of all pages is not complete.
Start with a scar map
Rolling scars have a wave-like contour and may be tethered; ice-pick scars are narrow and deep; boxcar scars have more defined edges. Flat red or brown marks are not necessarily depressed scars. Several patterns can coexist and need different treatments. Assess and control active acne to limit new scarring.
Section sources: AAD · Acne scars: consultation and treatment
Release versus targeted surgical revision
Subcision may reduce selected depressions by releasing fibrous attachments and initiating repair. Instruments and intervention extent vary. Targeted surgical revision removes or rearranges selected scars and may create a sutured incision. Neither is equivalent to surface exfoliation, and their recovery and risks differ.
Section sources: Clinical review · Complications of subcision for acne scarring (2025) · ASPS · Scar revision risks · AAD · Acne scars: consultation and treatment
What the evidence can support
Appearance can improve, but complete removal or one fixed improvement percentage is not a credible promise. A 34-person study found differences between instruments; it does not establish the best tool for everyone. Early swelling can temporarily disguise depressions. Judge improvement after swelling settles and remodeling progresses using comparable photographs.
Section sources: Split-face clinical trial · Blunt cannula versus needle subcision (2018; n=34) · ASPS · Scar revision recovery
Assessment before treatment
Disclose unusual bleeding or bruising, raised scars, infection, cold sores, post-inflammatory pigmentation, allergies and medicines. Previous fillers, threads, surgery and treatments in the area also matter. Coordinate medicine changes with the prescriber. Ask why each scar needs release, resurfacing or surgical revision and how follow-up will work. Before treatment, establish who manages pain, bleeding or complications and how to reach the team outside normal working hours.
Section sources: Clinical review · Complications of subcision for acne scarring (2025) · ASPS · Scar revision risks
Bruising, swelling and assessment timing
Tenderness, swelling, bruising, haematoma or lumps can occur. Surgical revision may involve 1–2 weeks of initial visible healing and months of scar refinement; do not transfer that timeline to every subcision procedure. Obtain individualized instructions for work, exercise, makeup and review.
Section sources: Clinical review · Complications of subcision for acne scarring (2025) · ASPS · Scar revision recovery
Products depend on wound status
Entry sites or sutured incisions require the prescribed wound and dressing plan. Plain petrolatum may be recommended for some clean wounds, but the surgical team's plan governs; do not add topical antibiotics yourself. On closed, settled skin, gentle cleansing, bland moisturizer and sun protection are appropriate categories. Avoid unapproved massage, home suction or acids on newly treated areas.
Section sources: AAD · When topical antibiotics are and are not needed · ASPS · Scar revision recovery · Randomized split-face trial · Subcision with versus without suction (2024)
Warnings and other approaches
Rapid or asymmetric swelling, persistent bleeding, severe or increasing pain, fever, pus, or new weakness or numbness need prompt medical contact. Flat marks may need pigment treatment; other scars may suit laser, microneedling or targeted alternatives. One trial found no clear sustained advantage from adding suction to subcision; ask why each component of a package is included.
Section sources: ASPS · Scar revision risks · Randomized split-face trial · Subcision with versus without suction (2024) · AAD · Acne scars: consultation and treatment
My consultation question sheet
Choose the questions to take with you. These selections are not sent to a clinic or saved to an account.
Printed sheet: the final procedure and product choice require consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does subcision treat every acne scar?
No. It principally addresses selected tethered depressions. Flat marks or narrow deep scars may need other approaches.
Section sources: AAD · Acne scars: consultation and treatment · Clinical review · Complications of subcision for acne scarring (2025)
Why does skin look smoother immediately?
Swelling may contribute. The immediate appearance is not the final result; agree on a post-healing assessment date.
Section sources: Clinical review · Complications of subcision for acne scarring (2025) · ASPS · Scar revision recovery
Can a repair cream fill a tethered depression?
A moisturizer supports surface care but does not release deep tethering. Treatment choice must follow scar type.
Section sources: AAD · Acne scars: consultation and treatment
Related guides to explore
Sources and context
Canadian sources take priority for regulatory context. FDA or other foreign information does not establish Canadian authorization for a product or use. A source-check date is distinct from publication date or independent clinical approval.
- AAD · Acne scars: consultation and treatmentsociety · 2026-10-17
- Clinical review · Complications of subcision for acne scarring (2025)review · 2026-10-17
- ASPS · Scar revision riskssociety · 2026-10-17
- Split-face clinical trial · Blunt cannula versus needle subcision (2018; n=34)trial · 2026-10-17
- ASPS · Scar revision recoverysociety · 2026-10-17
- AAD · When topical antibiotics are and are not neededsociety · 2026-10-17
- Randomized split-face trial · Subcision with versus without suction (2024)trial · 2026-10-17
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