Subcision – Acne Scar Removal Cardiff

About this treatment

Subcision is one of the most clinically effective treatments for acne scarring — and one of the most underused. If your acne scars show up as indented pits, divots or shadows that don't smooth out when you stretch the skin, subcision is very likely part of the answer. Available at Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics, Cardiff's subcision treats rolling scars and tethered boxcar scars — the two acne scar types caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down from beneath. How submission works: When acne scars heal, the collagen that forms is structurally different from normal skin — and fibrous bands of this scar tissue often extend down from the base of the scar, tethering it to deeper tissue and pulling it inward. This tethering is what creates the visible shadow and depression in rolling and boxcar scars. Subcision uses a fine needle or cannula inserted beneath the scar to release these fibrous bands, lifting the scar back toward the skin's surface. The controlled micro-trauma also triggers a collagen induction response, stimulating new, healthier collagen that progressively fills and smooths the scar over the following weeks and months. Which acne scars does submission treat? Subcision is specifically indicated for: - Rolling scars - Tethered boxcar scars It is not suitable for ice pick scars, raised or keloid scars, red or pigmented post-acne marks, or stretched scars — a quick way to check is the stretch test: scars that smooth out when you stretch the skin are tethered and respond well to subcision; scars that stay indented when stretched usually need a different approach. Results and treatment protocol: Visible improvement often appears within weeks of the first session. Final results build over one to three months as the skin remodels, with continued improvement for up to a year. Most patients need two sessions, though deeper or more widespread scarring may benefit from further sessions. Subcision is almost always combined with complementary treatments for the best results — including medical microneedling, chemical peels and PRP — since subcision addresses the tethering while these treatments improve surface texture, tone and overall skin quality. Downtime: Mild redness, sensitivity and occasional bruising for a few days. No significant downtime. Performed by NMC and GMC-registered medical professionals at Sebastian Rose, 39 Charles Street, Cardiff.