RF Subcision Acne Scar Treatment

Effective Acne Scar Treatment Option

Acne is often a common skin disorder caused by hormones, excess oil production, bacteria, or hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells. Acne scars are most often the product of an inflamed lesion, such as a papule, pustule, or cyst. Inflamed blemishes occur when the follicle or pore becomes engorged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The pore swells, causing a break in the follicle wall. If the rupture occurs near the skin’s surface, the lesion is usually minor and heals quickly. When more serious lesions arise, deep inflammation happens, causing a deep break in the follicle wall, with infected material spilling out into the dermis and destroying healthy skin tissue causing the dermis to be damaged and form scars on the skin.

To repair the damage done to the dermis, the skin forms new collagen fibres. Collagen is the fibrous protein that gives the skin its strength and flexibility. Unfortunately, the finished “repair job” never looks as smooth and flawless as before the injury.

Inflammation is the primary gauge of scar development. The more severe the inflammation on the skin, the more likely scarring occurs. Deep breakouts that take a long time to heal also increase the chance of scarring. Blackheads, whiteheads, and other non-inflamed blemishes typically don’t cause scarring because these types of lesions don’t injure skin tissue.

How does RF subcision acne scar treatment treat acne scar?

Acne scars are often challenging to treat. While fractional laser can be used to treat acne scars, subcision acne scar treatment is a clinically proven treatment that is specifically beneficial for people with depressed scars such as rolling and boxcar scars. A blunt special RF cannula will be inserted under the skin in this treatment. 

The radiofrequency waves will be emitted to break and break the underlying fibrous tissue, thereby releasing and lifting the depressed scar, restoring the smooth contour of your skin. Multiple healing processes bring about acne scar improvement. The mechanical action of the needle and release of the scar tissue creates a pocket of blood beneath the skin. Blood vessels disrupted during the subcision allow blood to accumulate into the treated area. This blood clot prevents short-term reattachment of your scars and contains growth factors for healing. This creates an environment for collagen regeneration and improving your scar appearance over time.

The radiofrequency waves will also stimulate new collagen formations, improving;

1. Scars
2. Skin complexion
3. Lift & Tighten Skin
4. Facial contouring
5. Reducing wrinkles

The treatment for this RF subcision acne scar is almost painless and comfortable. There will be minimal bruising and bleeding as it uses a blunt cannula. However, there will be no downtime. You can resume your daily activities immediately. Only a few skin insertion points are required as each entry point covers a large area. Apart from the volume treatment, the subcision can also be filled with injectables to help boost skin regeneration and anti-ageing.

RF Subcision for Acne Scars

Acne scars are a common problem that affects many people both young and old. It can cause distress and affect the self-esteem and self confidence in many people. To recommend the most suitable treatment for you, we must first identify the types of scars you may have, in order to conclude the effective acne scar treatment for your skin.

Acne scars fall into two main categories: those caused by a loss of tissue (atrophic scars), and those caused by an excess of tissue (hypertrophic scars). Within these categories, there are four main types of acne scars: ice pick, boxcar, rolling, and keloid scars. Often, what is taken to be an acne scar is not a true scar at all, but rather post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This temporary discoloration of the skin will eventually fade on its own. Certain treatment, such as Yellow Light and Retin-A, may speed the fading time.

Doctor’s Advice & Recommendation

#1 Why is subcision one of the recommended Acne Scar Treatment?

There are no risk of Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and patient able to see visible results instantly and this treatment is versatile as it is able to treat almost all scar type.

#2 How do I know that subcision for acne scars is the procedure for me?

The most important step to treat acne scars is to identify your scar type.

Rolling scars as well as bound-down and tethered scars need subcision treatment. If you see a depression/ dent when you smile or talk, this means that your scars are attached to the underlying structures such as the muscle layer and SMAS. Lasers cannot penetrate to the depth of muscle layers – not even with deep microneedling devices. Hence, you will need more than lasers to remove these stubborn scars.You will need subcision to release those tethered scars.

#3 What Type Of Scars Are Suitable For Subcision?

Subcision is an alternative treatment option for the following types of scars:

• Rolling acne scars
• Chickenpox scars
• Stretchable scars from injury or surgery

#4 Can subcision for Acne Scars be combined with other acne scar treatments?

Mixed acne scarring is the most common form of acne scars. Therefore, combination treatments are necessary for acne scar revision.

Most patients who have acne scars will have a variety of scar types including rolling, atrophic, ice pick scars, together with boxcar scarring. I usually combine subcision together with energy-based devices like RF microneedling or Erbium Yag lasers and ablative RF technology to treat.

In summary, subcision for acne scars is a very useful modality for the treatment of acne scar types. I have always prefer to use a combination of laser treatments with subcision for optimal acne scar results.