Subcision acne scar treatment is a surgical method for treatment of depressed acne scarring. The significance of this procedure is that it can be combined with other treatments, such as derma rollers, scar excisions and laser, in order to get desired results. It is also known as subcutaneous incisionless surgery. It is a minor surgical process that dissolves scars and wrinkles using a hypodermic needle that is inserted in the skin surface through a puncture. The edges of the needle inside the skin make small cuts which break strands of the fibrin protein, dissolving the scar in subcutaneous tissue. In this treatment, the depression is then lifted by releasing the action of the needle. The subcisions begin to heal and new connective tissue is formed which also helps in lifting the depression of scars.
Subcision acne scars cost in Lahore Pakistan
It is a minimal invasive and relatively economic process. Average recovery rate is 1 week. It is a permanent procedure. Acne scars treatment cost in Lahore is in the range of 25000 to 40,000 Pak Rupees. Other processes used to treat scars give temporary results. The goal of this process is to reduce the depression caused by depressed acne scars. The ideal candidates for this process are those who have distensible, depressed boxcars with sloppy edges.
Expectation after the subcision acne scars treatment
What to expect while undergoing subcision acne scar treatment? Preparing before the treatment, the patient is asked to stop using exfoliating creams like Retin A, at least 2 days before procedure. Patients should avoid waxing and tanning at least 1 week before the procedure. If the patient has undergone any other medical dermal treatment such as chemical peels filler injections and laser resurfacing treatments, then this process should be delayed to avoid excessive skin damage. After treatment, the target area gets swollen. Sometimes, bruising may appear. Swelling disappears in 2-3 days and bruising needs 7-10 days in order to diminish completely. This surgical treatment usually gives immediate results which get improving over time depending upon the connective tissue formation and healing. It is feasible to treat one scarring area in one go to reduce the side effects. The time span between two consecutive processes should be at least 1 month. After the process, the patient is often advised to use ice packs and over the counter painkillers for pain management. In case of any inflammation and infection, patients are prescribed to use antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Patients with blood clotting disorders or history of keloid formation hypertrophy should not undergo this process.
Basic technique of subcision
Subcision acne scar treatment is often performed after local anesthesia. The needle is inserted near the scar such that the bevel of the needle is parallel to the surface of the skin. It is then moved in a fan-like back and forth motion to break the fibrous strands of scar under the dermal or subcutaneous layer. The breaking of strands produces a snapping sound. In order to prevent hematoma formation under the skin, the area is squeezed circumferentially after removing the needle, so that excess blood can be drained out. A small hematoma is favorable to support the release scar. An important consideration in the subcision acne scar treatment is that the needle should be held horizontal with respect to the triangular end. A needle holder can serve the purpose efficiently. One scar often needs puncture using more than one puncture site. In case of multiple treatments, repeated sittings are required and the most depressed site should be treated first. This process can cause damage to facial nerves and vessels if performed carelessly, so special care should be given in areas rich in supplies such as the mandibular area. Hematoma and Bluish discoloration are common after effects so the patients should be counselled properly about them before procedure.
Side effects & complications
Side effects of subcision acne scar treatment includes hematoma, tenderness and pain in treated sites. Formation of localized papules and pustules can occur. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation which usually disappears in a few days following procedure. Injury to nerves and blood vessels may result. Hypertrophic scarring is reported in some cases. The cons of this process involves multiple treatments and sub optimal results. Patient is advised not to rub his face and avoid going out in the sun, or if necessary, use sun protection after subcision acne scar treatment. Ice cold packs can be used in case of inflammation and burning. Contacting the targeted site with nails can increase the risk of infection. Applying gentle pressure at the operated site can reduce the risk of bleeding. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce pain and redness. In case of cysts, hypertrophy or hematomas, consult your dermatologist. Direct treatment can fix this issue. This can be treated with a number of approaches depending upon the severity. Careful examination under an angled lighting can help in exact mapping of scar. Deep scars can be treated with peels, atrophic scars can be treated using radiofrequency, fat grafts or dermal fillers. Punch elevation and excision can also be used.
Subcision acne scar treatment is best for treating depressed rolling and boxcar variety of scars. Ice picks scars do not usually give good treatment results. The procedure requires sharp needles; blunt needles cannot serve the purpose. A numbing cream is applied to reduce pain. However, bruising can develop after procedure. Like all other dermatological procedures, the results of this technique vary depending upon different conditions such as scar type and the skill of dermatologist. It is a manual procedure, used in combination, fractional lasers and subcision acne scar treatments; the scar removal is greatly affected. In comparison with microneedling technique, the skin damage is less and healing time is reduced in subcutaneous acne treatment. The mechanism of subcising deeper issues is also more effective. Microneedling created less deep channels, hence reducing the space required for growth of new collagen or connective tissue. Subcision is more cost effective treatment as compared to microneedling. Both the procedures are tried and tested. The results are different in different patients as the expectations and scar types can differ among different individuals. Microneedling is more beneficial in treating hypopigmentation, super facial scars and fine lines, subcision is more effective for treating deeper scars.