Scar subcision: a minimally invasive treatment to improved scar appearance

The development of scars results in the production of new collagen, which does not have the same flexibility and order as the collagen of normal intact skin. This can leave behind telltale signs of trauma or injury on the skin. There are many types of scars and the treatment must be tailored to the specific type of scar being addressed. During your consultation with Dr. Amina Bougrine at Aura Dermatologie in Montreal, Quebec, we will recommend a treatment plan curated for your unique needs.

What is scar subcision?

Scar subcision is a minor procedure which can be performed in the office. The subcision process involves releasing scars that have adhered to deeper tissues and have become bound down. This treatment is most effective for atrophic scars, which have a sunken or depressed appearance and are often caused by acne, injury, or surgery. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

How does scar subcision work?

To achieve the desired results, a needle is inserted under the skin to loosen and break up scar tissue. This allows the atrophic or depressed scar to rise up and stimulates the production of new collagen with improved appearance of the scar. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and can take a few minutes but may last up to one hour, depending on the size, location and extent of the scarring.

What are the advantages of undergoing scar subcision?

Scar subcision provides various benefits for those looking to improve the appearance of their scars. These include:

  • Reduced visibility: By breaking up scar tissue and encouraging new collagen growth, subcision helps to reduce the visibility of scars and make them far less noticeable.
  • Improved texture: Subcision can also help improve the texture of scars, making them smoother and less raised.
  • Long-lasting results: While multiple treatments may be needed for optimal results, scar subcision can provide long-term improvements to scar appearance.
  • Minimal downtime: Compared to more invasive procedures, such as surgery or laser treatments, scar subcision typically requires minimal downtime and allows patients to resume their daily activities relatively quickly.

Are there any risks or side effects with scar subcision?

As with any medical procedure performed on the human body, there are some potential risks and side effects associated with scar subcision. These can include bruising, swelling, mild discomfort, and rare infection and poor healing. However, these potential risks can be minimized by consulting a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Amina Bougrine at Aura Dermatologie who can counsel you on the risks and benefits of available scar treatments and help determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Which other scar treatments are available at Aura Dermatologie?

There are many types of scars and treatments must be tailored to the type of scar being treated. Some patients may present with multiple types of scars and require a combination of treatments to improve the appearance of their skin. This is often the case of patients with acne scars. 

During your consultation at Aura Dermatologie, our dermatologist will assess your concerns and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your skin.

We offer the following treatments for scars:

  • TCA CROSS treatment
  • Scar subcision
  • Microneedling
  • Intralesional corticosteroid injection
  • Intense pulsed light (IPL)
  • Vascular laser
  • Corticosteroid injections

Learn more about subcision surgery for scars to address surgical, traumatic, or acne scars on your skin

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your scars, scar subcision may be an effective option. This minimally invasive procedure has been shown to provide various benefits, including reduced visibility and improved texture of scars. Consulting with our board-certified dermatologist is the first step in learning more.! Call our private dermatology office at (514) 252-3102 to request an appointment.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your doctor.

Dr. Amina Bougrine

Dr. Amina Bougrine

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Dr. Amina Bougrine is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada and the United States. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree and her Medical Degree (MDCM, 2009) at McGill University, she completed her residency at Universite de Montreal (2014) and her fellowship in cutaneous oncology at Harvard University (2020).

As a trusted skin specialist, Dr. Amina strives to deliver exceptional medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services to help patients in Montreal and nearby communities live their best skin.

She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.