Subcision is a surgical procedure for the treatment of acne, traumatic and surgical scars. This method ‘releases’ scar tissue attached to deeper structures. This procedure is often combined with other scar revision procedures including lasers, peels, energy devices, dermal fillers & fat transfer.
Surgical subcision was first reported in 1995 by two dermatologists in New York. This first report was with a hypodermic needle inserted into the dermal – fat layer just below the scar. The needle was then manipulated in a horizontal sweeping action, in turn causing breakage of scar
tissue. Since the initial reports, there have been numerous surgical variations reported in the literature including
- Hypodermic needles of various gauges
- NOKOR cutting needles
- Blunt cannula
- Specialized instrumentation
- Radiofrequency assisted cannulation