Subcision
Interpretation and counseling services are free of charge.
*Some doctors may require an additional fee for selection.
Price List
Treatment Area
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Crater scars
Interpretation and counseling services are free of charge.
*Some doctors may require an additional fee for selection.
Recommended for
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Have deep crater scars
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Are concerned about uneven cheeks that cannot be hidden with makeup
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Experience dull skin due to large irregularities
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Wish to fundamentally improve acne scars
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Did not see improvements in craters with other treatments
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Have thickened and hardened skin due to acne inflammation
RESULTS
Coming Soon
FEATURES
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What is Subcision (Acne Scar Treatment)?
Subcision is a treatment in which hardened fibrotic tissue under the skin, formed due to acne scars, is gently released using a specialized subcision needle. This supports the depressed, crater-like areas from underneath. It is suitable for prominent acne scars and cratered skin, and is expected to smooth the skin surface.
When acne inflammation becomes chronic, fibrosis progresses in the deeper dermis, causing the tissue to thicken and harden, resulting in crater-like depressions. Subcision accurately releases these fibrotic adhesions, leading to skin texture improvement. At BIANCA CLINIC, the subcision procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so even patients concerned about pain can feel reassured. For those who wish, nitrous oxide anesthesia is also available as an option. -
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars can be classified into four types: post-inflammatory erythema, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, atrophic scars (craters), and hypertrophic scars (keloids).
■Post-inflammatory erythema
Features :
・Redness during the healing phase of inflammation
・Caused by increased local blood flow
Causes :
・Dilation of small blood vessels in the upper dermis
Natural Course :
・May naturally fade within 3–6 months
Main Treatments :
・Treated with V-beam laser, Lumecca, Potenza, Advatx
■Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Features :
・Light to dark brown pigmentation centered around pores
・More common among individuals with darker skin tones
Causes :
・Damage to skin cells at the site of inflammation
・More common among Asians and Africans
Natural Course :
・May naturally fade within a few months
Main Treatments :
・Treated with topical/oral medication, Pico toning, Mesona J, Peeling
■Atrophic scars (craters)
Features :
・Depressed skin
・Ice pick, rolling, boxcar types
Causes :
・Damage to the dermis or subcutaneous tissue that scars without proper healing
Natural Course :
・Rarely improves on its own
Main Treatments :
・Treated with Subcision, Dermapen 4, Potenza, TriFill Pro, Pico Focus, and TCA Cross
■Hypertrophic scars (keloids)
Features :
・Raised, red, and firm skin
・Common on the jawline, chest, and shoulders
Causes :
・Chronic inflammation in the reticular dermis
・Higher risk during pregnancy or with high blood pressure
・Prolonged inflammation may act as a trigger
Natural Course :
・Can worsen if left untreated
Main Treatments :
・Treated with subcision, Dermapen 4, Potenza, TriFill Pro, Pico Focus, TCA Cross, steroid injection, V-beam laser -
Types of Atrophic (Crater) Scars
Atrophic scars are commonly referred to as crater scars and are divided into three types:
■ Ice Pick Type
Small pinpoint scars less than 2–3 mm in size. They are narrow but very deep, often reaching from the dermis into the fat layer. Around 60–70% of atrophic acne scars are ice pick scars.
■ Rolling Type
Broad depressions over 3 mm in diameter with sloping edges. These are caused by fibrotic bands pulling the skin down from underneath. About 15–25% of atrophic acne scars are rolling scars.
■ Boxcar Type
Shallow-to-deep craters with sharp, vertical edges, usually 1.5–4 mm across. Shallower scars are less than 0.5 mm deep, while deeper ones extend more than 0.5 mm. Around 20–30% of atrophic acne scars are boxcar scars.
Subcision treatment is especially effective for rolling-type craters. Because mixed scar types are common and classification can be difficult, consultation with a physician is recommended.
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Downtime after Subcision
Temporary swelling or bruising may occur but usually subsides within a few days. This period is often referred to as subcision downtime.
Treatment Benefits
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Effective for acne scars that are hard to treat on your own
If left untreated, acne scars can worsen over time. Early medical treatment helps prevent progression.
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Even deep crater scars can be visibly improved
Subcision can help reduce the appearance of crater-type scars. When combined with other procedures, it leads to smoother skin.
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Brighter-looking skin by reducing uneven texture
Acne scar irregularities create shadows that make skin look dull. Crater treatments smooth the surface, giving a more radiant impression.
TREATMENT PROCESS
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Makeup Removal & Face Wash
To allow for easier observation of your bare skin, you will undergo cleansing and face washing. Cleansing and washing items are provided at our clinic.
To allow for easier observation of your bare skin, you will undergo cleansing and face washing. Cleansing and washing items are provided at our clinic.
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Counseling & Examination by Doctor
The doctor will provide counseling and examine your skin condition and concerns. Please feel free to discuss any symptoms or requests you may have. For acne scar treatment, the doctor carefully evaluates each scar and proposes the most suitable procedure. If treatment is performed on the same day as the consultation, photographs will be taken after payment. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask the doctor.
The doctor will provide counseling and examine your skin condition and concerns. Please feel free to discuss any symptoms or requests you may have. For acne scar treatment, the doctor carefully evaluates each scar and proposes the most suitable procedure. If treatment is performed on the same day as the consultation, photographs will be taken after payment. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask the doctor.
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Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered at the site where the subcision needle will be inserted. Nitrous oxide anesthesia is also available as an option. If you are worried about pain, please consult with the doctor.
Local anesthesia is administered at the site where the subcision needle will be inserted. Nitrous oxide anesthesia is also available as an option. If you are worried about pain, please consult with the doctor.
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Treatment
A small entry point is made with a needle at the treatment site, and a specialized subcision needle is inserted. The hardened tissue beneath the acne scar is carefully released. If hyaluronic acid injections are performed, hyaluronic acid is administered into the area after subcision to complete the procedure.
A small entry point is made with a needle at the treatment site, and a specialized subcision needle is inserted. The hardened tissue beneath the acne scar is carefully released. If hyaluronic acid injections are performed, hyaluronic acid is administered into the area after subcision to complete the procedure.
PRICE LIST
View the price list for Subcision
| 2 cm × 2 cm | ¥24,200（tax inc.） |
| Full face | ¥108,900（tax inc.） |
FAQ
- Q When can I expect to see the effects of subcision?
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A
Many patients notice clear improvements about one month after the procedure. When combined with hyaluronic acid injections, some patients see results immediately after subcision.
- Q How long is the subcision downtime?
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A
Symptoms such as swelling or bruising usually subside within a few days.
- Q Is subcision painful? How is the pain managed?
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A
Local anesthesia is used during the procedure to minimize discomfort. For those concerned, optional nitrous oxide anesthesia is also available.
- Q What treatments combine well with subcision?
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A
Once the depressions improve with subcision, procedures such as Vampire Facial or Potenza MacCoom can further smooth the skin. Please note that subcision should not be performed on the same day with needle-based treatments, heat-based treatments, or thread lifts.
- Q Besides subcision, what other crater scar treatments are recommended?
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A
Dermapen 4, Potenza, and TriFill Pro are suitable for various crater scar types. For small, deep ice pick scars, TCA CROSS is recommended. Juvelook Volume can also help improve depressions.
- Q What precautions or aftercare are needed right after subcision?
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A
Washing your face and bathing are possible on the same day. However, avoid rubbing the treated areas strongly.
- Q What is the expected course after subcision?
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A
Temporary swelling or bruising may appear, but these subside gradually. Within about one week, downtime typically settles, and many patients begin to notice improvements.
- Q When can I wear makeup after subcision?
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A
Makeup can be applied from the day after treatment.
- Q Are there any side effects or risks of subcision?
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A
Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, or mild pain may occur. These usually subside within a few days to a week. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns.
- Q What is the difference between subcision and fractional laser?
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A
Subcision physically releases scar tissue deep under the skin, while fractional laser stimulates skin rejuvenation by delivering thermal energy to the surface. Deep crater scars respond better to subcision, while shallow scars are often suited for laser treatment.