main menu

specials
revelus dermatology

4401 West Gate Blvd, Ste 120
Austin, TX, 78745
Phone: (512) 815-2559

search revelus

Chat
Call
Book

subcision for acne scars in austin

Subcision is an in-office acne scar treatment at Revelus Dermatology in Austin that improves rolling, depressed, and tethered scars by releasing the bands that pull them down from underneath. Once those bands are released, the skin lifts and smooths as new collagen forms. Subcision is performed together with ResurFX laser resurfacing, treating acne scarring from below the surface and at the surface in one plan. Scars respond better to both than to either alone, which is why we treat them as a single protocol rather than separate options.*

Schedule a Consultation
Woman with medium skin tone and natural skin texture for a subcision acne scar treatment page.
Recovery Time: About 1 week for surface healing

Deeper bruising and firmness can take 4 to 6 weeks to fully resolve*

Duration of Results: Long lasting

Scar tethering is released for good; smoothing builds over months*

Treatment Sessions: Usually 3 to 4

Spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart*

Commonly Treats:

Rolling Scars, Boxcar Scars, Depressed Scars, Tethered Scars, Select Traumatic Scars

Starting Cost: $900 per session. Includes subcision and ResurFX; priced by how much scarring is treated*

the revelus difference

  • refined

  • tailored

  • modern

  • genuine

Every procedure is performed with precision and care, focusing on results that look natural, not overdone.

No two patients are the same. Our board-certified dermatology team, woman-owned and serving Austin since 2014, takes time to understand your goals and build a treatment plan that fits you specifically.

We invest in proven technology and stay current with developments in cosmetic dermatology, so patients have access to effective, evidence-based options.

We tell you what works, what to expect, and what we honestly recommend, an approach that has earned a 4.8 star rating across more than 2,300 reviews. No pressure, no overselling, just straightforward guidance from providers who care.

subcision candidates

subcision candidates

Subcision tends to work best for scars that look like soft dents or gentle waves in the skin, the kind that catch shadows under overhead light or seem to come and go depending on how you smile. These are usually called rolling or depressed scars, and they are the ones most likely to be tethered down from underneath. Boxcar scars, which have a more defined edge, can also improve, especially the shallower ones. The only way to know your scar type for certain is an in-person look, so a consultation at our Austin office is the starting point.

subcision is usually a good fit if you:

  • have icepick scars, which are too narrow and deep for subcision to reach
  • have active acne breakouts in the area, which should be treated first
  • have raised or keloid scars, which need a different approach entirely
  • are prone to keloid formation or have a bleeding disorder, which your dermatologist will review with you

Your dermatologist will tell you honestly if subcision is not the right treatment for your scar type, and will walk you through what would work better.

Schedule a Consultation
Illustration showing treatment areas for subcision, highlighting the face and jawline.
Dermatology provider gently examining a patient’s cheek during an acne scar consultation.

benefits of subcision

At Revelus, we often combine subcision with ResurFX laser resurfacing in the same plan. The dermatologist releases the scar from underneath, then ResurFX resurfaces the skin on top and encourages even more collagen to form. Treating the scar from below and at the surface together tends to give a smoother, more even result than either treatment can on its own, which is why it has become one of our preferred approaches for deeper acne scarring.

what patients can expect from subcision:

  • reaches scars that have not fully responded to lasers, peels, or microneedling
  • lifts tethered, depressed areas for a smoother, more even surface
  • prompts your own collagen to rebuild, so improvement continues to develop over time
  • pairs well with ResurFX and other treatments for stronger, longer lasting results
  • performed by a board-certified dermatologist, with comfort managed throughout
Schedule a Consultation

subcision vs microneedling

Subcision and microneedling are both used to soften acne scars, but they work in different places. Microneedling builds new collagen at the surface of the skin, while subcision works underneath it to release scars that are anchored from below. That difference is why the two are often used together rather than as an either-or choice.

Subcision
Best forRolling, depressed, and tethered acne scars
How it worksReleases the scar from below the surface so the skin can lift
DowntimeAbout 1 to 2 weeks of bruising and swelling
Typical sessionsUsually 3 to 4
Often combined withA resurfacing treatment like ResurFX
Microneedling
Best forShallower scars, texture, and tone
How it worksCreates tiny channels at the surface that prompt new collagen
DowntimeA few days of redness
Typical sessionsAbout 3 to 6
Often combined withSubcision for deeper, tethered scars

Neither treatment is better than the other. The right choice depends on your scar type and goals, and for deeper scarring the two are often combined. During your consultation, your dermatologist will recommend the approach best suited to your skin, including whether a combination plan makes sense and what it would cost.

Dr. Patel consulting with a patient about acne scars in a modern dermatology exam room.

subcision cost considerations

Subcision is priced by how much scarring is being treated, and because it is typically performed with ResurFX resurfacing, your per-session cost reflects both. Most patients invest $900 to $1,800 per session, with the range depending on treatment level. Your dermatologist sets that level in person during your consultation, because scar depth and tethering are difficult to judge from a photo.

Subcision is used for rolling, depressed, boxcar, and tethered acne scars, along with select scars left by an old injury, and scar type affects how much treatment an area needs. Because subcision works gradually, most patients have 3 to 4 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, and each session includes ResurFX resurfacing. Package pricing is available for a series. Your dermatologist will lay out the full plan and cost before you begin. Subcision for acne scarring is considered cosmetic and is not typically covered by insurance, though financing is available.

Schedule a Consultation

financing

Exceptional care should be within reach for everyone. That’s why weR...More
Exceptional care should be within reach for everyone. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted financing p...More

rewards + rebates

Enhancing your natural beauty should be rewarding. Explore our range of excl...More
Enhancing your natural beauty should be rewarding. Explore our range of exclusive rewards and rebate programs d...More

common subcision questions

FAQ
how much does subcision cost?

Subcision at Revelus is typically performed with ResurFX laser resurfacing, so pricing covers both. Most patients invest $900 to $1,800 per session depending on how much scarring is being treated, and package pricing is available for a series. Your treatment level is set during your consultation once your dermatologist has seen your skin in person. Most patients complete 3 to 4 sessions, and your provider will give you the full plan and cost before you begin. Financing is available.

why is subcision typically done with resurfx?

Acne scarring sits at two levels. Subcision releases the tethering bands pulling scars down from underneath, and ResurFX resurfaces the skin at the surface. Treating only one leaves part of the problem in place, so we perform them together as a single protocol. It also means fewer separate appointments than treating them in sequence.

is subcision covered by insurance?

Subcision for acne scarring is considered cosmetic, so it is not typically covered by insurance. Financing options are available, and our team can walk you through them at your visit.

can a dermatologist do subcision?

Yes, and it is worth having one do it. Subcision is a minor surgical procedure performed under the skin, so accurate scar assessment and technique matter. At Revelus, subcision is performed by a board-certified dermatologist.

is subcision painful?

The area is numbed with local anesthetic first, so most patients feel pressure or a tugging sensation rather than pain. Some tenderness afterward is normal and usually settles within a few days.

is subcision safe?

Subcision is a well established in-office treatment performed by a dermatologist. The most common effects are temporary and include bruising, swelling, soreness, and a firm or full feeling under the skin that settles over several days to a few weeks. Your provider will review what to expect and how to care for your skin before you leave.

how much downtime should i expect after subcision?

Most people have bruising and swelling that are most noticeable in the first couple of days and ease over about 1 to 2 weeks. You can usually return to everyday activities right away, though it is best to avoid heavy exercise, heat, and sweating for a few days. Makeup can go back on once the skin is no longer tender.

how many subcision sessions will i need?

Most patients have 3 to 4 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. The exact number depends on how many scars are being treated and how deeply they are tethered, which your dermatologist will assess at your consultation.

how long does subcision last?

The bands tethering a scar down are released permanently, so that part of the result does not reverse. The smoothing continues to build for several months as new collagen forms, and most patients see the fullest result 3 to 6 months after their final session.

what types of acne scars does subcision treat?

Subcision works best on rolling, depressed, and tethered acne scars, and it can help shallower boxcar scars and some scars left by injury. It is not the right choice for narrow ice pick scars, which usually need a different approach. A consultation is the best way to confirm your scar type.

how should i prepare for subcision and care for my skin afterward?

To prepare, avoid blood thinning medicines and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E for about a week unless your provider advises otherwise, stop retinoids and exfoliants 3 to 5 days before, and avoid tanning for 2 weeks. Arrive with clean skin. Afterward, use cold compresses for swelling, keep your head elevated the first night if your face was treated, protect the area from the sun, and hold off on strenuous exercise for a few days. Your provider will give you full instructions.

is subcision better than microneedling?

Neither is better, because they work in different layers of the skin. Microneedling builds collagen at the surface, while subcision releases scars that are anchored from below. For rolling and tethered scars, the two are often combined rather than chosen between.

how risky is subcision?

Subcision has a well established safety record when performed by a board-certified dermatologist. The most common effects are bruising and swelling for 1 to 2 weeks. Less common effects include temporary firmness or a small nodule at the treatment site, which your dermatologist will discuss with you beforehand.

how long is recovery after subcision with resurfx?

Most surface redness, swelling, and rough texture improve within 5 to 7 days, and makeup can usually be resumed once the entry points have closed. Deeper bruising is expected, and a hematoma, meaning a collection of blood beneath the skin, is common after subcision and can take 4 to 6 weeks to fully resolve. Scar improvement continues gradually over several months.

what do i need to do before subcision?

Your provider will ask you to begin oral arnica about a week before treatment to help minimize bruising, and to stop anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen along with fish oil and vitamin E during that week. Strong skincare products including retinoids and exfoliating acids stop a week before, waxing and threading stop two weeks before, and tanning or self-tanner should be avoided for a month. You will receive full written instructions when you schedule.

View More

the revelus commitment

Revelus Dermatology logo representing the practice’s brand identity
safety

We uphold the highest standards in cosmetic care, ensuring each treatment is performed with meticulous attention to safety and precision.

focus

Our commitment is to you. We carefully listen to your aesthetic goals, delivering personalized treatments that enhance your natural beauty while respecting your unique vision.

experience

With years of expertise in cosmetic dermatology, our team provides tailored, results-driven treatments designed to achieve the refined, natural-looking outcomes you desire.