Subcision is a minimally invasive treatment, so carries fewer risks than other surgical treatments. As there is a break in the skin, there are risks of infection, bleeding, swelling and mild discomfort following the procedure. These risks are reduced with the use of properly sterile equipment, an experienced practitioner and good aftercare. Sometimes subcision may result in some irregularities, which tend to be temporary. There may also be a very small risk of nerve or blood vessel damage depending on where the target area is. All of these risks should be discussed with you in full prior to undergoing any procedure.
Scars & Burns by Mr Ioannis Goutos
Subcision
At a glance
Treatment time:
15-60 minutes, depending on the site and type of scar/line being treated.
Duration:
May require repeated treatments to achieve the desired effects. Following this, subcision generally gives long lasting results.
Return to work:
Usually no delay.
Anaesthetic:
Local anaesthetic
Subcision is a small surgical procedure that can be performed to improve the appearance of depressed or pitted scarring and lines.
It involves inserting a specially designed needle under the skin to help break up any fibrous tissue that is tethering the top layer of skin to deeper tissues, which causes the scarring or lines to be depressed. This also helps to promote production of connective tissues, such as collagen, within the skin.
As a result, the treated skin becomes more even and scarring to appear less prominent. Subcision is a minor surgical procedure that can easily be performed within an outpatient appointment under a local anaesthetic.
Mr Ioannis Goutos is an expert plastic surgeon with a special interest in both the academic and clinical field of scars and burns. He is in a position to offer consultations and meticulous assessments for a number of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Mr Goutos takes special pride in considering all relevant factors for each individual, such as their concerns, medical history, treatment goals and personal preferences, to create bespoke treatment plans.
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Book nowAbout this treatment
Subcision is classed as a surgical procedure, however it is short and can be done during an outpatient appointment with only local anaesthetic in most cases. This means that there is minimal downtime following subcision, and you can return to work on the same day. Subcision can give good results in improving the appearance of:
- Atrophic scarring, from wounds, acne or surgery
- Tethered scarring from acne or previous chicken pox
- Skin graft scars from previous reconstruction of wounds
- Cellulite dimples
It is crucial that the scarring has sufficiently matured and that there is no active infection or inflammation present in the skin prior to undergoing subcision.
Following assessment, typically, an experienced clinician will clean the target area of skin with an antiseptic solution. The area is then infiltrated with a local anaesthetic, which works to make the area numb within a few minutes. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel any sharp pains. A specialised, tri-bevelled needle is then inserted under the skin and moved backwards and forwards in a fan-like pattern underneath the area of scarring or dimpling; this serves to release the fibrous bands of tissue within the skin. The needle is then removed and the entry area is either dressed or in certain cases closed with an absorbable stitch. Further incisions can be made to treat larger areas. In many situations, it is recommended that the subcised area is injected with fat removed from another part of the body (lipofilling or fat transfer).
Following subcision, you may have some mild discomfort, redness and swelling which should reduce within a few days. Pain medication can be helpful to improve the discomfort; nevertheless most patients find the recovery to be smooth and not requiring any medication at all.
FAQ
We know having medical, surgical or cosmetic treatment can seem daunting and it is natural to have questions. We are here to ensure your comfort and safety at all times. If you are unable to find the answer to your questions below, then please do not hesitate to contact us so we can help.
Although you can expect to see improvement following one session, most individuals require up to 3 sessions to get the optimal final results. It is recommended to allow at least 3-6 months between treatments to allow the skin to heal and to fully appreciate the response to the treatment.
Most people will have visible and positive results after the first treatment with an improvement in the contour of the area; in other words, it should appear ‘plumper’, smoother and more even with the surrounding skin.
Subcision can be used in conjunction with other procedures, such as needling, laser treatments or fat transfer, in order to achieve the desired result. It is also recommended to consult with an experienced practitioner who will be able to assess your skin, any problem areas you might have and consider your cosmetic goals before suggested an appropriate treatment plan, which may include a number of different procedures.
Prices from
Starting from £850
At Goutos London, we aim to deliver a premium service with no compromise on quality in order to deliver the best results possible for your needs.
Related conditions
Whatever your condition, and whatever your health goals are, we will ensure you get a holistic, focused and bespoke service that offers you the safest options for treatment aiming for the best possible outcome.
Acne
Atrophic Scars
Pitted Scars
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Whether it’s using our advanced skin scar treatments, lasers or surgery, we aim to provide nothing less than a 5-star service when it comes to our patients’ skin and healthcare needs.
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Scar Revision London
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