Subcision is a minor, in-office surgical procedure specifically designed to treat atrophic, or depressed, acne scars. These scars (often called 'rolling scars') are caused by fibrous bands of tissue that form under the skin, pulling the surface down and creating a visible indentation.
During the procedure, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic. A special hypodermic needle is then inserted and moved back and forth beneath the scar. This action cuts and releases the fibrotic strands that are tethering the scar down. This not only allows the skin to lift back to a more normal level but also triggers new collagen production in the area, further improving texture and smoothness over time.