Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser

Subcision for Acne Scars – Before & After

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 — Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed

A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The advice

Subcision: a special needle is passed under the depressed scar to cut the fibrous bands tethering it, so it gradually lifts — often combined with filler, microneedling or laser for a better result.
3–5 days before: reduce aspirin, ibuprofen and omega if medically allowed, to limit bruising.
Expect visible swelling and bruising for 5–10 days — this is normal and even part of how it works (the small blood pocket helps lift the scar); a firm lump under the skin for weeks is temporary.
Cool compresses on day one, and sleep with your head elevated the first two nights for facial sessions.
Paracetamol for pain; avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers for the first 48 hours if possible.
No hard exercise for 48 hours; make-up after 24–48 hours if the skin is intact; do not massage the area unless we specifically instructed you to.
Judge the result at 4–8 weeks; improvement is gradual and partial with each session, and 2–3+ sessions are usually needed.
Contact us for: severe pain, rapidly expanding swelling, or signs of infection (fever, pus).

See also the full treatment page: Acne scar treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.

My private clinic at Kuwait Hospital (Sabah Al-Salem) — direct assessment and a treatment plan built around your case.