Subcision in acne scar with and without subdermal implant: a clinical trial

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008 Jun;22(6):707-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02583.x. Epub 2008 Mar 10.

Abstract

Background: Subcision is a procedure that has been reported to be beneficial in treatment of acne scars.

Objective: This stady aims to assess the efficacy of subcision in the treatment of rolling acne scars and evaluate a novel subdermal filler 'absorbable plain catgut suture' with subcision.

Methods: Twenty-two patients with rolling acne scars underwent subcision, 20 of whom completed treatment and follow-up period. One side of the face underwent subcision and another side subcision with subdermal implant. The patients and investigators' assessment of improvement were both recorded.

Results: Subcision showed mild improvement in about 60% of patient and moderate improvement in about 40% of them. The rate of response showed no significant difference with the use of subdermal implant. The side-effects of local oedema, bruising and infection were all transient.

Conclusions: Subcision seems to be a safe method to correct the rolling acne scars with long-term improvement. However, the subdermal implant led to no significant superior results.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / complications*
  • Adult
  • Cicatrix / etiology
  • Cicatrix / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Sutures