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Subcision

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO SERVE Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Fountain Valley, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel

Close-up of a woman's neck showing visible platysmal bands before treatment.
Depressed scars, such as those caused by acne, can be difficult to treat with topical products alone. Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure that helps smooth out tethered scars by releasing fibrous bands beneath the skin, allowing for a more even surface. At Metropolis Dermatology in Costa Mesa, CA, we specialize in subcision scar revision to help patients reduce the appearance of scars and restore skin texture for a more confident, radiant look.

What is Subcision?

Subcision is a dermatological procedure designed to improve depressed scars by addressing the underlying cause of skin tethering. Using a fine needle, the treatment severs fibrotic bands that pull the skin downward, allowing the scar to lift and smooth out naturally. This technique is particularly effective for acne scars, surgical scars, and other forms of tethered skin depressions. It is frequently combined with complementary treatments such as microneedling, laser therapy, or dermal fillers to maximize results.

 

How Does Subcision Work?

  • Numbing & Preparation: A local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area for comfort.
  • Precise Needle Insertion: A specially designed needle is inserted beneath the skin to target fibrous scar tissue.
  • Breaking Fibrotic Bands: Gentle movements of the needle release the scar’s tether, allowing the skin to elevate.
  • Collagen Stimulation: The controlled trauma from subcision triggers collagen production, helping the skin rebuild over time.

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of scars being treated. Mild redness or bruising may occur but generally subsides within a few days.

 

Importance of Subcision

  • Ideal for Depressed Scars: Specifically targets indented scars that do not respond to surface treatments.
  • Boosts Natural Collagen: Encourages skin regeneration, improving long-term skin health.
  • Minimally Invasive: No surgery or extensive downtime required.
  • Pairs Well with Other Treatments: Works synergistically with fillers, lasers, or microneedling for optimal results.
  • Increases Confidence: Smoother skin enhances self-esteem and overall appearance.
Side-by-side comparison of a woman's neck before and after platysmal band injections.

FAQs

How many sessions are needed?
Most patients require multiple sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, depending on scar depth and severity.

What is the downtime?
Minimal! Mild redness or bruising may occur but resolves within a few days.

Will subcision create additional scars?
No! The treatment is designed to improve scarring, and the tiny punctures heal quickly without leaving new marks.

Can subcision be combined with other treatments?
Yes! Many patients combine subcision with dermal fillers for enhanced volume restoration or with laser therapy for additional skin smoothing.

When will I see results?
Initial improvements can be seen within a few weeks, with fuller results developing over time as collagen continues to rebuild the skin’s structure.

Hear from

Real Patients
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452 reviews
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Sabin Rich
October 13, 2026
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Always the best experience in this office ! The office is super nice and clean and Dr. Higgins and her staff are always so sweet and helpful! I won’t go anywhere else ever !
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Cece
October 13, 2026
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Dr. Ann Collier was so nice and very thorough with her assessment! I recommend for sure!
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Ryan Alevy
October 7, 2026
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Julia is not just one of the best physicians I’ve ever had, but she’s also a kind, thoughtful, and patient human being (which we love because sometimes going to the doctor is scary!) I had some basil cell carcinoma and Julia found it, biopsied, and recommended me to another amazing physician (Dr. Jenny Hu) who removed it alongside her team. It’s easy to not mind a medical experience when it’s normal or “everything is fine,” but when inevitably stuff sometimes isn’t, you want to have somebody like Julia in your court. I’m so grateful for the comfort I feel when I go in for visits; it’s night and day when compared to some less than optimal experiences I’ve had in other offices! Also, the team at the office, billing, communication, scheduling- it’s all super streamlined and smooth. Thank you for everything!
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Schedule Your Consultation Today!

If you are ready to minimize the appearance of acne scars or other depressed marks, subcision may be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Metropolis Dermatology in Costa Mesa, CA, our expert team offers personalized scar revision treatments to help you achieve smoother, more even skin. Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward renewed confidence!

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