Acne Scar Release

Acne Scar Release, also known as subcision treatment, is a treatment designed to diminish the appearance of acne scarring. It is called subcision because it involves going beneath the skin to release the scar tissue, allowing the skin to return to a smooth and even texture. A multi-technique procedure has been developed to address moderate to severe scarring in a single treatment session. 

This comprehensive single-session scar removal technique was developed by Dr. Mark Taylor, a pioneer cosmetic laser surgeon and internationally recognized surgical dermatologist from Salt Lake City. Acne Scar Release & Refine (ASRR) is a three-step procedure that will release the scar attachment and resurface the skin in a single session.

The results from subcision treatments like Acne Scar Release in La Jolla and the San Diego area are permanent. Patients can achieve a permanent reduction in the appearance of acne scars with this technique. Whether you have acne scarring from youth, or recent scarring that is the cause of self-esteem issues, this treatment can benefit you. If you have been told your acne scars are severe, call us for a consultation because the acne scar release treatment will work for you. 

When you arrive at the clinic, we will ask you to wash your face so that the skin is clear and ready for treatment. After filling out the paperwork, we will you into the treatment room where your procedure will begin. 

The first step is skin numbing. Your skin is marked and then numbed with tumescent anesthesia. This anesthesia technique involves flooding the tissues beneath the upper skin layers with lidocaine to keep you completely comfortable throughout the process.

Step two is release, also known medically as “Subcision”. The doctor will make a small incision in front of the ear, and delicate surgical tools called microdissectors severe the fibrous scar bands that pull the scar floor to the dermis. When released, the scar floor rises (it’s like releasing a tether). A cleaning tip is used to capture and remove any sinew-like scar debris to create a smooth–surface.

Differences in Subcision Methods: The difference in this type of subcision is that a typical subcision requires a cut into each scar. *Subcision in the ASRR technique is “field” subcision – where there is a single hidden incision and all the work is done beneath the skin surface, eliminating the otherwise high number of cuts to release each scar from the surface.

The Third step is laser refinement: Fractional Er: YAG laser (SP Dynamis) smooths the surface from the outside and increases collagen production which further smooths the skin. Continued collagen generation improves results over the subsequent 6 months.

You will be given post-procedure skin care products to protect your skin during the healing process which takes an average of 10 days. Your skin may be red for some time after initial healing. This redness will subside but can be camouflaged with makeup during that time. Potentially you may experience some short-term hyperpigmentation which is easily treatable and can also be camouflaged.

Your skin will be going through a transition over the next 4 to 6 months as new collagen from the laser treatment builds to further smooth the skin. You should treat your skin gently and it is necessary to use the provided sunscreen products. If you have any concerns about post-treatment recovery, talk to our doctor during your consultation.