Subcision for acne scars in Dubai — releasing rolling scars, with or without PRP

Key facts

• Releases fibrous bands under rolling scars
• Done under local anaesthesia through tiny entry points
• PRP may be added to support healing
• Bruising for several days to around two weeks is common
• Often staged with CO2 laser for surface texture

What subcision does

Rolling scars form when inflammation from deep acne leaves fibrous strands that tether the skin to the tissue below. Subcision uses a special needle or cannula inserted through a tiny entry point to cut these bands just beneath the surface. Once the tethering is released, the skin can lift, and the controlled injury triggers new collagen as it heals. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and is usually tolerated well. It is not a surface treatment, so it complements rather than replaces resurfacing methods such as CO2 laser for texture and shallow scars.

Who benefits most

Subcision is most useful for rolling scars, the broad, soft depressions that flatten when you gently stretch the skin. It can also help some shallow boxcar scars with tethering. Deep, narrow ice-pick scars usually respond better to other techniques, and raised or keloid scars are not treated with subcision. Active acne should be controlled first, because new breakouts can produce new scars and increase infection risk. People who form keloids, take blood thinners or have certain skin infections need a careful assessment before treatment. The examination identifies your scar types, which matters because most faces have a mixture.

PRP subcision

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. In PRP subcision, the plasma is injected into the released spaces after subcision. The idea is to support healing and may help reduce the chance of the bands re-attaching, while adding volume temporarily. Evidence for the combination is encouraging but still developing, so results vary between people. Dr. Abdullah Anis, Specialist Dermatologist, discusses whether adding PRP is likely to help your scar pattern, or whether subcision alone, or another option, is more suitable for the scars you have.

Downtime and aftercare

Bruising and swelling are expected after subcision and usually last several days to around two weeks, depending on how many areas were treated. Small lumps may be felt under the skin for a while and generally settle. You are given instructions on cleaning, sun protection and avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period. Most people plan treatment around social or work events because of bruising. Seek prompt advice if you notice increasing pain, warmth, pus, fever or a lump that keeps growing, as these could indicate infection or a collection of blood that needs review.

Combining subcision with lasers

Acne scarring is rarely one type, so a staged plan usually works best. Subcision releases the deeper tethering, and once healing has settled, fractional CO2 laser can be used to improve surface texture and shallow scars. Some people also need targeted treatment for ice-pick scars. Several sessions spaced weeks apart are often needed, and improvement develops gradually as collagen remodels over months. At Manhal Medical Center, Dr. Abdullah Anis explains the order of treatments, expected downtime of each step and realistic improvement for your skin, without promising complete removal of scars.

Acne scars come in different shapes — rolling, boxcar and icepick — and respond best to a combination plan designed for your scar types.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.