Subcision vs Microneedling: Which Is Better?
Subcision and microneedling are popular options for improving skin appearance related to scars. However, these two are quite different in terms of how they work, so it is important to understand which one is more beneficial for your personal skin condition. Read on to find out which is the superior choice between subcision vs microneedling.
Comparing Subcision and Microneedling for Scars
Both treatments are minimally invasive that targets specific areas on your skin with the use of small needles. However, here is how they differ from each other.
How it works | Stimulate natural collagen production | |
Procedure | Use many tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin surface. | Use one fine needle to break the fibrous strands connecting the scar to the deep layers of the skin. |
Downtime | 1 to 2 days and discomfort can last for 12 to 48 hours after treatment. | Downtime Microneedling: Temporary redness, sensitivity or mild swelling may occur. The recovery pattern depends on treatment depth, device settings and individual skin response. Subcision: Bruising, swelling, tenderness and redness may occur after treatment. Read more about Subcision recovery time, including the initial healing period, later tissue remodelling and factors that can affect downtime. |
Targets | Overall skin texture and long-term skin health | Depressed scars (rolling or boxcar scars) and near-immediate results |
Subcision or Microneedling: Which is Best for Scars?
To figure out which treatment is best for scars, you need to first examine which types of scars you are dealing with.
Microneedling and subcision are two amazing options for scar treatments
Best Treatment for Acne Scars
Acne scars vary in structure, depth and severity, so treatment planning should begin by identifying the scar type. When rolling or selected boxcar scars are tethered by fibrous bands beneath the skin, subcision for deep, tethered acne scars may be considered to release those attachments. Microneedling may be discussed when surface texture is a larger part of the concern. Some treatment plans may combine approaches after the scars and skin condition are assessed.
Deep, tethered scars like rolling or boxcar scars will require a more targeted treatment like subcision because of how they are formed. On the other hand, shallow scars, such as icepick scars or mild textural issues are easier to heal with a less invasive procedure.
Sometimes, combining both treatments provides optimal results, as subcision targets deep scars while microneedling improves the skin’s overall texture. The natural collagen production stimulated by both procedures can contribute to the healing process, giving your skin a more rejuvenated and consistent appearance.
Aside from subcision and microneedling, other potential options for you to treat acne scars include:
- Home remedies: Medicated creams prescribed by your physicians can be helpful, though they may take quite some time depending on the severity of the scars.
- Laser resurfacing: This minimally invasive procedure also targets skin areas affected by scarring and utilizes natural collagen production to heal the area.
- Others: Radiofrequency and pulsed light sources can also work for acne scars.
Subcision Effectiveness Compared to Other Treatments
While the effectiveness of subcision is a known fact of many, how does it stack up against other options like laser resurfacing?
The superior aspect of subcision is its ability to target the root cause of atrophic scars, which are the fibrous bands, making it superior for more severe cases of scars.
Most of the other treatments like laser resurfacing or microneedling focuses on the outer layers of the skin, which is amazing for overall appearance rejuvenation. However, they may fail to stack up to subcision in terms of healing the scars themselves.
However, it is always important to note that your physicians will recommend the suitable beauty treatment option for you after consultation, so be sure to go through those sessions before committing to a choice.