Subcision releases the bands that pull acne scars down. Bruising afterwards is expected, so planning ahead matters. Here is how to prepare.
In the video, Umesh, Medical Director at 65 Medical, talks you through it: how to get ready, what happens at your appointment, what's normal, and the questions worth asking, whether you come to us or go somewhere else. Everything is written out below so you can come back to it.
Umesh appears in real video filmed at our clinic; the voice is AI-generated and lip-synced, made with consent. The treatment footage is real and used with consent.
Getting ready
Before you book
Subcision is a regulated procedure, so choose a CQC-registered clinic and have a consultation first. Plan at least 10 to 14 days clear of any event, as bruising can last a week or more. Active acne should be under control first.
One week before
Ask your GP before pausing any prescribed blood thinners. You may wish to pause fish oil, vitamin E and ginkgo, and avoid ibuprofen and aspirin unless prescribed. Stop retinol and acids a few days before.
The day before
No alcohol for 24 hours.
On the day
Come with clean, make-up free skin. Eat normally and drink plenty of water. Arrive 10 minutes early, bring a list of any medicines and supplements you take, and wear something comfortable.
Your appointment, step by step
Arriving
When you arrive, we welcome you and you settle in a private treatment room. There's no rush: ask anything you like.
Your consultation
Your consultation comes first. We go through your medical history, medicines and allergies, talk about what you'd like to change and why, and give you an honest view of what's realistic. If a treatment isn't right for you, we'll say so.
Photos
We take clinical photos, so we can compare the result later. They are kept in your confidential record.
Your consent
We explain the benefits, risks, side effects and alternatives, then give you a consent form to read and sign. You can take time to think, and you can change your mind at any point.
The treatment: what you'll see and feel
We mark the scars, numb the skin with local anaesthetic, then use a fine needle under each scar to release it. You'll feel pressure and a snipping sensation. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Straight after
Straight after, we show you the result, go through your aftercare, and you'll receive a written aftercare email and video. Our 24-hour line is there if anything worries you, and we book your review if you need one.
What's normal
- Swelling and bruising, which can look worse on day two
- Small firm areas under the skin as it heals
Please call us before you come if
- You feel unwell, have a temperature or an infection
- You have a cold sore, spots or broken skin on the area
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding, or might be
- You have started a new medicine, or had a vaccine or dental work in the last two weeks (tell us and we'll advise)
Questions to ask, whichever clinic you choose
- What are your qualifications, and are you on a professional register (NMC, GMC, GDC or GPhC) or a PSA-accredited register such as Save Face or the JCCP?
- How many of these treatments have you done?
- Who is the prescriber, and will I see them face to face before any prescription-only treatment?
- What product will you use, and can I see the box and batch number?
- What are the risks and side effects, and what alternatives are there?
- If something goes wrong, who looks after me, how quickly, and is there an out-of-hours number?
- Do you have insurance for this treatment?
- Which scar types will subcision help?
- Will I need more than one session?
Questions before your appointment? Call the clinic on 020 7252 3333, or our 24-hour line on 07414 163998.
Need a doctor or a health check?
Our private GP, Dr Ayaz Tokhi, is on hand for video appointments from £75 (telephone £65), and we offer private blood tests at the clinic from £69.50. See our health services and book.
Already had your treatment? Read our subcision aftercare guide, with a video and a day-by-day timeline.
Want to know more first? Read about our skin treatments at our Brentwood clinic.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Your clinician will advise you on your own situation at your consultation. Results vary. Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over.
Results vary from person to person. Every treatment starts with a consultation with a registered clinician.