Subcision, which cuts tight fibers that pull scars downward, worked about the same with or without added suction when judged by blinded doctors. Patients rated early improvement higher with suction, but the gap closed by month four, leaving little lasting gain for people with rolling scars. Rolling scars are broad, wave-like dents held down by tissue bands. The 2026 trial tested subcision alone against subcision plus suction on opposite cheeks and appeared in Dermatologic Surgery 52:989-993, as listed by PubMed/NLM.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What did blinded doctors see?
- Why did patients feel an early boost?
- How small and short was the evidence?
- What should people with rolling scars ask?
What did blinded doctors see?
Evaluators did not know which side received suction. They scored scars and overall appearance at one and four months.
The Research Square full text reports no significant difference between sides at either visit Research Square full text. That result points to the release itself doing the main work. Added suction did not improve counted scars in this setting.
Why did patients feel an early boost?
Patients scored their own percent improvement higher with suction at one month. The Research Square full text lists a mean of 37% with suction versus 24% with subcision alone (p=0.04) full-text preprint.
By four months the gap faded (p=0.37). On a separate Acne Scar Improvement Grading Scale, both doctors (p=.002) and patients (p=.026) favored suction, according to the PubMed/NLM abstract PubMed abstract. That split suggests people notice texture, fullness, or confidence gains that scar counts miss.
How small and short was the evidence?
The pilot used a 1:1 split-face, evaluator-blinded design at Northwestern University in adults with bilateral scars. The Research Square preprint analyzes 28 treatment areas and 154 treatments Research Square preprint.
Follow-up stopped at one and four months, so late change remains untested. The trial excluded recent isotretinoin users and people with keloid history and is registered as NCT01696513, per Northwestern/ClinicalTrials.gov via Research Square. Small samples can miss modest effects and can overstate early wins.
What should people with rolling scars ask?
For durable change, subcision alone looked sufficient in this trial. The preprint authors concluded suction adds no lasting improvement over subcision alone.
Bring your goals and history to the visit. Use these checks to guide the talk: Write down your medicines and scar history before you go, because those details decided who could enter the trial. Ask for the plan in writing if you choose subcision alone.
- Ask whether your dents are mainly rolling and tethered, since the comparison focused on atrophic scars.
- Mention recent isotretinoin use and any keloid or slow healing.
- Ask what result to expect at one month versus four months.
- Ask about cost, downtime, and need for repeat treatment if suction adds no lasting gain.
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- Subcision With Suction for Acne Scars in a 2026 Split-Face Trial: What the Trial Means for People With Rolling Acne Scars