Longer follow-up must show whether higher satisfaction with suction-assisted subcision lasts beyond four months and produces lasting scar-grade change. In the 2026 trial both subcision alone and suction-assisted subcision improved atrophic scars, but suction scored higher with physicians and patients.
Subcision is a procedure where a small cannula releases fibrous bands tethering depressed acne scars. Atrophic acne scars are indented scars, often rolling or boxcar types. The 2026 study was a randomized, split-face, patient-blinded study in 27 adults, with both cheeks receiving cannula subcision and one cheek receiving 10 suction sessions over two weeks, according to the Dermatologic Surgery journal page the journal treatment description.
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 improved in the 2026 trial
- Why ratings beat scar counting
- What the earlier trial showed at one and four months
- Do 10 extra visits make sense for you
What improved in the 2026 trial
Both sides improved after subcision. Physician- and patient-rated Acne Scar Improvement Grading Scale scores were significantly higher on the suction side, with p=.002 and p=.026, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine PubMed record the PubMed trial record.
That means the added suction made a visible difference. Doctors grading photos and patients living with the scars both favored the combination side. For readers, the key point is improvement happened with subcision alone, while suction added extra gain.
Why ratings beat scar counting
The 2026 authors concluded subjective assessments favored suction-assisted subcision, suggesting benefits patients notice that scar counts miss, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine PubMed abstract the PubMed abstract conclusion. Scar counting tracks number and shape.
Ratings capture texture, shadow, makeup use, and confidence in daylight. This split matters for treatment decisions. A lower scar count helps, but smoother look and feel drive satisfaction. Longer follow-up should therefore track both measured grades and patient ratings over time.
What the earlier trial showed at one and four months
An earlier split-face, rater-blinded trial found dermatologists saw no difference between subcision and subcision-suction at one or four months. Patients reported greater percent improvement with suction at one month, 37% versus 24%, but not at four months, according to the ResearchSquare preprint the preprint full results.
Both treatments still looked better than baseline at both visits. The gap is durability: early patient preference did not persist as an objective lead. Longer studies must test re-tethering, Goodman-Baron grade change, pigment change, redness, and need for repeat subcision beyond four months.
Do 10 extra visits make sense for you
The tested group is people with distensible atrophic facial scars, mainly rolling and boxcar types. The schedule meant daily clinic visits excluding weekends for 10 treatments starting days after one subcision, according to the Frontline Medical Communications dermatology report the MDedge dermatology report.
Expect bruising in all cases, usually gone within 12 days, with discoloration clearing within two months. Hypertrophic scarring affected 1.7% of suction-treated scars in that report, mostly linked to technique and manageable with treatment. Before paying, ask:.
- How will you grade my scars and track my rating at six to 12 months
- What is the plan for pigment change, redness, or raised scars
- When would you advise repeat subcision instead of more suction
- What does the full 10-visit course cost, including touch-ups
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