In the 2026 subcision trial, physician scores and patient scores both favored the suction-treated side. Longer follow-up must show whether that early edge lasts beyond 6-9 months.
Subcision cuts tight fibrous bands under depressed acne scars to release the skin. Rolling scars are the key target, described in the Research Square preprint by Shi et al. as up to 5-mm undulating depressions where bands fix surface to deeper tissue Shi preprint results.
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 doctors measure?
- What did patients notice?
- Does this apply to your scars?
- What must longer follow-up prove?
What did doctors measure?
The U.S. National Library of Medicine PubMed record reports physician-rated Acne Scar Improvement Grading Scale scores were significantly higher on the suction side, p=.002 PubMed trial abstract. The same PubMed record reports patient-rated scores were also higher, p=.026.
Both subcision alone and suction-assisted subcision improved scars. A related Northwestern split-face protocol from the Shi preprint used cannula subcision on both sides. It then gave 10 suction sessions over 2 weeks to one randomized side versus sham pressure. Photos were taken at baseline, 1 month and 4 months.
What did patients notice?
Patients felt more change than scar counts showed. The PubMed record concludes subjective assessments favored suction, suggesting benefits patients can perceive but objective counting can miss.
In the Shi cohort of 28 treatment areas, subjects reported 37% versus 24% improvement at 1 month, p=0.04, with no difference at 4 months, p=0.37. Subjects still preferred combination therapy at 1 month, 50% versus 21%, and at 4 months, 43% versus 21%.
Does this apply to your scars?
The findings affect adults with bilateral atrophic scars, especially rolling scars. Those scars have a wavy look because fibrous bands pull skin downward.
The Shi preprint focuses on this rolling type. Check your match before asking about suction add-on:.
- Depressions on both cheeks or both sides of the face
- Wide, shallow, rolling dips rather than sharp icepick holes
- Scars that seem tethered when you stretch the skin
- Interest in subcision rather than laser or filler alone
What must longer follow-up prove?
Short follow-up is the main limit. The Shi methods followed a single subcision only to 4 months. Durability, retethering, and late remodeling in rolling scars remain unproven. A separate rolling-scar report from Chen et al.
gave five subcisions 4 weeks apart to 5 patients and followed to weeks 20 and 36. The treated side showed greater global-score decrease and average appearance improvement, with 50% more patients satisfied with the treated side. The U.S. National Library of Medicine review states longer follow-up must pair blinded objective scales with patient-rated improvement and satisfaction beyond 6-9 months 2023 scar-assessment review. If you discuss treatment, ask how your clinic will track both photo scores and your own satisfaction at 6-9 months.
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- Subcision With Suction for Acne Scars in a 2026 Split-Face Trial: What Longer Follow-Up Must Show for People With Rolling Acne Scars
- Objective vs Patient-Rated Results in the 2026 Subcision Trial: A Source-Checked 2026 Briefing for People With Rolling Acne Scars
- Subcision With Suction for Acne Scars in a 2026 Split-Face Trial: A Source-Checked 2026 Briefing for People With Rolling Acne Scars