A 2026 split-face trial found adding suction to subcision sped early healing but gave no lasting edge for rolling acne scars. By four months, both sides looked the same.
Subcision is a minor procedure that cuts tight fibers pulling pitted scars downward. Rolling scars are broad, shallow depressions that rise when those tethers release. Suction means repeated vacuum sessions on healing skin to hold the lift.
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.
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What did the trial test?
Adults with facial atrophic scars received one subcision session on both sides. One randomly assigned side then received 10 suction sessions for comparison. According to the U.S.
National Library of Medicine, the study Subcision Versus Subcision With Suction for Atrophic Acne Scars appeared in Dermatologic Surgery volume 52, pages 989-993, published Oct. 1, 2026 the PubMed listing Blinded dermatologists scored scars at one month and four months on validated scales. They found no significant difference between subcision alone and subcision plus suction at either visit, as reported in the ResearchSquare full text the full trial PDF.
How fast did skin change?
Patients reported 37% mean improvement on the suction side versus 24% on subcision alone at one month (p=0.04), but the gap closed by four months (p=0.37), according to the Northwestern author summary the author treatment summary Early preference also favored suction. In the ResearchGate full text, 36% preferred the suction side versus 7% the subcision-only side at 12 days. The pattern points to faster visible lifting, not deeper repair.
Should you add suction?
Subcision lifts rolling scars by severing fibers that tether scar bases to deeper tissue. Cutting releases the base and triggers collagen-forming healing that fills the depression. Your choice turns on speed versus visits:.
- Choose subcision alone for lasting reduction without 10 extra sessions
- Add suction if faster early smoothing matters for an event or photos
What are the limits?
The trial was small and short, with 28 treatment areas followed to four months after one subcision. Durability beyond four months remains unproven.
Results reflect one subcision plus 10 suction sessions, not other schedules. Bring the one-month versus four-month timeline to your consult and weigh extra visits against short-term gain.
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