Three sizes set the price of subcision in Seoul at Pixelab Beauty Clinic: a patch under 2 × 2 cm, an area under 5 × 5 cm, or the full face where needed. Subcision is a needle procedure that cuts the fibrous strands holding a rolling acne scar down, and a flight home the same day is possible.
Is it for you?
Which scars subcision is for, and who should wait
Some acne scars are not missing much tissue at all. They are held down. As acne heals, scar tissue can form strands that run from the underside of the skin to the deeper layers, and those strands pull the surface into broad, soft hollows. Under a ceiling light the hollows throw shadows; when the skin is gently stretched between two fingers, they flatten out. That stretch test is a simple sign of tethering, and tethering is what subcision addresses.
In the standard classification of atrophic acne scars, rolling scars are the type linked with this kind of tethering, and subcision is the matching option, while narrow ice pick scars point to other methods (Jacob, 2001). One face can carry a mix, so subcision is one part of a plan for some people and the main step for others.
Healing quality matters as much as scar shape. Skin that is inflamed, infected or prone to heavy scarring heals less predictably after a needle passes beneath it, which is why the items in the second list mean waiting or reconsidering.
Usually a good fit
- Rolling scars: broad, soft-edged hollows
- Scars that flatten when the skin is stretched
- Shallow dents on the cheeks or temples
- Acne that has calmed down, leaving scars behind
- Able to space sessions 4–8 weeks apart
- Fine with about 2 weeks of bruising and swelling
We may suggest waiting
- Active, inflamed acne in the area
- Mainly narrow ice pick scars
- Blood thinners or a bleeding disorder (tell the clinic first)
- A tendency to keloids, judged case by case
- Pregnancy, infection or a cold sore on the area
Your doctor
Founder and medical director · Korean board-certified plastic surgeon
“From learning to teaching.”Trained at Seoul & Incheon St. Mary's Hospitals. Now leading hands-on sessions for visiting doctors.
- ResidentPlastic surgery, Catholic Univ. Seoul St. Mary's Hospital
- FellowClinical fellow, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital
- AlmaTitanium Global Trainer
- JeisysDENSITY ALPHA TIP Ambassador
- MemberKorean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
How it works
How subcision releases a tethered scar
Subcision is a minor procedure done through a pinpoint entry in the skin, with no stitches. A thin needle with a cutting tip is slipped in beside the scar and moved flat under the surface in a fanning motion. Each sweep snaps the fibrous strands that anchor the scar, and a faint click can be felt as they give way. Once the strands are cut, the dip can rise toward the level of the skin around it.
The release is only half the mechanism. A small amount of bleeding fills the space the needle has opened, and as that settles the body lays down new connective tissue in the gap. That layer helps keep the scar from being pulled back down. The technique was first described in 1995 for depressed scars and wrinkles, in a case report rather than a controlled trial (Orentreich, 1995).
Later work has looked at what to add. A review of clinical trials found that pairing subcision with filler, platelet-rich plasma, suction or microneedling with radiofrequency can reduce the chance of the scar sinking again (Ahramiyanpour, 2022). In a randomized comparison, subcision followed by fractional CO2 laser or by cross-linked hyaluronic acid gave more improvement than the needle release by itself, with no serious side effects, and subcision on its own still produced moderate improvement (Abdelwahab, 2022).
Technique affects safety. A 2024 review of complications reported that sharp-tipped instruments were linked to more problems, such as bruising and lumps, and stressed that the person doing the procedure needs to know these risks well (Sun, 2024).
The clinic's price list sets subcision in three sizes, from a small patch to the full face where needed, and a skin booster such as Rejuran added in the same visit is listed at 30% off.
Stretch test and marking
At consultationScars are checked under angled light and stretched to find the tethered ones, which are marked.
Numbing
Numbing cream, with a local anesthetic injection where the area calls for it.
Needle release
Through a pinpoint entry, the needle sweeps under each marked scar to cut the strands.
Pressure and aftercare
The area is pressed and cleaned, and you receive written aftercare and warning signs.
Second look
Remaining tethered scars can be released again after 4 to 8 weeks.
Subcision and other acne scar items on the price list
| Criteria | Subcision | Scar laser bundle (UltraPulse Alpha) | Potenza RF microneedling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works on | Rolling, tethered scars | Pitted ice pick and boxcar scars | Texture and shallow scars |
| How | Needle cuts strands under the scar | Fractional CO2 columns rebuild collagen | Needles deliver RF heat into dermis |
| Short-term marks (clinic) | Bruising, swelling about 2 weeks | Redness 2–3 days, tape about 7 days | Redness and warmth 3+ days |
| Sessions (clinic) | 1–3 or more, 4–8 weeks apart | 3–5, at least 2 months apart | 3–5, 4–6 weeks apart |
| Price basis | ₩100,000 + VAT, under 2 × 2 cm | Per area and session | Per tip and area |
The three items act at different depths and are used for different scar shapes; the table describes them and is not a ranking.
Session by session
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | Tethered scars are released; bruising and swelling settle over about 2 weeks. |
| 4–8 weeks later | Scars are rechecked, and any still pulled down can be released again. |
| Session 3 and beyond | Added only when tethering remains; how far each scar lifts varies. |
At a glance
Subcision facts for planning a trip
| Numbing | Numbing cream or local anesthetic |
|---|---|
| Downtime | Bruising and swelling about 2 weeks; may feel tender |
| Recommended sessions | 1–3 or more by scar condition, 4–8 weeks apart |
| How long results last | Varies with how far the tethering improves |
| Earliest flight home | Same-day flight home is possible |
Prices
Subcision Cost in South Korea
Subcision is charged by the size of the area that needs release. A single tethered scar or a small cluster falls under the 2 × 2 cm line, a wider patch on one cheek under the 5 × 5 cm line, and scattered rolling scars across both cheeks and temples under the full-face line, which covers the areas that need it. The smallest size is ₩100,000 + VAT.
Figures are shown before VAT, and Korea's 10% VAT is added at payment; each card gives both amounts. A skin booster such as Rejuran booked with subcision is listed at 30% off its own price, and any laser for pitted scars has separate area prices. Send a photo of the scars in side lighting with your enquiry so the quote can name the size line that fits.
Recovery
Subcision recovery from day one to week eight
Swelling, bruising and soreness can begin; a same-day flight is possible
Swelling can look lumpy; avoid pressing or massaging the treated scars
Bruising and swelling settle; some tenderness may linger
Window for a recheck and another release if scars are still tethered
Safety
Bruises, lumps and other subcision side effects
Cutting under the skin causes bleeding beneath the surface by design, and that drives most of the side effects:
- Bruising and swelling for about 2 weeks, with tenderness to the touch.
- A hematoma, a larger pocket of blood that may need draining.
- Firm lumps or nodules under a treated scar while it heals.
- Infection at an entry point.
- Darker patches of skin after inflammation, more likely in darker skin types.
- Scars pulling back down, which is why repeat sessions are sometimes needed.
- Uneven lift between neighboring scars.
The evidence has limits. The original report is a case series, the review of trials draws on low-level evidence, and the complication review notes that the instrument chosen changes the risk (Sun, 2024). Subcision makes tethered scars shallower and smoother to varying degrees; it does not take scars away.
Contact the clinic quickly if swelling keeps growing, the area turns hot and painful, pus appears or a bruise spreads fast.
Evidence
Research behind this page
- Acne scarring: A classification system and review of treatment optionsJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2001 · Jacob C et al. · doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.113451
Classifies atrophic acne scars as ice pick, boxcar or rolling and links each type to options, with subcision matched to tethered scars.
- Subcutaneous Incisionless (Subcision) Surgery for the Correction of Depressed Scars and WrinklesDermatologic Surgery · 1995 · ORENTREICH D · doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.1995.tb00259.x
The original description of subcision for depressed scars and wrinkles; a case report, very low level of evidence.
- Subcision in acne scarring: A review of clinical trialsJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2022 · Ahramiyanpour N et al. · doi:10.1111/jocd.15480
A review of clinical trials suggesting that adding filler, platelet-rich plasma, suction or RF microneedling to subcision can reduce re-depression; evidence rated low.
- A combined subcision approach with either fractional CO2 laser (10,600 nm) or cross-linked hyaluronic acid versus subcision alone in atrophic post-acne scar treatmentLasers in Medical Science · 2022 · Abdelwahab A et al. · doi:10.1007/s10103-022-03677-y
A randomized trial in which subcision with fractional CO2 or cross-linked hyaluronic acid outperformed subcision alone, which still gave moderate improvement.
- Complications of Subcision for Acne Scarring: Experience From Clinical Practice and Review of the LiteratureJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2024 · Sun C · doi:10.1111/jocd.16629
A complications review: subcision is safe overall, but sharp instruments are linked to more complications that practitioners should know.
FAQ
Subcision questions before you book
How long do bruising and swelling last after subcision?
About two weeks, according to the clinic, and the area can stay tender for a while. Larger areas, full-face release and blood-thinning medicine or supplements make bruising more visible, so leave room in your schedule before photos or work events.
Can I fly home after subcision?
Yes. The clinic states that flying home on the day of subcision is possible. Bruising will still be visible on the flight. Plan your stay in Seoul around the follow-up instead: a second release, if needed, comes 4 to 8 weeks later.
Is subcision painful?
The area is numbed first, with numbing cream or a local anesthetic injection, according to the clinic. During the release you may feel pressure, pulling and a faint clicking as strands give way. Soreness and tenderness can follow for the first days.
How many subcision sessions will I need?
One to three sessions, or more, depending on the condition of the scars, according to the clinic, with 4 to 8 weeks between them. Deeply tethered scars and scars that sink again after the first release are the ones that need further sessions.
How much does subcision cost in Seoul?
It depends on area size. Under 2 × 2 cm is ₩100,000 + VAT, under 5 × 5 cm is ₩250,000 + VAT, and the full face where needed is ₩500,000 + VAT. Laser for other scar types is priced separately.
Is a skin booster cheaper when added to subcision?
Yes. The price list shows a skin booster such as Rejuran at 30% off when it is added to subcision in the same visit. The booster keeps its own line on the bill, so ask for both to be itemized in your quote.
Should subcision be combined with a CO2 laser?
It can help. A randomized study found subcision followed by fractional CO2 laser or hyaluronic acid gave more improvement than subcision alone. The laser treats pitted scars that subcision does not reach. Ask the clinic how the two would be timed for your scars.
Does subcision leave marks?
The needle enters through pinpoint openings that close within days. Bruising, swelling and sometimes small firm lumps under the scar are the visible marks while the skin heals. Darker patches can appear afterward in some skin types, so daily sunscreen on the area helps.
Is the doctor a plastic surgeon?
Yes. Dr. Jongkeun Song, Medical Director of Pixelab Beauty Clinic, is a Korean board-certified plastic surgeon. Scar care and wound healing are core parts of plastic surgery training, and residency at The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital was followed by a clinical fellowship at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital.
Do subcision prices include VAT?
No. They are listed before VAT, and the 10% VAT is added at payment. The full-face line at ₩500,000 becomes ₩550,000 once VAT is included. Each price card shows the two figures together.
Can I get a subcision consultation in English?
Yes. An English interpreter is on staff, and you can write to us on WhatsApp in English with photos of your scars in side lighting. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Is a deposit required to book subcision?
Deposit and cancellation terms are not posted on this site. Ask for them in writing before making any payment, and check how a change of travel dates would affect the amount you have paid to hold the booking.