Treatment Overview
Dermal Filler Subcision is a minimally invasive scar revision technique widely practiced in Korean dermatology clinics to improve rolling and tethered depressed acne scars.
This procedure combines subcision—a method where a fine needle or cannula is used to break the fibrotic bands pulling the skin downward—with dermal filler injections to immediately lift the scar and smoothen the skin surface.
While subcision releases the tethered scar tissue, dermal fillers provide instant volume correction, restoring contour and texture. In Korea, dermatologists often use hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for natural and reversible results, though collagen-stimulating fillers (such as Sculptra or Radiesse) may be chosen for longer-lasting effects.
Purpose & Benefits
- Scar Release: Breaks fibrotic bands tethering acne scars.
- Immediate Volume Restoration: Fillers instantly lift and smoothen depressed scars.
- Collagen Stimulation: Some fillers promote long-term scar remodeling.
- Natural Results: Korean injection techniques ensure subtle, scar-free correction.
- Minimally Invasive: Short procedure time with fast recovery.
- Customizable: Different fillers used depending on scar type and patient goals.
Ideal Candidates
Dermal Filler Subcision in Korea is recommended for:
- Patients with rolling scars, tethered scars, or shallow boxcar scars.
- Individuals seeking fast, noticeable improvement in skin texture.
- Patients not ready for aggressive resurfacing lasers or surgical scar revision.
- Those with moderate to severe acne scars and sufficient skin elasticity.
- Individuals wanting a minimally invasive, low-downtime solution.
Possible Risks & Complications
When performed by skilled dermatologists, dermal filler subcision is safe. Mild and temporary side effects include:
- Redness, Swelling, or Bruising at injection sites.
- Tenderness for a few days post-treatment.
- Overcorrection or Lumpiness (rare, minimized with Korean microcannula technique).
- Allergic Reactions: Extremely rare with HA fillers.
Korean clinics prioritize safety, precision, and scar-specific protocols to minimize risks.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Subcision: A needle or blunt cannula breaks scar adhesions beneath the skin.
- Dermal Filler Injection: HA fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal) or collagen stimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse) injected under released scars.
- Layering Technique: Small amounts of filler distributed to avoid unevenness.
- Combination Therapies: In Korea, subcision with fillers is often paired with microneedling RF, fractional laser, or PDRN boosters for scar regeneration.
Protocol: Usually 1–3 sessions, spaced 1–2 months apart, depending on scar severity.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately: Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness.
1–3 Days: Bruising may appear but is usually mild.
1–2 Weeks: Skin smoothens, scars look less deep.
1–6 Months: Filler continues to integrate, some types stimulate collagen production.
Aftercare Tips:
- Apply cold compress to reduce swelling first 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol, saunas, or vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to prevent pigmentation.
- Do not massage unless advised by the dermatologist.
Results & Longevity
- After 1 Session: Scars appear shallower and smoother.
- After 2–3 Sessions: Noticeable improvement in texture and contour.
- Longevity: HA filler results last 9–18 months, while collagen-stimulating fillers last 2–5 years.
Maintenance sessions may be required, especially with HA fillers.
Treatment Process in Korea
Consultation & Scar Mapping
Dermatologist analyzes scar types, skin condition, and determines filler choice.
Preparation
Numbing cream or local anesthesia; skin disinfected.
Subcision + Filler Injection
- Step 1: Subcision performed to release fibrotic scar bands.
- Step 2: Dermal filler injected beneath scars to restore volume.
- Step 3: Cooling mask or LED light applied to minimize redness.
Duration: 30–45 minutes.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Precision Techniques: Microcannula-based filler delivery for safety and natural outcomes.
- Advanced Filler Options: Wide variety of HA and collagen-stimulating fillers.
- Combination Packages: Often paired with lasers, microneedling RF, or regenerative boosters.
- Focus on Scar-Free Healing: Korean dermatologists aim for natural texture correction without overfilling.
- Cost-Effective High-Quality Care: More affordable than Western scar filler treatments.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Single Subcision + HA Filler Session: USD 300 – 600
- Subcision + Collagen-Stimulating Filler (Radiesse/Sculptra): USD 500 – 900
- Comprehensive Scar Program (Subcision + Filler + Laser/Boosters): USD 1,000 – 2,500 per session
Example Korean Packages:
- Standard Program (1 session): USD 400 – 600
- Advanced Program (2 sessions with scar resurfacing add-ons): USD 1,000 – 1,800
- Premium Program (2–3 sessions with exosomes/Rejuran + fractional laser): USD 2,000 – 3,800
Popular Clinics in Seoul
- Oracle Dermatology: Specializes in scar subcision with HA and collagen-stimulating fillers.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Combination scar revision programs with filler subcision + lasers.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Filler-based subcision paired with regenerative boosters (PDRN, exosomes).
- View Dermatology: Multi-step acne scar programs with fillers + RF microneedling.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center: Premium scar repair with dermal fillers, subcision, and stem-cell add-ons.
