Wednesday, October 15th, 2025

Subcision + Filler vs Subcision Alone: When to Combine and Why

Q: Do I need filler after subcision?

Not always. Subcision alone may be enough for mild rolling scars with good skin support. For deeper or sunken scars, a small amount of filler after release can help stabilise the pocket, reduce re-tethering risk, and restore contour.

Q: How long do results last?

The release of fibrotic bands is generally long-lasting. Supportive fillers typically last months to years depending on the product used and area treated, while collagen-stimulating strategies may drive continued textural improvement over time.

Q: Can I combine subcision with other treatments?

Yes. Plans often layer resurfacing or skin-healing injectables after subcision to refine texture and support collagen remodelling. Your clinician will stage treatments to allow recovery and optimise results.

Subcision Filler vs Subcision Alone When to Combine and Why

Rolling scars often remain because of fibrotic tethering beneath the skin. Subcision releases the tethers; dermal filler can restore missing support.

Here’s how to decide when to combine—and why it can help.

Understanding the Challenge of Rolling Scars (Tethering)

Rolling acne scars occur when the surface is pulled down by fibrous bands that “tether” the skin to deeper layers.

Subcision uses a needle or cannula to release these bands so the skin can rise and remodel.

Subcision Alone — When It’s Enough

Subcision alone may be suitable for mild to moderate rolling scars where skin elasticity and collagen response are good. Many patients are comfortable with gradual improvement over several sessions.

Best suited for: mild tethering, shallower depressions, younger or thicker skin types
Mechanism: mechanical release of fibrotic strands to lift the depressed scar
Plan: staged sessions with adequate healing time between visits

For a deeper dive into the procedure steps, benefits, and aftercare, see our
Subcision for Acne Scars (treatment overview).

When to Combine: Subcision + Filler

Combining subcision with filler can be helpful when there is visible volume loss or when faster contour restoration is desired after releasing the tethers.

Ideal for: deeper or long-standing rolling scars, sunken areas in cheeks/temples, or where re-tethering risk is higher
Why combine: subcision releases; filler supports and stabilises the pocket to reduce re-tethering and improve contour
Treatment flow: subcision → targeted filler placement → collagen-remodelling plan (e.g., energy devices or bio-remodellers later if indicated)

Filler Type	Main Purpose	Typical Duration*	Good Candidates	Notes
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)	Immediate lift and support of released scars	~9–12 months	Patients seeking visible correction with adjustability	Reversible; useful to “stent” the released tract
Collagen-stimulating (e.g., PLLA, PCL)	Gradual collagen rebuilding and structural improvement	~12–24 months	Textural improvement over time; thicker skin areas	Results evolve progressively; usually staged
Healing-focused injectables (e.g., Rejuran S)	Support tissue repair in shallow, fine rolling scars	~6–9 months	Fine rolling scars and overall skin quality goals	Often layered after release; see Rejuran S for Acne Scars

*Longevity varies by product, area, and individual factors.

FAQs: Subcision Alone vs Subcision with Filler

Do I need filler after subcision?

Not always. If your scars are mild and the skin retains good support, subcision alone may be sufficient. In deeper rolling scars or in areas with volume loss, a small amount of filler after release can help stabilise the pocket and reduce the chance of re-tethering.

How long do results last?

Once fibrotic bands are released, that mechanical effect is generally long-lasting. The supportive filler layer typically lasts months to years depending on the product used and treatment plan. Collagen-stimulating approaches may continue to improve texture over time.

Can I combine subcision with other treatments?

Yes. Many plans layer resurfacing or skin-healing injectables after subcision to refine overall texture. Timing is individualised to allow recovery and healthy collagen remodelling.

Your Personalised Acne Scar Plan

Both approaches, subcision alone and subcision + filler—can be considered within a personalised plan based on scar type, thickness, and downtime preferences.