Subcision for treatment of rolling acne scars in Iraqi patients: a clinical study

Subcision for Atrophic Acne Scarring: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical Instruments and Combinatorial Treatments

Subcutaneous incisionless surgery, also known as subcision, is a minimally invasive procedure that is commonly indicated for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. In recent years, many new techniques have been developed to maximize results from this procedure. This review article aims to identify an updated list of instruments and combinatorial treatments available for atrophic acne scar patients undergoing subcision. We constructed a comprehensive PubMed search term and performed triple-blinded screening on all resulting studies for mentions of subcision as indicated by acne scarring. Our results show that there are four main categories of subcision tools that are commonly employed to treat atrophic acne scars: needles, cannulas, wires, and blunt-blade instruments. Usage of these devices varies by scar depth, personal preference, and combinatorial treatment options. Overall, subcision is a particularly effective treatment for atrophic acne scars, and there is vast potential for further innovation with this technique.

Purse-string suture combined with subcision and dermal graft for the treatment of wide depressed scars and boxcars

BACKGROUND

Dermal layer injuries can result in depressed or indented scars even when there is no subcutaneous injury. These scars can result from acne, chickenpox, trauma, or skin infection. Several procedures, including primary closure, subcision, microneedling, and dermal grafting, have been reported to be used to treat depressed scars, boxcars, or acne cosmetics. These procedures have not, however, been shown to be very effective when applied to the treatment of deep depressed scars, boxcars, or acne cosmetics. In this retrospective study, we assessed scar improvement in patients with deep depressed facial scars and boxcars treated with our novel combination of techniques.

METHODS

This study included all patients treated for deep depressed scars and boxcars at our clinic from 2018 to 2021. To be included, patients had to present in our clinic for the treatment of deep depressed scars or boxcars, have no prominent subcutaneous layer injury, and have full set of clear pre-and post-procedure photographs. All patients initially received technique combination including scar subcision, inner purse-string suturing, and dermal grafting for the first stage surgery treatment. In cases of residual uneven superficial scars, laser dermabrasion resurfacing was used as second-staged treatment. Preoperative and six-month postoperative scar appearance photographs were assessed for improvement by our three nonmedical staff members and divided into four improvement groups, as minimal, moderate, good, and excellent.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 24 patients (20 females and four males) with facial scarring. Two patients (8.3%) had moderate, 13 (54.2%) good and nine (37.5%) excellent improvement post-treatment. There were no instances of minimal improvement. Four patients received second stage laser dermabrasion resurfacing for residual uneven superficial scars.

CONCLUSION

We concluded deep depressed scars and boxcars can be easily, safely, and effectively treated using our novel combined scar subcision, inner purse-string suturing, and dermal grafting treatment with possible second-staged laser dermabrasion, and without major complications.

Single session of combined microfat and subcision in the treatment of Grade 4 atrophic acne scars

BACKGROUND

Severe atrophic acne scars (AAS) remain the "Achilles's heel" of AAS treatment. The combination of microfat and subcision treatment is a potential solution for severe AAS.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined microfat and subcision treatment for severe (Grade 4) AAS.

METHODS

Data of patients with Grade 4 AAS who underwent combined microfat and subcision treatment between September 2016 and December 2020 were reviewed. Post-treatment evaluation was performed at least 3 months postoperatively. The severity of AAS was graded based on Goodman's qualitative classification. The volume of concavities was measured using an Antera 3D camera. Complications were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients received a single treatment session. Excellent response was observed in 5 (11.9%) patients, very good in 13 (31.0%), good in 22 (52.4%), and poor response in 2 (4.7%). The average reduction of the total volume of concavities was 28.0%. The most common minor side effects were mild swelling and bruising. No major complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined microfat and subcision treatment is a safe and effective treatment for severe AAS. The approach will be a significant treatment for severe AAS.

A combined approach of subcision with either cross-linked hyaluronic acid or threads in the treatment of atrophic acne scars

BACKGROUND

Acne scars are one of the most common cosmetic concerns causing psychosocial distress.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of subcision versus its combination with either cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) or poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) threads in the treatment of atrophic post-acne scars.

METHODS

Forty patients of both genders with atrophic acne scars were subjected to subcision 1 month apart for 3 sessions. After the last session of subcision, the patients were reclassified randomly into 2 equal groups each received either HA or threads in one side of the face leaving the other side that underwent subcision before as a control. Clinical assessment was carried out by the physicians and patients. Photographs and skin biopsies were obtained. Follow-up was 6 months.

RESULTS

A significant clinical improvement was achieved in 67.3% of patients after subcision alone compared to 94.1%, 82.4% of subcision combined with HA or threads, respectively. Patients' satisfaction was higher in the combined groups compared to subcision alone (p < 0.0001). Side effects were tolerable and transient.

CONCLUSION

Subcision combined with HA or threads could offer a higher significant clinical improvement of acne scars than subcision alone.

Combined subcision, autologous platelet-rich plasma, and CROSS technique in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: Prospective split face study

Acne scars represent a therapeutic dilemma. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined subcision, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) technique in the treatment of acne scars. In 20 patients with atrophic acne scars, one facial side was treated with subcision plus PRP, and the other was treated with the same combination plus CROSS technique (trichloroacetic acid 50%) for 3 sessions at 3-week intervals. Clinical evaluation, digital photography, quantitative global scarring grading system, and Lipper and Perez score were done at baseline, every session, and 1 month after the last session. Participants assessed their improvement at the end of the follow-up period using a scale (0 to 10). There was a significant reduction in quantitative global scarring grading system (P < .001) and Lipper and Perez score (P < .001) after treatment compared with baseline in both sides. No significant difference was found when the two treated sides were compared after treatment by both scores. Patients' satisfaction was excellent (12 patients [60%]) and good (eight patients [40%]) with no significant difference between both sides. In conclusion, combined subcision and PRP is recommended for acne scars. Adding CROSS technique (trichloroacetic acid 50%) did not further ameliorate the condition.

Clinical and Histopathological evaluation of different tools for the Subcision of Atrophic Acne Scars

BACKGROUND

Acne scarring can lead to social and psychological distress.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety, efficacy, and long-term improvement of subcision using tri-beveled hypodermic (Th) needle versus cannula for the treatment of atrophic post-acne scars.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with atrophic post-acne scars were treated with subcision using (Th) needle on one side of the face and a blunt cannula on the other side of the face for 6 sessions one month apart. The primary outcome was based on the clinical improvement and patient satisfaction score. Skin biopsies were taken at baseline and 3months after the final session. Follow-up was 9 months.

RESULTS

Three months after the final session, a statistically highly significant difference was detected in both sides from the baseline (p < 0.001). The overall improvement was 73.9% on the (Th) needle side versus 65.2% on the cannula side (p = 0.68). There was no significant difference in acne severity scarring grade between both sides (p = 0.86). The mean number of sessions was significantly less in the (Th) needle side (p < 0.001). Collagen deposition and reorganization were achieved with both modalities. Patient satisfaction showed no significant difference between both sides. The side effects were mild and significantly higher in the (Th) needle side (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both modalities are effective and economic techniques. However, using a cannula is associated with much fewer side effects, more convenient for the patients and physicians compared to the (Th) needle.

Combined Treatment of Rolling Acne Scars in Ethnic Skin Using Extensive Subcision, Trichloracetic Acid Peel, and Fractional Ablative Erbium Laser

BACKGROUND

Successful treatment of acne scars in ethnic skin requires procedures that are safe and effective with a low incidence of hyper or hypopigmentation postoperatively.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the safety and efficacy of a combined treatment protocol including tumescent anesthesia, subcision, trichloracetic acid peel, and fractional erbium laser resurfacing was evaluated.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 56 patients (22 women and 34 men) with predominantly rolling acne scars and Fitzpatrick skin Types IV-VI who were treated using a combination of tumescent anesthesia, extensive subcision, fractional ablative erbium laser, and a blending 20% trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel.

RESULTS

The mean improvement after a single treatment, assessed by 3 independent evaluators (2 dermatologist and 1 dermatology physician assistant), was 2.52 (SD = 1.04) on a scale of 1 to 4.

CONCLUSION

The combination of tumescent anesthesia, extensive subcision, fractional ablative erbium laser resurfacing, and a blending 20% TCA peel (combined procedure) is both safe and effective in the treatment of rolling acne scars in ethnic skin types with acceptable temporary adverse effects.

Identifying and appraising patient-reported outcome measures on treatment satisfaction in acne: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

After dermatitis, acne is the next skin disease to contribute most to the burden of skin diseases worldwide. Recently, seven core outcome domains have been identified, which together form an Acne Core Outcome Set (ACORN). One of these was satisfaction with acne treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To identify studies that described the development of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS), evaluated one or more measurement properties of a PROM, or evaluated the interpretability of a PROM in patients with acne regarding treatment satisfaction.

METHODS

The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) search strategy for identifying PROMS on acne treatment satisfaction was used. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, PsycINFO and Academic Search premier (June 2020). Study selection, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality according to COSMIN guidance were carried out independently by two authors.

RESULTS

Only one study could be included, describing the development of a treatment satisfaction measure in patients with acne. The development was assessed as inadequate and data on measurement properties were lacking. Additionally, we found 188 studies reporting treatment satisfaction solely as an outcome, using a wide variety of methods, none of them standardized or validated.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not find a PROM on treatment satisfaction to recommend for a core outcome set in acne. There is an unmet need for a PROM on treatment satisfaction in acne that is robustly developed, designed and validated.

A split-face randomized controlled study comparing the efficacy and safety of intralesional radiofrequency-assisted subcision vs conventional subcision in postacne scars

BACKGROUND

Postacne scars have significant psychosocial distress among patients. Subcision is a well-known treatment modality specially for rolling type of acne scars, but is a crude mechanical process, which carries a risk of hematoma formation.

AIMS

To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency-assisted subcision (rSubcision) with conventional subcision in postacne scars.

METHODS

In this randomized, split-face study, adult patients with postacne scars were randomized to receive either conventional subcision or rSubcision in 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart and followed up for 2 months. Outcome was measured using Goodman and Baron score (GBS), investigator global assessment (IGA) by two blinded dermatologists, and patient global assessment (PGA).

RESULTS

Seventeen out of 21 patients completed the treatment. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using SPSS 15.0 statistical software (SPSS). Patients in both the groups had significant improvement from baseline according to quantitative scoring (P = .0001), number of scars (P = .0001), IGA, and PGA. The improvement was comparable in both the groups according to GBS and IGA but better on rSubcision side in terms of PGA. Two patients developed small entry point burn during rSubcision which healed in one month and one developed persistent hematoma with conventional subcision.

CONCLUSIONS

Both modalities were comparable in terms of assessment scores and investigator assessment, but patients found improvement better on rSubcision side.

Subcision: Indications, adverse reactions, and pearls

BACKGROUND

Subcision, also known as subcutaneous incisionless surgery, is a surgical intervention used to treat a variety of skin conditions including atrophic acne scars, depressed scars, cellulite, and wrinkles.

AIMS

We plan to prepare a review article about the indications of subcision, its adverse reactions, and pearls.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We searched the literature for the information about subcision and its applications from papers published up to March 2019. The search was performed through the databases of the National Library of Medicine.

RESULTS

After a thorough review of the published papers about subcision, we finally chose to review 40 articles that had proper sample size and design to prepare this review article. Twenty-one papers were related to the application of subcision in the treatment of acne scar and other scars. Four articles were about the application of subcision to treat cellulite, and eight articles were related to other applications of subcision such as the treatment of striae or nasolabial fold. The remaining seven articles include published review papers about subcision or acne scar classification.

CONCLUSION

Subcision seems to be effective on various skin conditions including acne scar, other depressed scars, and cellulite. It is easy to apply and inexpensive with short downtime and no significant complications. Subcision needs proper technique and adequate experience.

A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring. Part 1: Non-energy-based techniques

Acne is a common condition that can result in permanent scarring. We have performed a comprehensive literature search of the last 10 years in order to determine the efficacy and side effects of commonly used treatments against post-acne scarring. A total of 36 relevant articles were identified on the following interventions: subcision (10), dermabrasion (one), microneedling (eight), dermal fillers (five), and chemical peeling (12). Post acne scarring is a common and challenging condition with no easy and definitive solution. The above interventions have been used with varying degrees of efficacy, each having both pros and cons. All have been deemed to be safe with few and transient adverse reactions. However, further trials with larger number of patients are necessary in order to reach more concrete conclusions regarding their efficacy.

Needle subcision: a conservative treatment for facial dimpling after elimination of odontogenic infection source: a technical note

AIM

Extraoral skin fistula after resolution of odontogenic infection often resolves spontaneously, but in some cases, facial dimpling occur which needs revision surgery. This article evaluates the result of needle subcision for treatment of this condition, with or without dermal filler injection.

METHODS

Five patients with facial dimpling that was remained after elimination of odontogenic infection origin were evaluated. Subcision alone was used in four patients, and needle subcision followed by dermal filler was done in a patient.

RESULTS

Facial dimpling in the chin (a case), mandibular lower border (two cases) as well as cheek skin (two cases) were treated by this method. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Six month after surgery, treatment outcomes were stable.

CONCLUSION

Needle subcision is a simple and conservative method for correction of facial dimpling after elimination of odontogenic infection source.