Subcision
Pronunciation: sub-SIH-zhun
A minimally invasive procedure using a hypodermic needle or dedicated device inserted beneath the skin to release fibrous tethering that causes depressed acne scars.
Full Definition
Subcision (also spelled 'subcission' in some older texts, though the single-s form is standard) is a technique in which a bevelled needle or a specialised device such as a Nokor needle is inserted subdermally and moved in a fan-like motion to sever fibrous strands anchoring depressed scars to deeper tissue. It is commonly performed in combination with fillers, microneedling, or PRP to maximise scar elevation. Editors should use the single-s spelling 'subcision' and ensure it is not conflated with 'excision', which involves tissue removal. The term is always lowercase.
Usage
Usage note: The preferred spelling is 'subcision' (one 's' before '-ion'). Editors should flag the variant 'subcission' as a misspelling. Not to be confused with 'excision' (surgical removal).
In Context
- "Subcision was performed prior to filler injection to release the fibrous tethering beneath the rolling acne scar." — Procedural report
- "The manuscript consistently used 'subcission'; the editor corrected all instances to 'subcision' per standard dermatology terminology." — Manuscript editing note