If youāve been dealing with deep acne scarsāespecially tethered scars that leave dents or shadows on your skināsubcision is probably on your radar. Itās one of the most effective treatments for rolling scars and depressed boxcar scars, and when done correctly, it can make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels.
Ā But what if youāre also takingĀ Accutane (isotretinoin)? Can you still get subcision? Should you wait? Is it safe?Ā Ā
Ā Letās break down the facts, the risks, and what you need to know if you're thinking aboutĀ subcision on Accutaneāor if you're planning for future treatment while on this powerful medication.Ā Ā
This is one of the most common and important questions we hear from acne scar patients at Qazi Cosmetic Center in Orange County, and the answer isnāt always a simple yes or no.
What Is Subcision?
Subcision is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat acne scars that are tethered down by fibrotic bands under the skin. A blunt cannula or needle is inserted under the scar to break those bands, which allows the skin to lift and the area to remodel naturally with collagen over time.
Itās especially effective for:
- Rolling scars
- Boxcar scars with soft edges
- Scars that worsen under angled light (a sign of tethering)
Subcision can also be combined with fillers (like Bellafill), PRP, or energy-based devices for enhanced results.
But here's the catch: subcision causes controlled trauma, and your skin has to be healthy enough to handle that trauma and heal properly.
So⦠Can You Do Subcision While on Accutane?
In most cases, noāyou shouldnāt do subcision while actively taking Accutane.
Accutane (also called isotretinoin) is a powerful medication that significantly reduces oil production and inflammation in the skin. Itās life-changing for many people with severe or persistent acne. But it also affects your skinās ability to heal, which is why most medical providersāincluding our team at Qazi Cosmetic Centerārecommend waiting before jumping into procedures like subcision.
Why the caution?
- Accutane can thin the skin and slow wound healing.
- Procedures like subcision involve controlled injury beneath the skin.
- Doing subcision on Accutane may increase the risk of scarring, infection, or pigment changes.
- The skin may respond unpredictably due to its altered healing state.
So while it might feel frustrating to wait, itās safer in the long run to let your skin fully recover before starting scar treatments.
Whatās the Waiting Period After Accutane?
Traditionally, dermatologists recommended waiting 6 to 12 months after finishing Accutane before performing any procedures that disrupt the skin barrier, including lasers, microneedling, or subcision.
However, newer studies suggest that this waiting period might not need to be quite as long, especially for treatments that donāt target the surface of the skin.
At Qazi Cosmetic Center, we take a case-by-case approach:
- If you're on a low-dose or short course of Accutane, we may consider starting certain treatments soonerāwith caution.
- If youāve finished Accutane recently, weāll assess your skinās healing response, moisture levels, and inflammation before creating a plan.
- We may recommend starting with less invasive options first, then easing into subcision once the skin shows it can handle trauma.
Bottom line? The wait is worth it. Treating scars too early can backfire. Timing matters just as much as the technique.
What You Can Do While Youāre on Accutane
Just because you canāt do subcision right now doesnāt mean you have to do nothing. There are still things you can do while on Accutane to support your skin, prep for scar treatment, and protect your results once you're ready.
Hereās what we recommend:
- Stay consistent with your Accutane regimen. Focus on acne control firstāactive breakouts must be managed before scar treatment begins.
- Use gentle, hydrating skincare. Accutane dries out the skin, so prioritize barrier repair with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
- Avoid harsh exfoliants, acids, or irritating products.
- Wear SPF every single day. Sun exposure can worsen scars and pigmentationāespecially when your skin is sensitized from Accutane.
- Book a virtual consultation to map out your future plan. Itās helpful to discuss your skin history and goals now so you can start treatment as soon as youāre ready.
Financing Options Are Available
We understand that acne scar treatment is an investmentāone that often requires multiple sessions and long-term planning.
To make it more accessible, we offer flexible financing through:
- Cherry
- CareCredit
- Alpheon
- Affirm
Explore payment plans or apply ahead of time through our financing page. Our goal is to help you heal your skin without financial stress.
Not Local? No ProblemāWe Offer Virtual Consultations
At Qazi Cosmetic Center, weāve helped thousands of patients from around the world begin their acne scar journeyāeven before theyāre ready for treatment.
Many of our patients fly in from out of state for in-person procedures, and weāve made it easy to get started:
- Schedule a virtual consultationĀ - no phone call needed
- Weāre located just five minutes from John Wayne Airport in Orange County
- Most patients fly in and out the same day for treatment
- The airport staff is familiar with our clinic and frequently assist Qazi patients
- Weāll help plan your treatment timelineāespecially if youāre currently on Accutane
Prefer to talk to someone? Call our office directly at (949)-336-7293.
Quick Takeaways: Subcision and Accutane
- Subcision is not typically recommended during active Accutane use
- Waiting 6ā12 months is safest, but timing can vary based on your dose, skin condition, and healing response
- Premature treatment increases the risk of complications like scarring, slow healing, or pigment changes
- Focus on acne control firstāscar revision comes second
- Book a virtual consult to plan your treatment timeline, even if youāre still on medication
- Qazi Cosmetic Center offers same-day travel options and flexible financing
Final Thoughts
If youāre feeling stuck between finishing Accutane and wanting to treat your scars right away, youāre not alone. Acne scars can affect your confidence, and the urge to āfix it nowā is completely understandable.
But subcision isnāt a quick fixāitās a medical procedure that requires the right timing, the right technique, and the right skin environment to work. Rushing it while youāre still on Accutane can set you back, not move you forward.
At Qazi Cosmetic Center, weāre here to help you plan wiselyāso your skin can heal fully, and your results can last. Whether youāre currently on isotretinoin or just finished a course, weāll walk you through the best next steps.
Book your consultation today by clicking here orĀ call (949)-336-7293.
Letās get you clear, confident, and scar-freeāon your schedule, safely and strategically.