Rolling Scars Treatment in Singapore
Rolling scars are broad, shallow dips that give the skin a wave-like surface. They are held down by bands of scar tissue under the skin, which is why surface treatments alone often disappoint. At IN Eternity Clinic, Medical Director Dr Sin Yong maps each scar type before planning treatment.
Treatment page: acne scar treatment in Singapore.
WhatsApp to Enquire →Key facts ↓Rolling scars are broad, shallow acne scars with sloping edges that make the skin look uneven in side lighting. They form when bands of scar tissue pull the skin down from underneath, so lasers used alone often do little. Treatment usually starts with subcision to release the bands, followed by collagen-building treatment such as fractional laser or RF microneedling. At IN Eternity Clinic in Singapore, Dr Sin Yong maps scar types first and plans in stages. Results vary.
- Rolling scars are tethered: fibrous bands anchor the skin to deeper tissue, which is why these scars look better when the skin is stretched [1].
- Subcision treats the cause: a needle or cannula releases the bands under the scar. In a 40-patient study, patients and assessors both rated rolling scars as improved after subcision [2].
- Scar type decides the method: rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars respond to different treatments, and most faces have a mix [1].
- The goal is improvement: scar grading systems measure change in steps, and complete removal of atrophic scars is not a realistic aim [3].
What rolling scars look like
Rolling scars are usually four to five millimetres wide or more, with soft, sloping edges. One scar blends into the next, so the cheek looks gently rippled, most obviously under overhead or side lighting [1].
- Stretch test. If the dip flattens when you stretch the skin between two fingers, it is likely a rolling scar.
- Boxcar scars have sharp, vertical edges, like a small crater. See boxcar scars.
- Ice-pick scars are narrow and deep, like a pinhole. See ice-pick scars.
- Most people with acne scarring have more than one type, which is why mapping comes before treatment.
Why rolling scars are tethered
After deep, inflamed acne, the body repairs the damage with scar tissue. In rolling scars this tissue forms bands that tie the underside of the skin to the layer beneath. The surface itself may be nearly normal; it is being pulled down from below [1].
This is why a laser alone often gives little change in rolling scars. Resurfacing improves the skin surface, but it does not cut the bands that hold the scar down.
How rolling scars are treated
- Subcision. Under local anaesthetic, a fine needle or blunt cannula is passed under the scar to release the bands. The skin lifts, and the healing response lays down new collagen in the space [2]. See subcision in Singapore.
- Support after release. In selected scars, a small amount of filler or a collagen stimulator is placed under the released area to keep it from re-tethering.
- Collagen-building resurfacing. Fractional laser or RF microneedling is added to smooth the surface and edges once the scar is released.
- Combined protocols. For mixed scarring, methods are sequenced in one plan. See SCAR3 and acne scar treatment in Singapore.
Sessions are usually spaced four to eight weeks apart, and collagen continues to remodel for three to six months after the last one. Results vary between people.
Downtime and risks
- Bruising and swelling are common after subcision and usually settle in one to two weeks.
- Small firm bumps can form at treated sites and normally soften over several weeks.
- Temporary redness, and in darker skin types temporary darkening, can follow laser or RF treatment.
- Infection, nerve irritation and persistent lumps are uncommon.
Who should wait
- Active, inflamed acne should be controlled first, or new scars will keep forming.
- Recent oral isotretinoin, a tendency to keloids, pregnancy and blood-thinning medication all affect timing and method.
- A consultation covers your skin type, scar mix and work or social schedule before a plan is set.
Frequently asked questions
What are rolling scars?
Rolling scars are broad, shallow acne scars with sloping edges that give the skin a wave-like surface. They are caused by bands of scar tissue pulling the skin down from underneath.
What is the usual treatment for rolling scars?
Subcision is usually the first step, because it releases the bands that hold the scar down. It is often followed by collagen-building treatment such as fractional laser or RF microneedling to smooth the surface.
Can rolling scars be removed completely?
Complete removal is not a realistic aim. Most people see the scars become shallower and less visible in ordinary lighting over a course of treatment. How much improvement you get depends on scar depth, skin type and healing.
How many subcision sessions do rolling scars need?
Many people need two to four sessions, spaced four to eight weeks apart, though this varies with how many scars there are and how firmly they are tethered. The plan is reviewed after each session.
Is subcision painful, and what is the downtime?
Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure and tugging more than pain. Bruising and swelling are expected for one to two weeks, so it helps to plan around events.
Why did laser not improve my rolling scars?
Lasers resurface the skin but do not release the bands under a rolling scar. If the scar is still tethered, the dip remains. Releasing it first usually makes later resurfacing more worthwhile.
How much does rolling scar treatment cost in Singapore?
It depends on the number of scars, the methods combined and the number of sessions, so it is set out after assessment. Market ranges are in our price guide. The consultation fee is S
Book an assessment
IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210. By appointment with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm. WhatsApp or call +65 8815 3008. At IN Eternity Clinic a consultation fee applies, and it is waived if you go ahead with any medical treatment; the fee is S
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References
- Jacob CI, Dover JS, Kaminer MS. Acne scarring: a classification system and review of treatment options. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45(1):109-117. PubMed
- Alam M, Omura N, Kaminer MS. Subcision for acne scarring: technique and outcomes in 40 patients. Dermatol Surg 2005;31(3):310-317. PubMed
- Goodman GJ, Baron JA. Postacne scarring: a qualitative global scarring grading system. Dermatol Surg 2006;32(12):1458-1466. PubMed
Figures taken from the published papers and abstracts. Results vary between people; suitability is decided at an in-person consultation.