Filler vs Subcision for Acne Scars — Which One, or Both Together
Filler vs Subcision for acne scars · how they differ · which scars · cost · risks. Dr. Big compares honestly · Clarity Clinic Ratchathewi, near BTS.
“Is filler better for acne scars, or Subcision?”
Dr. Big hears this weekly — and the answer isn’t “which is better” but “which suits which scar.” Some cases need only Subcision, some need filler as a supplement, some aren’t suitable for filler at all.
How they work — different roots
Subcision = cutting the “fibrous band” that pulls the scar
Acne scars come from fibrous bands tethering the skin down · Subcision uses a cannula under the skin to release them → the skin lifts. Works at the root cause.
Read more: What is Subcision.
Filler = adding “material” into the scar
HA (Hyaluronic Acid) is injected beneath the scar to fill the depression to the surrounding level. Compensates for what’s missing.
Subcision fixes the root cause · filler masks the symptom — both have distinct strengths.
Comparison
| Factor | Subcision | HA Filler |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Releases bands | Fills under the skin |
| Result | Lift from new collagen | Smoothness from injected material |
| Lasts | Permanent (with maintenance) | 6–18 months · needs refilling |
| See result | 4–12 weeks | Immediate after injection |
| Suits | Rolling, box scars | Rolling, deep atrophic |
| Not for | Ice pick | Ice pick, hypertrophic |
| Pain | Moderate | Low |
| Downtime | Swelling 2–3 days | Swelling 1–2 days |
| Risk | Low (skilled doctor) | Vascular occlusion (rare) |
Which scars each suits best
Subcision: ✅ rolling scars · ✅ wide box scars · ❌ ice pick (too narrow) · ❌ pit-type. Filler: ✅ large rolling scars · ✅ old atrophic scars Subcision didn’t lift fully · ❌ ice pick · ❌ hypertrophic.
Read more: Acne scar types and Rolling scars — HA + PDLLA.
HA fillers for acne scars — which
Restylane · Juvederm · Belotero. ⚠️ Never use permanent fillers (silicone, PMMA) — they stay forever and are hard to correct.
Total cost over a year
Subcision only (3–5 sessions): 15,000–25,000 baht (Clarity) · permanent with maintenance. Filler only: 1 session 15,000–25,000 baht (genuine 1cc in Thailand) · refill every 12–18 months · 5 years = 75,000–125,000 baht. Combined (complex cases): best long-term value.
At Clarity — Subcision is in the 5,000 baht/session package · filler is an optional add-on (assessed per case, priced before deciding · price depends on brand and amount).
Who suits filler more
- Wants immediate results (big event in 1–2 weeks) · 2. Afraid of Subcision/downtime · 3. Deep atrophic scars Subcision didn’t shallow · 4. Age 40+ with slow collagen.
Who suits Subcision more
- Age < 35 (good collagen) · 2. Mostly rolling scars · 3. Wants permanent results · 4. Tighter budget.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is filler for acne scars dangerous? A: Not if a skilled doctor uses genuine HA · very low risk · but never use permanent (silicone) fillers.
Q: Does filler disappear and waste money? A: HA filler gradually dissolves (6–18 months) · doesn’t linger · safe.
Q: Does Subcision hurt more than filler? A: Both are numbed · similar · Subcision feels like “pulling,” filler like “tightness.”
Q: Can I do both the same day? A: Yes in some cases · Subcision first → filler to top up spots still not shallow · Dr. Big assesses first.
Q: Where can I discuss which suits me near BTS? A: At Clarity Clinic Ratchathewi, near BTS Ratchathewi (1-min walk), easy to reach from Siam, Phaya Thai, all of Bangkok — Dr. Big assesses and treats in person, free 30-min consult.
Summary
Subcision = root cause · permanent · best long-term value. Filler = immediate · needs refilling · for specific cases. Dr. Big mostly recommends Subcision as the core, with filler to top up spots not yet shallow · overall 60–80% improvement in 3–5 sessions.
Contact:
- LINE: @clarityclinic — send a photo of your acne scars for Dr. Big to review
- Location: Spring Tower, B Floor · Ratchathewi, near BTS (Siam, Phaya Thai, all Bangkok)
- Free 30-minute consult with Dr. Big in person
- Price 5,000 baht/session including all main procedures + aftercare cream · pay per session, no course packages
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