Acne Scar Rewind
(Subcision & Fat Grafting)

Fat cell grafting, also known as fat transfer, involves moving fat cells from one area of the body to another. As an essential component of our Rewind procedure, this process includes a minor liposuction step, best performed by a trained plastic surgeon.

Using a low-pressure handheld liposuction technique, a small volume of adipose fat cells—typically 10-20 cc—is extracted from the patient’s hip area. The donor site remains unaffected after the procedure. The harvested fat is then processed and purified, with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) separated from the patient’s blood. Mixing PRP with the purified fat cells before injection enhances the survival of the cells post-transfer.

Since the 1990s, plastic surgeons like Dr. Sadove have extensively employed fat grafting to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, buttocks, face, hands, and hips. Numerous publications have highlighted the clinical applicability, therapeutic, and reconstructive benefits of fat grafting in wound healing and scar treatment. This extensive experience and proven efficacy are why we choose to combine auto fat transfer with our Rewind procedure, ensuring superior results over other filler materials.

The Acne Scar Rewind procedure at The Acne Scar Center uses various local anesthetics administered by Dr. Sadove in our outpatient office setting. The choice of anesthetic depends on the volume of fat to be extracted via liposuction, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness for treating acne scars.

Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable and awake during the acne scar treatment, maintaining your level of consciousness. This approach allows for the safe and efficient harvesting of small volumes of fat and the execution of the subcision procedure, crucial for effective acne scar removal.

If you feel nervous or apprehensive about the procedure, a light sedative such as Valium can be provided, as long as you have arranged for transportation home. At The Acne Scar Center, we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the acne scar treatment process.

Subcision Recovery: What to Expect After Your Acne Scar Rewind Procedure

After your Acne Scar Rewind procedure, you can expect some swelling and numbness in the treated areas. The combination of local anesthetic and transferred fat will cause the treated area(s) to appear “overfilled” for the first 48-72 hours. Moderate swelling will persist for about two weeks, and mild swelling may continue for the next couple of months as the transferred fat settles.

While there is typically little to no bruising on the face, some bruising and soreness may occur at the fat transfer donor site. Patients often report feeling more discomfort at the donor site than in the subcised area.

Pain medication may be prescribed for the initial recovery period, but most patients transition to Tylenol after the first couple of days. At The Acne Scar Center, we prioritize your comfort and aim to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

Expected Results from Subcision and Fat Transfer for Acne Scars

As with any acne scar treatment, results from the Acne Scar Rewind procedure can vary from patient to patient. Factors such as the severity and age of scarring significantly influence the degree of improvement achieved after subcision with auto fat transfer.

Our patients typically report substantial improvement in the texture and appearance of their acne scars, especially compared to other treatments they have tried, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, and microneedling.

We anticipate that most patients will experience at least a 50% improvement after a single Acne Scar Rewind treatment. Many patients, however, report feeling that their acne scars have improved by 70% or more.

For those seeking further enhancement, additional treatments may be recommended to achieve optimal results. At The Acne Scar Center, our goal is to provide you with the best possible outcomes for smoother, clearer skin.