Does Liposuction Leave Scars?
Patients choose to pursue cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance, so it’s understandable that they are concerned about scars. Liposuction is a hugely popular procedure that involves tiny incisions, but the question of scarring is still present. This blog discusses the nature and types of liposuction scars, how to minimize scarring, and how to treat scars after surgery.
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What Is Liposuction?
The most popular cosmetic surgery procedure annually in the U.S. and worldwide is liposuction. This versatile surgery can be performed on its own but often accompanies other procedures, like tummy tucks and Brazilian Butt Lifts. Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that involves making tiny incisions in the skin, inserting a thin tube (a cannula), and suctioning out fat deposits. Common target areas include the abdomen, back, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. Sometimes this fat is harvested and used for fat transfer injections in the face, breasts, or buttocks.
Does Liposuction Leave Scars?
The short answer is yes. The liposuction procedure involves making incisions. Although these incisions are tiny, any incision in the skin can leave scars. That said, liposuction scars tend to be very small. An experienced plastic surgeon will know what approach to take to minimize scarring during and after a liposuction procedure, including placing incisions in the least noticeable area.
What Types of Scars Can Liposuction Leave?
- Hyperpigmentation: If you look at a picture of someone who had liposuction within the last few months, you may notice slightly reddish marks flush with the rest of the skin where the incisions were made. This is called hyperpigmentation and is caused by an influx of melanin at the site of the wound during healing. Hyperpigmentation is the most likely type of post-inflammatory mark patients will experience after liposuction, and luckily, it tends to fade well within one year after surgery.
- Keloid Scars: Keloid scars are raised scars caused by the overproduction of collagen at the wound site. They are a rare liposuction complication, but they are possible, especially for individuals with darker skin or a history of keloid scar formation. If you notice keloid scars after any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to discuss them with your surgeon right away for prompt treatment.
- Fibrosis: Fibrosis is the development of thick or scarred tissue in response to damage or injury. This is a form of internal scarring, and in the case of liposuction, it can occur due to the trauma caused to the underlying tissue by the cannula and suctioning, depending on the liposuction technique used. Fibrosis is a rare side effect of liposuction, but there are treatments this condition responds well to if pursued promptly.
How to Minimize Liposuction Scarring
Remember, following all instructions your plastic surgeon provides you before and after surgery is vital. This proactive approach will ensure minimal scarring and optimal results, making you an active participant in your recovery journey.
- Stop Nicotine Use: Studies show that smoking cigarettes and the use of nicotine products—including vaping—negatively affect wound healing. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, limiting blood flow to wound areas and significantly delaying healing, especially in the crucial early stages of recovery.
- Compression Garments: Compression therapy significantly improves scar healing. Compression and support garments are widely used in post-surgical applications because they reinforce wounds and prevent friction and skin stretching. Promoting proper healing from the outset is a preferable approach to curative or remedial ones.
- Silicone Strips: Silicone strips and gels keep the scars soft and more comfortable for patients and help to prevent and treat keloid and hypertrophic scars.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Exposure to the sun’s UV rays excites melanocyte activity, making scars darker and more noticeable. For the first several weeks after surgery, use sunscreen, cover the area with protective clothing, and stay indoors whenever possible.
Post-Operative Scar Treatment
Suppose you’ve recently had liposuction and are not fully satisfied with how your incisions heal. In that case, there are treatments known to reduce the visibility of the scar or mark.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): PRP uses the patient’s own blood plasma, which is processed to create a concentrated formula rich in platelets. This formula can then be used to treat wounds and many other ailments. PRP has been shown to have substantial benefits for wound healing. Dr. Kao offers multiple PRP therapies to his patients at his aesthetic boutique in Santa Monica.
- Microneedling: Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy (CRT) in which tiny needles are used to create controlled punctures in the skin. Several sessions of microneedling can significantly improve the appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are powerful resurfacing tools with minimal downtime. They can address textured scars and dyspigmentation caused by incisions.
- Laser Treatments: Laser scar revision is an effective non-surgical treatment for scars featuring irregularities in texture and pigment. Lasers can be used soon after surgery to treat surgical scars.
How to Get Rid of Internal Scar Tissue After Liposuction
Fibrosis is the formation of hardened internal tissues, which can cause deformities in the body contour and obscure the results of your surgery. Luckily, there is a straightforward and highly effective solution: lymphatic massage. Dr. Kao is proud to offer his patients lymphatic massage at his office in Beverly Hills to aid in their post-surgery recovery.
Lymphatic massage is especially beneficial for the body during the recovery period. Surgery interrupts lymphatic system activity, limiting the body’s ability to move and eliminate waste, including medical and anesthetic residue left in the body after surgery. Lymphatic massage provides a host of benefits, including reduced pain and swelling, a shorter recovery, and improved skin elasticity and soft tissue repair.
Generally, it is best practice to undergo a series of lymphatic massages after any surgical procedure. The benefits of lymphatic massage are manifold and include reduced risk of fibrosis and improved results.
Are You Interested in Liposuction in Los Angeles?
If you’re ready to learn more about liposuction, it’s important to see a qualified professional who uses the latest techniques and technologies for optimal results. Dr. Kao is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to providing beautiful results for his patients.
To find out more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kao today by filling out our online contact form below or call (310) 315-9211.
