One of the first questions patients ask when they come in for a liposuction consultation is: “Does Liposuction Leave Scars?”
After all, for most patients, the idea of having scars after lipo is not welcome — and it’s understandable why.
The majority of people simply don’t want others to know that they’ve had fat removed via liposuction. And while there’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of, everyone has the right to discreetly undergo these procedures and to benefit from their results without telling anyone.
Moreover, scarring is undesirable after lipo because it can mar your liposuction results. Patients understandably desire smooth, less visible scars after cosmetic surgery too.
With all of that said, any surgery that requires incisions is going to result in some scar tissue or at least some scarring. This is true across the board, and it’s true for liposuction.
Understanding Liposuction Incisions, Scar Types, and How to Treat Liposuction Scars
Liposuction is a popular plastic surgery procedure designed to remove excess fat and contour the body. Like any surgical procedure, it involves small incisions where the cannula is inserted. These liposuction incisions are typically discreet and minimal — often no larger than a freckle — but they can still result in visible scarring for some patients.
Scarring varies depending on several factors, including skin type, genetics, and how well you follow the healing process. While many patients experience minimal marks, others may develop more noticeable scarring, particularly in sensitive areas such as the abdomen, where stomach liposuction scars can sometimes be more visible.
One of the main concerns with scarring is the formation of scar tissue. This can become raised or discolored over time, leading to cosmetic concerns. Among the different types of scarring, keloid scars and hypertrophic scars are most frequently discussed. Both involve an overproduction of collagen, but keloid scars are more severe, often growing beyond the boundaries of the original wound. This makes them a common concern, especially for patients prone to developing keloid scars due to genetic predisposition. In fact, keloid scars may appear even after tiny incisions, and developing keloid scars on high-movement areas can be particularly frustrating. Men may also have concerns about male liposuction scars, especially if they’re located on the chest or abdomen.
For patients undergoing both liposuction and a tummy tuck, proper incision management becomes even more crucial to prevent noticeable scarring. A skilled cosmetic surgeon will plan the placement of incisions carefully to minimize visibility.
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat liposuction scars. Options include silicone gel sheets, laser treatments, and professional therapies to reduce keloid scars and smooth out raised tissue. Following post-op instructions closely, avoiding sun exposure, and staying hydrated are all key components in supporting a smooth recovery and minimizing scarring long term.
Does Liposuction Leave Scars?
As stated above, yes, if you undergo liposuction, you will have at least some slight scarring after your surgical procedure..
But there’s a caveat here: Just because you have visible scarring afterwards from liposuction doesn’t mean that those scars have to be noticeable. In fact, with a little bit of know-how, you can make your liposuction scars so discreet that they are almost invisible.
WHAT DO LIPOSUCTION SCARS LOOK LIKE?
Liposuction scars are extremely small because the tiny incisions that make them only need to be big enough for your surgeon to fit a cannula (thin metal instrument used in liposuction) inside. In fact, most patients find that their liposuction incisions are each about the size of a small freckle once the incisions have healed. Not only that, but over time, these small dots will naturally fade in appearance and flatten out.
The biggest possible drawback regarding liposuction scarring is potential discoloration around the incision site. This can sometimes occur (though not always), and it usually depends on your skin type.
4 TIPS FOR GETTING RID OF LIPOSUCTION SCARS
When it comes to invasive cosmetic surgeries (those requiring incisions), just look at any liposuction before and after scars pictures and you’ll instantly see that lipo scars are not usually a major problem for patients.
Still, they can happen, so it’s good to prepare ahead of time and do all you can to avoid them. Here are our best tips for preventing and getting rid of lipo scars and scarring after liposuction surgery.
- Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions diligently.
Your surgeon knows best how to avoid and treat lipo scars. So, when you receive your aftercare instructions and are told things like, “Refrain from physically exerting activities,” and “Stay out of the sun,” heed these warnings. Failing to abide by these and other rules can compromise your health and may cause exacerbated scarring.
- Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated while recovering from liposuction will keep your skin moisturized from the inside out. This is ideal when it comes to scar the healing process. The better moisturized your skin is, the more your scars will fade to match your normal skin.
- Use silicone gel sheets once your incisions have fully healed.
If your lipo scar is visible after healing takes place, you may consider using silicone gel sheets to fade it over time. Silicone gel sheets work by providing hydration to fat cells under the skin. They can also reduce collagen production, which in the case of scars, is good because overproduction of collagen may result in more-visible, raised scars.
- Try laser therapy.
Over several years, liposuction scars should fade significantly on their own. But some patients want liposuction faster results.
If this is the case for you, we recommend trying a liposuction scars treatment using laser therapy. Lasers work by the fat deposits stimulating the growth of new cells. After several sessions, you will notice a significant improvement in the appearance of any liposuction scarring.
Questions and Answers: Does Liposuction Leave Scars?
Questions and Answers: Does Liposuction Leave Scars?Do scars from lipo go away?
In the event that scarring does occur after liposuction, it typically manifests as a small dot resembling the size of a freckle.
Fortunately, in the majority of cases, scars of this size tend to gradually fade over the following six months until they become virtually imperceptible.
Why are my lipo scars so big?
The occurrence of scarring in liposuction procedures can be attributed to inadequate incision placement. Additionally, hyperpigmentation, which is another potential side effect of liposuction, can contribute to a more noticeable appearance of the healed incision on your skin.
What scars do you have from liposuction?
Dyschromia, or discoloration, is the prevailing form of scarring resulting from liposuction. It encompasses two primary variations: hyperpigmentation, characterized by darkened scars, and hypopigmentation, which manifests as lighter or bleached-out scars. Although less common, there are also rare instances where patients may experience hypertrophic and keloid scars.
How big is a liposuction scars?
If scarring occurs after undergoing liposuction procedure, it is commonly observed as a small dot resembling the size of a freckle. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, tiny scars of this magnitude tend to gradually diminish over the course of approximately six months until they become barely noticeable.
What is the best way to manage liposuction scars?
- Silicone gel sheets
- Chemical peels and microdermabrasion
- Cryotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Scar removal treatments
SCHEDULE YOUR Fat Removal Procedure CONSULTATION TODAY
If you’re interested in getting rid of excess fat by way of liposuction, give our office a call today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Raja Mohan Dallas Plastic Surgeon.
Dr. Mohan specializes in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. He will provide you with details about the liposuction procedure as well as information on how you can avoid liposuction scars and create a beautiful new silhouette to be proud of.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Mohan today — we’re here to answer your questions and look forward to helping you feel confident in your results!
REFERENCES
https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction-scars