So many of us have a little bit of excess fat or stubborn fat deposits that we work hard at to remove from our bodies, yet diet and exercise still seems to leave a little behind.
The thought of plastic surgery to help with this fat removal leads us to search out the best cosmetic surgeon to achieve this through liposuction results. Liposuction can remove this unwanted fat for most patients.
Many patients who are about to undergo liposuction surgery wonder does liposuction leave scars. Lipo scars aren’t normally visible scars once the healing process has been completed but there are always exceptions to the rules.
Let’s dig into some information that relates to liposuction scars so that we can develop a better understanding of what to expect following plastic surgery.
Liposuction Incisions and Scarring
Any surgical procedure which requires incisions can carry the potential for scarring, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the final results will end with visible scars. Opting for an experienced skilled surgeon like Dr. Galanis and diligently following his aftercare instructions, can help to ensure that any liposuction scars from your liposuction procedure is minimized or barely noticeable to others.
Scarring is an inherent aspect of the healing process when the dermis layer of the skin undergoes damage. The body’s response involves the production of collagen, which intertwines to create scar tissue as the incisions heal.
The ultimate appearance of the scar is influenced by factors such as the size and location of the wound, as well as an individual’s ethnicity, age, and genetics.
In the absence of scarring, many wounds would be unable to fully close. Almost all skin injuries, including burns, cuts, or other traumas, lead to some degree of visible scarring.
Factors That Determine Scar Visibility
Incision Size
Every liposuction procedure involves creating a small incision through which a thin vacuum-like device called a cannula is inserted to remove fat cells. These small incisions are like very small dots and are sometimes created with a punch rather than a scalpel.
Incisions might be as small as 2 millimeters, which could be compared to the tip of a fresh crayon. The size of the incision directly influences the size of the resulting scar, and obviously the smaller the incisions the smaller the scars.
Incision Location
Your surgeon will perform the procedure using tiny incisions strategically placed in inconspicuous areas. These liposuction incisions may be positioned beneath the bikini line, in the navel, or on the backside of the waistline depending on the targeted treatment area. Precaution will be taken when choosing an incision site to minimize liposuction scarring following your surgical procedure.
Patient Genes, Skin Type, and Age Factor
Genetics and age will play a role in liposuction patients potential scarring after their liposuction procedure. If you have experienced developing Keloid scars in the past, it is important to inform your plastic surgeon prior to your cosmetic surgery to try and minimize scarring.
Keloid scars form when the body excessively produces collagen in response to an injury. These Keloid scars are raised scars and may appear significantly darker than the surrounding skin.
Lack of skin care involving too much sun exposure can also contribute to hyperpigmentation scars, where the skin around the scar is lighter than the scar.
Post Surgical Care
Your surgical team will provide you with a list of important guidelines to live by following your liposuction surgery. This list will include information pertaining important tips and instructions. Here are a few of those recommendations.
- Stay Hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Very light exercise can be helpful for circulation
- Adhere to a light and healthy diet
- No drinking or smoking
- Wear loose comfortably clothing
- Change bandages as instructed and keep incision sites dry and clean
How to Minimize Liposuction Scarring
Follow Your Plastic Surgeons Post Op Instructions
Closely following your surgeons after surgery instructions will play a huge role in minimizing any subsequent scarring after liposuction. You will be sent home with information on how to best care for your incision sites to avoid highly visible scarring after liposuction. Failing to adhere to these instructions could possibly lead to infection and significant scarring that would complicate what could be a smooth recovery process.
Wear Your Compression Garments
Compression garments are worn following liposuction to help reduce swelling, decrease bruising, reduce the risk of infection, improve your comfort, and also to help minimize visible scarring. As part of the aftercare instructions, these garments will apply pressure to help flatten and soften the incision area to lead to gradual reduction of scar appearance.
Use Medical Grade Silicone Scar Gel
These silicon scar gels can help protect the scar tissue from invasion by harmful bacteria and they enhance the hydration of the stratum corneum, facilitating fibroblast production and a decrease in collagen production. This leads to softer and flatter scars while enabling the skin to breath. These gels will also reduce the discomfort and itching that normally accompanies scarring areas.
Drink Plenty of Water
Maintaining your hydration levels during the recovery phase of liposuction ensures that your skin remains moisturized from the inside out. Hydration proves beneficial for the healing process of scars. Well-moisturized skin enhances the likelihood that scars will fade over time, gradually matching the appearance of your normal skin.
Attend Follow Up Appointments
Your plastic surgeons expertise doesn’t end as soon as the plastic surgery is completed. You will need their guidance following liposuction procedures as well to properly monitor your recovery and direct you toward your desired results once fully healed.
Scar Removal Treatments
Silicone Gel Sheets
Silicone gel sheets are pliable, self-adhesive dressings applied over liposuction scars which contain silicone. The presence of silicone aids in enhancing the color, height, and texture of a scar. Silicone can also alleviate itching and discomfort associated with liposuction scars.
Microneedling
While microneedling can be helpful, microneedling may not always provide a permanent solution. In certain instances, the results can be temporary and may require regular maintenance through ongoing treatments. Nevertheless, there is compelling evidence to indicate that microneedling has demonstrated positive long-term effects in reducing the appearance of tiny scars.
Microdermabrasion
A handheld device utilized by your aesthetician is filled with a stream of tiny crystals, effectively exfoliating the outer layers of the skin. The device incorporates light suction to elevate the skin’s surface, concentrating the treatment.
When the deep layer of the skin (the dermis) is damaged, your skin responds by producing extra collagen to repair the injury, resulting in the formation of scars. While some scars naturally fade over time, deeper scars may require additional intervention to improve their appearance.
Laser Therapy
Laser/light therapy provides a non-invasive approach to enhancing the appearance of scars by harmonizing pigmentation with that of surrounding healthy tissue and promoting collagen production. Laser treatment is a popular technique for dermatologists in the treatment of diminishing raised liposuction scars after plastic surgery.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. In this procedure, cold gas or liquid nitrogen is applied to the affected area, causing a decrease in the skin surface temperature and a significant reduction in the volume of the keloid tissue.
Questions and Answers
What types of liposuction are there?
There about six different types of liposuction procedures performed today. The include Suction Assisted Liposuction, Tumescent Liposuction, SmartLipo, Vaser Liposuction, Power Assisted Liposuction, and High Definition Liposuction.
Do Lipo Scars Go Away?
Incorporating new practices during surgery can provide reassurance that your liposuction scars may fade within a few months. While some liposuction scars may persist, they might not be prominent enough to overshadow the confidence gained from your liposuction procedure.
What Do Liposuction Scars Look Like?
Liposuction scars are typically minimal since the cosmetic surgeon only needs to create an incision large enough for the insertion of small-diameter liposuction cannulas to extract fat.
While these skin blemishes may initially appear slightly raised, they tend to flatten over time and gradually assume a paler color over the first three months.
Are the results of liposuction permanent?
Liposuction reduces the quantity of fat cells in a targeted region, with the extent of fat removal contingent upon the area’s appearance and the volume of fat. The resulting shape changes with liposuction are permanent, provided that your weight remains the same. Following liposuction, the skin conforms to the newly contoured areas.
Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation
Reach out and contact us here at Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills to set up your initial liposuction consultation.
We’re ready to discuss the ins and outs of the procedure and get you on your way to the same satisfaction that many of our other patients have come to enjoy.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction-scars
