Does Liposuction Leave Scars?

Posted June 14, 2024 in Body Procedures

When considering liposuction and other cosmetic surgeries, patients are often concerned about the resulting scars. How big will they be? Are they noticeable? How can I reduce the visibility of my liposuction scars? This blog discusses everything you need to know about liposuction scars before your treatment.

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The Concern About Liposuction Scars

Some of the most frequently asked questions potential patients have about cosmetic procedures are regarding scarring. The reality is that whenever an incision is made on the skin, there will be a resulting scar. However, the size, location, and visibility of the scars depend on the type of procedure you are undergoing and the extent of the surgery. This blog discusses the specifics of scars after a liposuction procedure—what you can expect, risk factors, and how to minimize their visibility.

The Size of Liposuction Incisions

No matter where you choose to get liposuction, the good news is that the incisions are always small. Traditional liposuction incisions are typically less than a half inch. When Dr. Hadeed performs his signature TriDef® Liposculpting procedure, the incisions he uses are even smaller, usually about a quarter of an inch and are placed in inconspicuous locations.

Traditional liposuction and Dr. Hadeed’s TriDef® Liposculpting both require the use of tumescent fluid, a saline solution containing lidocaine (for pain relief), as well as other ingredients to maximize the efficiency of the liposuction procedure while minimizing pain and trauma to the treatment area. Administering tumescent fluid requires a tiny incision at the same site where the liposuction cannula is inserted, so extra incisions are unnecessary.

Tumescent fluid helps loosen the fat from the surrounding tissue, making it easier to remove. The small cannula used in traditional liposuction is then moved gently around the treatment area to dislodge excess fat and vacuum it out. TriDef® Liposculpting uses VASER® liposuction, which employs ultrasound energy to gently break apart fat cells and liquefy them for gentle, easy removal via cannula from the treatment area. The second step of TriDef® Liposculpting is skin tightening with Renuvion®, which uses the liposuction incision to insert the device.

Your liposuction incisions will be very small, and the efficiency of the process means that you’ll only need one incision in each treatment area for maximum results and minimal scarring.

Factors That Affect Liposuction Scars

Everyone’s skin is different and, as such, responds differently to wounds. For most people, small incisions like those used in liposuction heal quickly and easily, leaving behind a fine red line that will eventually fade to an almost imperceptible mark.

However, certain factors may influence how your liposuction incisions heal, including:

Genetics: A person’s genetic makeup plays an important role in wound healing and scar formation. Some people are predisposed to form thicker, more noticeable scars than others.

Age: Younger skin tends to heal more efficiently but may also form more prominent scars due to more robust collagen production. Conversely, older skin heals more slowly but may produce less noticeable scars.

Skin Type and Color: Genetics and skin type affect how your body creates scars. For some, under-production of collagen when producing scar tissue can cause a scar and leave a depression in the skin. Overproduction of scar tissue can cause raised scarring or even keloid scarring.

Smoking: There’s a reason why surgeons ask that you refrain from smoking before and after surgery. Nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict, inhibiting blood flow and making it difficult for oxygen and vital nutrients to reach the incision, slowing the healing process.

Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol suppresses your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infection. Alcohol also contributes to inflammation, which may inhibit wound healing.

Complications: Incision complications after liposuction are rare, but there is always a slight chance that infection or poor wound healing can affect how the incision scar looks.

Again, because liposuction incisions are generally several millimeters in length and placed in stealth locations, the likelihood of visible scarring is relatively low.

How to Minimize the Appearance of Liposuction Scars

When performing liposuction, most surgeons try to hide the incisions in natural skin creases or folds to further limit visibility. But you can also do your part to ensure that your incisions heal nicely and that your scars fade quickly. Here are several tips to help you reduce the appearance of liposuction scars:

Choose an Experienced Surgeon: Selecting a highly qualified and experienced surgeon is crucial. Skilled surgeons know how to make the smallest incisions possible and place them in inconspicuous areas. They also use precise techniques that minimize tissue trauma, which can significantly reduce the risk of noticeable scarring.

Follow all Postoperative Care Instructions: It’s important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions, which may include keeping the incision sites clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that may stretch the skin, and not submerging the incisions in water for extended periods. Proper wound care can help ensure your liposuction incisions heal well without complications.

Use Scar Treatment Products: Prescription and over-the-counter skin care products are available to help minimize scarring. For example, scar creams and silicone gels and sheets can help flatten and soften scar tissue, making it less noticeable over time. Consistent use as directed by your surgeon is key to seeing results.

Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Hydration and good nutrition play a significant role in skin health and healing. Drinking plenty of water and consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can improve the skin’s appearance and promote faster healing. Vitamins A, C, and E and zinc are particularly beneficial for skin repair and regeneration.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impair healing and increase the risk of complications, leading to more prominent scarring. Avoiding these substances can improve your body’s ability to heal effectively.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Keeping new scars out of the sun is essential to lessening their visibility. The sun is a scar’s worst enemy—it can burn the unprotected new skin, darkening the scar so it takes longer to fade. It can also cause permanent hyperpigmentation or dark spots on the scar. The sun causes damaged skin to produce more melanin to protect itself from UV rays, which can result in a dark, unevenly toned area around your scar. Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, especially in areas with scars. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds. Sun protection should be a daily routine, even after the scars have healed.

Learn More About Liposuction and Body Contouring in Beverly Hills

If you’re thinking about liposuction or TriDef® Liposculpting but are concerned about the resulting scars, rest assured that you’re in experienced hands with board-certified plastic surgeon Josef Hadeed, M.D. Dr. Hadeed is an expert in liposuction for men and women, and he can alleviate any concerns you may have about the potential for scarring. To schedule a consultation to discuss liposuction in Beverly Hills, call our office today at (310) 970-2940 or complete the online contact form.