Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries available.
It involves making small incisions around the body and using a suction-enabled device to remove fat.
As a result, these incisions leave a wound on the skin and just like any wound they can be visible for a period of time once healed.
So whether you’ve got liposuction scars on your tummy or thighs, this article is packed with valuable advice to help you manage them better.
You can also read our guide to liposuction including its benefits, different types, risks involved.
Does liposuction leave scars?
As the surgery involves making incisions on the body, it takes time to go through the liposuction healing process and this can sometimes leave some scars behind.
The good news is that the scars can be left barely visible to the naked eye, depending on the methods used.
By choosing an experienced surgeon, they can place the incision in strategic places to help reduce the risk of visible scarring.
You’ll also be given aftercare instructions which will further assist in reducing the visibility of scars appearing after surgery.
The size and appearance of liposuction scars can vary depending on factors such as:
- Incision Size – The size of liposuction scars is directly influenced by the dimensions of the incisions made during the procedure.
Surgeons aim to keep these incisions as small as possible to minimise trauma to the skin. Smaller incisions generally result in smaller scars, and advancements in surgical techniques often contribute to reducing incision size.
- Incision Location – The placement of incisions significantly affects the visibility of liposuction scars.
Surgeons strategically position incisions within natural skin folds or creases, where they are less likely to be noticed.
This careful selection of placement aims to enhance the overall cosmetic outcome by minimising the apparent scarring.
- Age & Genetics – Individual factors such as age and genetics play a role in how scars form and heal.
Younger individuals may experience faster healing and potentially less noticeable scars.
Genetics also influence skin elasticity and the body’s ability to repair itself, impacting the final appearance of scars after liposuction.
- Improper Post-Surgical Care – The quality of post-surgical care can significantly affect scar formation. Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial to prevent complications and promote optimal healing.
Neglecting proper wound care, engaging in activities that strain the incisions, or failing to follow recommended lifestyle adjustments can contribute to more prominent scars.
- Discoloration – Discoloration of liposuction scars is a common occurrence during the initial stages of healing. Scars may appear red, pink, or even purple in the beginning.
This discolouration is often temporary and tends to fade as the scars mature. Protecting the incision sites from sun’s exposure can help address and reduce discolouration over time.
If your scar gets too much exposure this can cause hyperpigmentation which leads the scar to be darker than the surrounding skin.
When the scar is lighter than the surrounding skin this is called hypopigmentation, which is usually the result of genetics.
How long do liposuction scars take to go away?
The timeline for liposuction scars to fade varies from person to person, but in general, most scarring shows improvement within the first few weeks.
Then there will be a significant improvement in a few months to a year after the procedure.
Scars may appear red or pink after the initial stages and there might be some swelling and discolouration.
Over time, the scars undergo a natural healing process, with the redness diminishing, and the scars gradually becoming less raised and more closely matching the surrounding skin.
Complete scar maturation, where the scars reach their final stage of healing, can take up to a year or longer.
However, it’s essential to note that while scars continue to improve over time, they may not completely disappear.
You’ll need to follow scar-minimising treatments and adhere to post-operative care instructions to have the best chance of scars fading.
And even then they still might not ever fade, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
Tips to minimise and treat liposuction scarring
Here are some general tips on how to treat and minimise liposuction scars:
Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions
Adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for optimal healing. This may include proper wound care, medications, and activity restrictions.
Surgeons are experienced in all aspects of liposuction both before the operation and after.
Listening to their advice could be the difference in your scars being very visible or hardly noticeable.
Use Silicone Sheets or Gel
Silicone sheets or gel are becoming increasingly popular to treat scar tissue.
They can be applied to the scars to help flatten and soften them. Studies have shown that these can reduce the appearance of scarring when applied correctly.
Scientists propose that silicone gel functions by moisturising the skin and preventing the body from producing excess collagen cells during the healing process.
This is what is responsible for the formation of raised and conspicuous scars.
Professionals suggest adopting this form of scar revision as the primary intervention before exploring alternative methods.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy for scars is a cutting-edge cosmetic procedure designed to diminish the visibility of scars on the skin.
This non-invasive technique employs focused laser beams to precisely target scar tissue, promoting collagen production and remodelling.
The energy from the laser helps to break down abnormal collagen structures in the scar, leading to smoother, more evenly textured skin.
Laser therapy is particularly effective for hypertrophic and keloid scars, as well as post-surgical scars.
Studies have been carried out highlighting the effect laser therapy has on scar tissue.
The procedure is known for its precision, allowing for the treatment of specific areas without affecting the surrounding healthy skin.
While multiple sessions may be required, laser therapy offers a promising solution for those seeking to reduce the prominence of scars and improve the overall appearance of their skin.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a procedure that is relatively simple and straightforward for professionals to carry out.
This non-invasive procedure uses liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to freeze the scar tissue, causing it to slough off as the skin heals.
Cryotherapy is often employed for hypertrophic scars, keloids, or raised scars resulting from surgery or trauma.
The freezing temperatures help break down collagen fibres in the scar, leading to a smoother and less conspicuous skin texture.
Massage with Moisturiser
Once your wounds have healed you can help alleviate the symptoms of raised scar tissue by massaging the scarred area with non-perfumed moisturising cream.
Massaging the scar tissue in a circular motion can help soften and flatten it. When massaging you’re making the scar tissue more flexible.
This helps the scar from sticking to underlying muscles, tendons, nerves, bones and blood vessels. Some studies show that massaging has a positive effect on scars.
You want to use moisturiser as moist skin helps the healing process. It’s important to remember massaging and moisturising won’t fade scars.
It helps them become smaller and more diminished in appearance. Leading to them being hardly noticeable.
Helping you manage your lipo scars after surgery
Liposuction is a fairly standard procedure in the cosmetics industry and one that can be carried out with minimal risk.
For more information on liposuction please read our blog which is a full guide on the liposuction procedure.
As discussed, with any surgery there will need to be incisions made on the skin which have the potential to leave scars.
But with the methods mentioned today, you know that there is a very good chance you can significantly reduce the visible appearance of these scars.
If you are thinking of getting liposuction and want to ensure you’re in the best hands possible, please contact us.
We’re a cosmetic surgery that is fitted with the latest technology to perform liposuction, alongside world-class professionals with years of industry experience.
We’ll assist you from your initial consultation right through to post-operation so you can get the best guidance on how to best manage your recovery process, including liposuction scar management.
