9 August, 2023

The Truth About Liposuction Scars: What to Know

Guides | Nonsurgical Body Sculpting | Plastic Surgery
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9 August, 2023

Table of Content

  • How to Treat Liposuction Scars? 
  • Do Liposuction Scars Go Away?
  • Liposuction Alternatives 

Liposuction is a popular type of cosmetic surgery that is used to remove excess fat from the body. This procedure helps you enhance your appearance and reshape your body through targeted fat loss, which isn’t possible with only diets and exercise.1 

In this minimally invasive procedure, doctors use a circular punching device to make small incisions of 1 to 2 millimeters, through which the fat is sucked out, and then the incision site is closed with sutures.2 

This technique can be used on several body parts like the belly, hips, butt, arms, thighs, back, neck, and chin.3 Although very small incisions are made in unobtrusive areas, this can’t guarantee the absence of visible scarring after the procedure. Some factors that can increase your risk of scarring include:4

  • Thick, dark, and non-elastic skin
  • A history of keloids, hyperpigmentation, infections, and inflammation
  • Older age
  • Sun exposure after surgery

Read on to learn everything you need to know about liposuction scar treatment, some non-invasive alternatives to liposuction, and more.

How to Treat Liposuction Scars? 

Here are some of the most effective liposuction scar treatments.5

  • Chemical peels: This involves scrubbing off the scar tissue layers from the skin using microscopic abrasive techniques. This method can cause redness due to skin friction.
  • Cryotherapy: This involves piercing and freezing the scar tissue from the inside out using nitrogen gas. It’s quick and easy to perform and is used to treat keloids. It causes scars to swell, produce discharge, and then eventually fade.
  • Laser therapy: This involves using a laser to heat the scar tissue and stimulate the growth of normal tissue. It can require multiple sessions to achieve visible improvements. 
  • Scar removal surgery: This involves the surgical removal of scar tissue. It’s useful for removing severe scars, but this procedure comes with the risk of introducing new scars.
  • Silicone gel: This involves using silicone gel to hydrate the skin and prevent the overgrowth of skin connective tissue (collagen), which is responsible for scarring. These gel sheets can even be used at home.

Do Liposuction Scars Go Away?

The short answer is yes, liposuction scars do fade away eventually, but this may take 6 to 12 months after the procedure.6 

However, if you’d really like to avoid the chance of developing any scars, you may want to consider some non-invasive fat removal methods instead.

Liposuction Alternatives 

The most popular less invasive liposuction alternatives are as follows.7

  • CoolSculpting: This method is used to freeze unwanted fat cells to death without damaging the surrounding tissue. These dead cells are then flushed out of the body over 3 months.
  • truSculpt: This method uses radiofrequency technology to remove excess fat over a 1-hour period in single or multiple sessions.
  • BodyTite: This minimally invasive method uses thermal (heat) energy to melt excess fat while tightening the skin tissue. Results can take days to weeks to appear.
  • SmartLipo: This minimally invasive laser liposuction method uses laser technology to dissolve unwanted fat, and then a small tube is used to drain out excess liquid. This makes it more suitable for areas like the chin, jaw, and neck.
  • SculpSure: This non-invasive laser body contouring method is great for removing small or resistant pockets of fat, which is beneficial for enhancing body shape. Each treatment session takes around 25 minutes. 

Non-invasive methods are more suitable for your needs if you only want to remove small amounts of fat. Speak to a surgeon if you need help deciding whether liposuction or any of these methods is the best fit for you.8

Visit My Body Treatment today for plenty of useful information on cosmetic procedures and body enhancement techniques. 

SOURCES:

  1. Medical News Today: “What are the benefits and risks of liposuction?”
  2. Houston Lipo Center: “Does liposuction leave scars?”
  3. Medical News Today: “What are the benefits and risks of liposuction?”
  4. Raadina Health: “How Long Does It Take for Liposuction Scars to Heal?”
  5. Healthline: “How to Treat Liposuction Scars.”
  6. Raadina Health: “How Long Does It Take for Liposuction Scars to Heal?”
  7. ABCS Blog: “How to Choose Between Liposuction and Noninvasive Fat Reduction Procedures.”
  8. ABCS Blog: “How to Choose Between Liposuction and Noninvasive Fat Reduction Procedures.”

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