Liposuction Scars

Whilst liposuction is very useful in removing unwanted, stubborn fats, the procedure is still a surgical procedure. And as with any surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, there are certain risks and potential side-effects involved. Scars, bruises, and swelling may be apparent following all types of surgery, and liposuction is no exception. With liposuction, since the procedure involves making incisions into the skin, scarring is a normal condition that one may have to deal with. These scars can be potentially quite serious in some cases, but can even be mild in others.

How and why do scars develop following liposuction?

Due to the complications that can arise out of such type of cosmetic surgeries or invasive procedures, it is normal that scars can develop after liposuction. Scars with liposuction can be caused due to the incision made in to the skin, as well as from the use of the suction tube, cannula. During the procedure, the cannula is forced back and forth the skin to loosen the fatty tissues, leading to tunnel scarring. The larger the tube used, and the larger the amount of fat removed, the more severe the scars can be.

Another cause of lipo scarring is determined by the elasticity of the skin. People who had been obese and have lost a vast amount of weight have reduced skin elasticity; so are older people who have lots of stretch marks. Therefore, such people are more prone to developing visible scars. Another factor is genetics. People with darker skin tend to have problems with scarring and are more scar-prone than whiter skinned individuals.

Modern technology and scarring

Due to new and vastly improved technologies of making incisions much smaller, surgeons can now perform the procedure in a manner that ensures lesser risk of scarring with liposuction. As mentioned above, if your skin is dark then there is still a greater risk of scarring as compared to those with lighter-skinned people. However, the scarring from liposuction is now very minimal compared to the older incisions used. The scars are very small and very subtle, and soon fade out on their own in a month or so.

How do I minimise lipo scars?

Doctors sometimes advice compression garments to be worn for several weeks, especially on patients with poor skin elasticity. Compression garments work to reduce swelling and bleeding, which can help prevent scars from forming. Smoking also has a direct effect on the appearance of scar tissue; so it is best to stop smoking before and after surgery, at least for a while.

It is very important to keep the incision area from the sun. And massaging the scar area also helps in minimising the scar.