Does Liposuction Leave Scars?

Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.S. (The Aesthetic Society 2020 statistics).   We live in an Instagram world, where ‘perfect’ bodies have become the norm.  Of course, some of those bodies have been virtually altered with apps, some by cosmetic surgery, and some by both.  What you almost never see is a scar.  Let’s talk a little about liposuction, body contour, and scars.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons liposuction marketing image

What Areas Can Be Treated With Liposuction?

The short answer?  Almost any area between the jaw and the ankles.  The most commonly treated areas are the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.  Arms and necks probably come next, followed by the calves.  It’s a great procedure to help contour areas that bulge a bit.

How Is Liposuction Done?

I do liposuction in an accredited surgical facility in Fort Worth.  Once we’ve decided which areas to treat, some fluid is placed into those tissues.  Small incisions have to be made for that.  The incisions are usually made in very inconspicuous areas.  If you have tattoos, incisions may be made on the edges of those.  Existing creases and skin folds may also be used.  The idea is to conceal those sites as much as possible, making the scars hard to see.

Once the fluid is in the tissues, the liposuction is completed.  A small tube attached to a medical vacuum suctions the fat from the treated areas.  The fat removed is either discarded, or it may be injected into areas like the breasts and buttocks.

What Do Liposuction Scars Look Like?

Typically the scars are small and hard to see.  They are pink for several months then fade.  In most cases the scars are 4 or 5 mm long.  That’s about the size of a stack of 4 or 5 dimes.

Photo of a woman's back before liposuction by Fort Worth plastic surgeon Dr. Kunkel Photo of a back after liposuction in Fort Worth Texas by Dr. Kunkel

 

(incisions are concealed in tattoos and existing folds)

What Can I Do To Help Minimize My Liposuction Scars?

Most of the time not much needs to be done.  However, to make the small scars as inconspicuous as possible, a few things can be helpful.  First, when you’re outside, cover the scars with clothing if possible.  Of course, one of the reasons to have liposuction is to show off your new curves.  So, if you are going to be outside in a bathing suit, make sure to use sunscreen over the scars.  I’ve written about sunscreens and you can find that here.  If you use tanning beds, either cover the scars with small Band-Aids or use sunscreen.

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