How Long Does It Take for Liposuction Scars to Heal?


Liposuction is a body cosmetic surgery through which modern surgical devices suck out unwanted fat deposits. One of the main concerns of those undergoing liposuction is its scarring. Fortunately, the latest lipo methods are minimally invasive and leave fewer scars.

This article discusses the reasons, locations, and treatments of liposuction scars and answers some frequently asked questions on scarring after liposuction.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty and body contouring, is a new technique of body surgery in which the fat cells are removed from various body parts such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck.

It is noteworthy that liposuction is not a weight-loss surgery, so first, you should lose weight through exercise and diet, and then, you can contour your body by undergoing lipoplasty.

Weight loss plastic surgery
Read more: Liposuction Surgery Types: What is the Safest Lipo Method?


What is Liposuction?

Why Does Liposuction Leave Scar?

Today, various liposuction methods are practiced worldwide, but none is scarless. During the liposuction surgery, the surgeon numbs the skin of the target area and makes small incisions in the body to insert a suction device called a cannula. After removing the fat deposits, the incision site is stitched with either absorbent or nonabsorbent sutures, and the operated area is bandaged. After the surgery, the body produces more collagen to heal the wound and regenerate the skin tissues. When the collagen accumulates in the incisions, it forms a thick and discolored skin known as a scar.

The good news is that a skilled and experienced surgeon makes a few incisions in the less noticeable parts of the skin and stitches them delicately so that the scars won’t be visible after the operation; however, in almost all cases, there would be some pale scars on the skin.

Liposuction Scar Treatment

There is no definite treatment for liposuction scar, but you can speed up its healing process or reduce its appearance by using the following treatments:

  • Silicone gel
  • Chemical peeling
  • Cryotherapy
  • Laser therapy
  • Surgical treatment
  • PRP injection


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Silicone gel

Silicone gel and gel sheets are practical ways of reducing the redness of scars. They can make the scars less visible by hydrating the skin and controlling the collagen production in the skin. The critical point about silicone gel/sheets is that they should be used constantly, according to the instructions, and before other treatments.

Silicone gel can make the scars less visible.

Chemical peeling

In some cases where the scar tissue is larger than usual, the doctor uses the chemical peeling method to remove some outer layers of the scar tissue. Besides its numerous benefits, chemical peeling has some drawbacks, such as:

  • A doctor or dermatologist should do it, so it’s not at-home therapy;
  • The skin will get red and tender right after the treatment;
  • Different skins respond differently to this treatment;
  • It should be repeated several times.


Cryotherapy

In this method, mostly used for atrophic and keloid scars, the doctor punches the scar tissue and freezes it with nitrogen vapor to reduce its size. The advantages and disadvantages of freezing the keloids and atrophic scars include the following;

Advantages:

  • It is almost painless;
  • It is outpatient;
  • It has a success rate of more than 70%;
  • It is one of the best treatments for aggressive keloid or atrophic scars;
  • It improves blood flow in the area around the scars;
  • It has a concise recovery period;

Disadvantages:

  • It causes swelling of the skin around the scar;
  • Discharges come out of the scar;
  • It should be repeated several times;
  • It is useful for smaller lesions.


In cryotherapy, the doctor freezes the scar tissue with nitrogen vapor to reduce its size.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is an outpatient procedure that can remove liposuction scars, especially the keloid and atrophic ones. During laser therapy, the laser beams first heat the scar tissue and remove it; then, they stimulate collagen production in the skin. Although each laser therapy session does not take long, you must wait months to see its result.  

Surgical treatment

Usually, doctors recommend surgical treatment to patients with severe and prominent liposuction scars. This method is invasive, and you must face the complications of anesthesia and another surgery. In most cases, liposuction scars are small (0.05 to 1 cm long) and do not require surgical treatment.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an effective way of minimizing mild lipo scars. In this method, the doctor scrapes the skin's surface with a rotating wire brush until it reaches the healthy layer of the skin. After dermabrasion, the skin may get red and swollen, but it will grow back soon. 

PRP injection

Platelet-rich plasma can help skin regeneration by increasing the level of growth factor. PRP is prepared from the patient’s blood and is sometimes combined with fat grafts to remove deep scars. Since liposuction scars are shallow, this method is seldom used for them.

PRP can help skin regeneration by increasing the level of growth factor.

Factors Affecting Liposuction Scar

Although scarring is an inevitable side effect of liposuction, some people are more likely to experience visible scarring after it. People with the following characteristics are prone to have liposuction scars.

  • Darker skin;
  • A history of keloid scars;
  • A history of chronic infection or inflammation;
  • High age;
  • Non-elastic skin;
  • Thick skin.

Also, patients with a history of hyperpigmentation should discuss it with their doctor before the operation and avoid sun exposure as much as possible after the surgery.

Where Are the Liposuction Scars Located?

The location of liposuction scars depends on the type and place of operation. In most cases, where the surgery aims to remove the unwanted fats of the stomach, the scars will be around the belly button and on the waist. However, if you intend to remove fat deposits from your buttocks and thighs, you should expect scars on the lower back and the hips. Usually, these scars are red at first, but over time, they become white and fade into the skin.

Liposuction Scar

Are Liposuction Scars Permanent?

Fortunately, liposuction scars will fade away 6 to 12 months after the surgery. However, you should take care of the scar tissues and report any abnormal changes to your doctor to prevent their permanence. One of the most critical changes in the liposuction scar is hyperpigmentation, in which the scar turns darker. Hyperpigmentation can be triggered by sun exposure, injury, hormonal change, and, most importantly, excess production of melanin.

Another important point about liposuction scar is the formation of an atrophic scar, also called a depressed and sunken scar. An atrophic scar develops when the scar is formed and healed on the deeper layers of the skin. One of the main symptoms of depressed scars is indentions in the skin. Usually, these kinds of scars last longer and need laser treatment or chemical peeling. Therefore, you should be aware of them.

Keloid After Liposuction

Keloid is an infrequent complication of liposuction, which happens to less than 2% of people. It mostly has an irregular shape and appears in red, pink, or purple colors. Usually, people with a previous history of keloid are prone to develop it after liposuction, so if you have had keloids before, inform your surgeon before the surgery. 

There are various treatments for liposuction keloid, such as surgery, laser therapy, freezing the scar, radiation therapy, topical creams, etc., but the best treatment is to prevent it. Therefore, following your surgeons’ postoperative instructions and wearing compression garments after the operation is necessary.

How to Prevent Scarring after Liposuction?

After liposuction surgery, you’ll be provided with useful tips that can reduce your recovery time, help prevent the formation of keloids, and improve the overall results of your surgery. You can prevent scarring after liposuction by following these instructions:

  • Wear a compression garment to reduce swelling, bruising, and scarring;
  • Take care of your wounds so that they won’t open;
  • Prevent infection by taking antibiotics;
  • Apply prescribed gels, creams, and ointments;
  • Have a skincare routine for your incision site;
  • Stay hydrated;
  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and fiber.


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Read more: What Are the Do's and Don'ts After Liposuction?

Liposuction Scar Compared to other Surgical Scars

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure and is mainly done under local anesthesia. Therefore, it does not involve large and deep incisions, unlike tummy tuck or boob job.

However, if you intend to perform liposuction with another surgery, such as breast augmentation, you should expect more scarring and extended recovery. It’s essential to have a realistic expectation of the scarring after liposuction and be patient during the healing process.

Suppose you are hesitant to get liposuction because of its scarring. In that case, you can rely on the expertise of Iranian surgeons as they are well aware of the new and risk-free liposuction methods and make incisions on the least visible parts of your body.

If you have questions about liposuction packages in Iran, you can contact us:

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Liposuction in Iran

FAQs on Scarring after Liposuction 

1) What do liposuction scars look like?

Liposuction scars aren’t very noticeable and mostly resemble small dots or freckles.

2) How long does it take for liposuction scars to heal?

Depending on your genetic features, how your body responds to the wounds, your skin pigment and type, and what technique has been used during the procedure, it takes 6 to 12 months for your liposuction scars to heal.

3) Should I expect to scar right after liposuction?

After liposuction, you should expect swelling, bleeding, and bruising. But wearing compression garments will help ease these side effects and speed up healing.

4) How can I get smooth skin after liposuction?

You can have smooth skin after liposuction surgery by choosing an experienced surgeon, applying prescribed ointments for scars, wearing a compression garment, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a stable weight.

5) Does neck liposuction leave a scar?

In neck liposuction, the surgeon makes incisions underneath the chin and behind the ears, so there are a few small dots in these places, which fade away almost six months after the surgery.

6) Do liposuction scars go away?

Yes, most liposuction scars go away on their own after the surgery if you take care of them appropriately. However, if you have developed keloid or atrophic scars, you probably need more invasive treatments such as surgery, chemical peeling, or laser therapy. 

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