What to Know About Liposuction Scars
Liposuction surgery is a popular procedure performed to remove fat deposits. As with any surgical treatment, it can lead to some scarring. Luckily, there are ways to minimize liposuction scarring and to keep your skin looking smooth and healthy.
There are many factors that affect liposuction recovery, many of which can be proactively prevented or treated. If you want to know how you can prevent scars after liposuction, join Dr. Steven Wiener and our team in Scottsdale, AZ, as we discuss how to minimize liposuction scars.
How Common Are Liposuction Scars?
Thankfully, scarring due to liposuction incisions are uncommon. An experienced plastic surgeon makes liposuction incisions small and in discrete locations. Most times, the incisions for liposuction are just a centimeter long or smaller.
If any scarring occurs, it will be less visible than other more invasive surgical procedures. At our practice in Scottsdale, we strive to minimize scarring by being as minimally invasive as we can.
Post-op Care is Key
Following your liposuction, your surgeon will outline a post-op recovery plan. It is crucial that you follow this for maximum healing efficiency.
At New Image Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, you will be provided with a detailed list of postoperative instructions. We also offer detailed advice on these topics for a healthy recovery:
- Use of compression garments
- Keeping wounds clean
- Eating healthy
- Keeping skin hydrated
Avoid Harm to Your Skin
To maintain healthy skin and prevent scar tissue from forming, we recommend avoiding the following:
- Sun and UV light: UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed can do significant damage to your skin and make surgical scarring worse. When exposing your skin, make sure to wear a high SPF sunscreen for protection.
- Hydrating properly: Drinking the right amount of water can do wonders for your skin. In addition, simple moisturizers like coconut or shea butter can help hydrate your skin directly.
- Smoking: Without enough oxygen, your body cannot heal itself after surgery. Smoking hinders this ability by restricting your ability to absorb oxygen. Consider liposuction a good reason to quit smoking for good.
- Eating a healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy diet is critical to healing well. Too much sugar or sodium can be detrimental to the healing process.
- Caffeine and alcohol: Both of these substances have been known to interfere with post-op recovery. Your body has trouble rebuilding tissue when caffeine and alcohol are also being metabolized. Limit or cut intake of these to see the best results.
Scarring Treatments
If scarring does happen, there are some treatments available. Below are a few options for reducing scars after they have formed.
At-home Treatments
Many patients wonder what they can do to take care of their skin at home. There are a few options available that we recommend. First, we suggest using silicone gel sheets for scar reduction. These are available over the counter, and your doctor can also prescribe them.
Other options for topical treatment of scars includes rosehip oil and shea butter. Following your surgery, your doctor will recommend the right ointment for you if needed.
Professional Treatments
For more severe scarring, we recommend visiting a professional dermatologist or surgical specialist. They may suggest steroid injections, laser treatment, or topical medications. They may even suggest a scar removal surgery, however this would be uncommon for most liposuction patients.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are concerned about liposuction scars, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Give us a call at (480) 596-6886 or go online to schedule an appointment today.
