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Should a Doctor Leave the Incisions Open After Tumescent or Smartlipo?

asked 3 years ago by ymiller in kent, wa
Latest answer by Jonathan Weiler, MD
Question viewed 1,595 times
Tags: incision

I am having a combo of tumescent and smartlipo on my inner and outer thighs, abdomen, hips and arms. My doctor plans on closing the incisions. I have read several places that this is not a good practice as it promotes swelling and a compression garment is required for a longer period. What is your opinion?

14 answers to Should a Doctor Leave the Incisions Open After Tumescent or Smartlipo?

Liposuction - Some things matter; this one probably doesn't

I always close my liposuction incisions, and most if not all board certified plastic surgeons I know do the same. For some reason, it seems as if many non-plastic surgeons that do liposuction tend to leave the incisions open, placing bulky dressings to soak up the fluid. They make exactly the arguments you made in your question, namely that by leaving the incisions open the swelling goes away faster. They probably also would argue that the incisions are just as good. In my experience,... more

Steven Teitelbaum, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Not closing the incisions can lead to a more visible scar and scar revision surgery.

I routinely close the incisions because the few seconds it takes to do so will generally result in a less noticeable scar. Yes, many surgeons prefer not to close them to allow for drainage of the tumescent fluid thereby possibly but not necessarily reducing post-op swelling and bruising. However, not closing these incisions can result in a wide and depressed scar that can be quite noticeable. I have seen them and have performed scar revision surgery on them. I would rather risk a longer... more

David A. Ross, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Should liposuction incisions be left open?

It is really a matter of persona preference and how these incisions were created. I sometimes do liposuction thru 14 gauge needle sticks, I will leave these open, but if incisions are created with a blade , I will close them.

Jonathan Weiler, MD
Baton Rouge Plastic Surgeon

www.williamsoncosmeticcenter.com

Liposuction Incisions

I don't think it makes a big difference whether the incisions are left open or closed. It is more a question of doctor preference. Leaving the incisions open leads to a more messy dressing as the fluid draining from the incisions can require you to change your dressings more frequently. Fluid that remains inside if the incisions are closed will be absorbed by your body. If you feel comfortable with your physician and are confident enough to consent to surgery I... more

Richard Kofkoff, MD, FACS
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

Open or close liposuction incisions

I prefer to close incisions. I know of no research that shows leaving them open increases swelling. It hasn't in my patients. Closing the incisions is civilized - it reduces the pinkish,sometimes bloody fluid that drains onto your clothes and sheets after liposuction. Forgive my cynicism, but today when a surgeon leaves incisions open, I have to wonder if it's to save money (sutures cost about $10 each) or time spent on you. I think you've found a surgeon who puts... more

Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

www.drelizabethmorgan.com

Leaving incisions open after lipo?

Each doctor should do what works best in his hands. I close my incisions but I don't have any argument with those that choose to leave them open, as long as there are no infections. Dr Foster

Lawrence Foster, MD
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

Should You Close Liposuction Incisions?

Dear ymiller, I personally prefer to close my liposuction incisions. I believe they will heal and ultimately look much better than if left open. The issue with swelling is not really an issue in my opinion. There is little fluid that remains after liposuction is performed and what does remain is slowly absorbed by your body over 24-48 hours. Since we keep pads and compression garments on for 5-7 days, the swelling is minimal. Leaving the incisions open leads to wet and messy... more

Douglas L. Gervais, MD
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

A matter of opinion

Hello, I close the incisions but surgeons have differing opinions on this. The arguments for leaving them open are drainage and swelling reduction related. The arguments for closing them center upon better looking scars. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Best to leave incisions open after liposuction

1) We don't believe in Smart Lipo. No science. 2) We leave incisions open after liposuction to allow drainage. Less bruising, and the scars are hard to find.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Leaving the incisions open after liposuction

Although some doctors do leave the incisions open after a liposuction, in our experience, we find that the patient benefits from a smaller scar if we close the incision. However, we inform all our patients that they should expect a small amount of drainage from these incisions for the first 2 to 3 days after liposuction.

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction and incisions

Every surgeon is different. I prefer to close my incisions to seal an open wound and hopefully minmize the risk of infection. Some like to keep them open to allow them to drain.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Closing the wounds of liposuction or not

To close the small incisions of liposuction or not is a personal choice of the surgeon, when open they permit drainage of fluid. They heal well, at most they need scar revision if needed under local anesthesia Keeping them open is a little messy with all the fluid draining through. But less seroma. Some surgeons even out soft rubber drains to help with drainage. It is not a big issue.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Lipo

I use an extremely small (2 mm), round device to create the opening. I leave it open. It helps when patients are allowed to have some drainage after surgery. These tiny openings heal by themselves virtually to the point of invisibility.

Edmond A. Zingaro, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Leaving Lipo incision open or closed shouldn't make significant difference in swelling

I think that most board certified plastic surgeons will close the incisions after liposuction. Closing the incision nicely with sutures will approximate the skin better and lead to a better scar. If the incision is left open, the scar may be wider and indented. The swelling that occurs after liposuction is normal and the fluid will be absorbed by your body with time. More of the fluid may leak out of the incisions if they are left open, but not enough to make much of a difference.... more