14 Month Post-op Lipo - Purple, Indented Scars

Question

I had lipo 14 months ago. Insicion sites are on flanks, front of thighs and behind knees. Scars are extremely indented, purple and have hyperpigmentation stretching 1 inch around the scars. Are there any treatments that will actually work? I am thinking about scar revision but then I am still left with the incredibly noticeable discoloration. Discoloration seems to be getting larger. Thankyou in advance.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Certainly if discoloration is significant beyond the insertion sites, then scar revision will not address this. If it is pigmentation that is seen on examination to be superficial then a prescription lightening cream may be very successful to lighten the color. If there are capillaries (superficial blood vessels) in the skin making the color, then a laser may help.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Dark purple or red scars can persist for up to two years. In some instances, IPL treatments can help. However, I don't think that they are likely to get better at this point.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Extremely visible scarring after liposuction is unusual. Some patients require years for scar maturation, when the scar turns normal skin color. For pigmentation, sometimes long term bleaching creams help, and there are lasers also which may help with color issues.

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Are you talking about the puncture scars or some other scars?

	Please go back to the surgeon for an examination.

Robert N. Young, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

For hyperpigmentation I would recommend trying IPL treatments which can help lighten the skin area or try skin creams such as Hydroquinone RX cream

14 Month Post-op Lipo - Purple, Indented Scars

Answers (6)