Can I get lipo without scarring? Is there another procedure that doesn't involve scars?

Question

Hi, I am looking at finding a doctor and while looking through their photos of before and after there are some that have pretty big and ugly scars? I’m curious if there is one type of Lipo procedure that won’t scar. Is scarring bound to go down? Is there things to help that process? To be respectful I don’t want to post any of the photos I’m seeing on this site.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

The incisions for liposuction are very small and usually are placed where they are well hidden. After complete healing they should not be obvious. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The scar lipo are minimal, because we make a little incision. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Respectfully,-Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Liposuction scars are about 5 mm or less.  Also, you should consider the number of scars made for an area.  One surgeon may use 3 for liposuction of the abdomen, sides, and back and another may use 15.  In general, scarring is a product of genetics. Some people are good scar formers, and others are poor scar formers. The scar will fade over a year’s time.  
Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Biocorneum are reasonable and popular options. There is no one cream that is better than another. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.Liposuction does cause scar tissue, and this scar at the least makes a secondary liposuction more demanding physically.  If more liposuction is needed and the skin is of good enough quality, more liposuction can be done.
The less fat that is removed, the less the probability that contour deformities are created.  The uniform and smooth liposuction paradigm is difficult to teach, and many surgeons can never really achieve this level.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The short answer is yes. You can liposuction without showing any scars. I use "stealth" incisions, 1cm long and place them low in the groin area, inside the belly button, in the breast crease, armpit folds and top of the buttock crack. You will not see any scars on my patients. I do a lot of patients who had liposuction by other doctors, but I do not go back through their scars.See the attached web reference.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question! Liposuction shouldn't result in big ugly scars. The incision are usually 2-3 mm at various places and end up looking like moles, it shouldn't be any bigger than this. If you feel like this is large and ugly, then surgery is not an option for you as these are the tiniest incision created with any surgical procedure. These small wounds need to be created in order to get the fat out of your body, there's unfortunately no way around it and all liposuction procedures require this.Best of luck and hope this information helps!

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, in order to perform the liposuction, an incision of 3mm is made in order for the cannula to be inserted to remove the fat. These incisions are often made in areas that are less obvious when possible, but heal over time becoming less and less visible. If someone is susceptible to keloid scarring, this may occur on any type of incision. I recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon in person so they may go over any concerns you have and show you where incision points would be made for the areas of liposuction you are considering.Kamran Azad MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The trade of plastic surgery are the scars. With liposuction we can hide the scars in locations that are covered with clothing and this scars are usually quite small compared to other procedures that are more invasive like a tummy tuck for example. That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Liposuction is done through small incisions (5 mm) that are often placed in areas that are not exposed (groins, belly botton, etc) and heal with little visible scarring. Best,

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Peaceful8574 I appreciate your concern, however I am somewhat surprised that you are seeing scars that are noticeable after liposuction. Access is needed to insert the liposuction cannulas to remove the fat, however these incisions are just a few millimeters in length and easily hidden in folds and areas of the body that are not seen until they fully mature and become even less noticeable. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss this issue, but this should not be a reason to defer liposuction if so desired and needed. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  Peaceful8574,
In order to remove fat an incision is required. Most plastic surgeons use very small incisions and place  them carefully so that they are well hidden. Also after surgery, plastic surgeons have different recommendations to try to reduce scars. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Can I get lipo without scarring? Is there another procedure that doesn't involve scars?

Answers (17)

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