Dark Spots and Keloid Scars After VASER Liposelection and Laser Liposuction

Question

I'm a 29-year-old African American woman. I had VASER Liposelection and Laser Lipo in November, and I now have keloid scars and dark spots. What can my doctor and I do to correct these?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, it is hard to assess without photos or in person examination but in the past, burns from the ultrasonic injury occurred rarely however with improvement in the newer Vaser equipment and change in technique, those issues are almost non-existent. One of the most common problems reported with liposuction include asymmetry skin discoloration.
Fortunately, because we have many years of experience, even these problems are rare and will largely depend upon the patients, age, weight, and skin conditions prior to surgery. It is best to consult your plastic surgeon on additional procedures with your current aftercare, rest and treat your
incisions well. Best of luck!
#RealSelf100

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

True keloid scars can be treated by a number of different procedures, including application of silicone, pressure, and injection of TAC. Hyperpigmentation can be improved with judicious use of cortisone based creams, topical retinoids, and prescription skin lighteners.

	 

	I would recommend the Melarase AM cream for hyperpigmentation.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there,
In my experience treating patients with your skin type for problem scars, taking an aggressive approach right off the bat is most likely to result in patient and doctor satisfaction.
This would involve excision of the problem scar, repair using an alternative technique to that initially used, and topical treatment with silicone tape, Scarguard, or some other similar option.
This almost always gives a significantly improved outcome, although it does require the excision.
Good luck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

There is a big difference bewtween Keloid and Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic = large thick scars
Keloid = grow beyond dimensions of initial injury

It is most likely you have a hypertrophic scar. This may stay thick for up to two years before softening.
General non-surgical scar therapy includes:

Time for scars to resolve (up to two years)
Pressure treatment
Topical silicone gel sheeting or silicone preparations (many options available)
Avoidance of sun exposure
Intralesional steroids
Radiation therapy for severe keloids unresponsive to conventional therapy
Off-label use (anectodal reports) of intralesional 5 FU (chemotherapy)

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Given the dark pigmentation of your skin, yes, you are already at higher risk for such issues.  The keloids, I would assume, are from the incision scars.  What can be done is several things. 
I have used silicone sheets over such scars, and I have injected the scars with steroids, in particular Kenalog.  Scar massage by yourself may also help as well. 
As far as dark pigmented areas, hydroquinone may help, which is a bleaching cream in essence.  You have to be careful in your case to not get hypopigmented areas.
I feel that a combination of the above options is needed to help with keloids, as they are problematic.
Hope that helps.

Dark Spots and Keloid Scars After VASER Liposelection and Laser Liposuction

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Dark Spots and Keloid Scars After VASER Liposelection and Laser Liposuction

Answers (9)

Answer: Keloid versus Hypertrophic scars

Answer: Keloid versus Hypertrophic scars

Answer: There may be hope for Keloid and Dark Spots

Answer: There may be hope for Keloid and Dark Spots

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.