How deep are the incisions for liposuction?

Scars resulting from liposuction are extremely insignificant. For the experienced surgeon finding the proper plane in staying in it is quite simple.

Thank you for your
question. I hope that you are finding satisfaction with your liposuction.

It is very common to be
able to treat multiple areas through one incision. It is always the
goal to perform as few incisions as possible. I would recommend the speak
with your plastic surgeon He or she would likely to be able to show you
how the areas that were treated were reached through your incisions.

The incisions used for liposuction are just deep enough to allow the cannulas to penetrate into the subcutaneous fatty layer of tissue. The small stab wounds are made just deep enough to pierce the dermal layer of skin. The fatty tissue is found immediately below this layer which is just a few millimeters thick in the abdomen. There are two major compartments of fatty tissue in the abdomen, one above the Scarpa's fascia and one below the Scarpa's fascia. Navigating between the two layers of fatty tissue does not depend upon the incision sites, however. It is more directed by your surgeons knowledge of the abdominal anatomy. It is for this reason that many non plastic surgeons (dermatologists, family medicine physicians, OBGYNs, etc) are at a disadvantage when performing liposuction, especially of the abdomen. I personally did not have a clear grasp of these tissue layers until I had performed several abdominoplasty surgeries, something that non plastic surgeons do not have the luxury of doing. This is just an encouragement for you to find a board certified plastic surgeon to help you with your procedure.  

For lower abdominal liposuction, the cannula punctures the skin creating a very small 1cm incision.  I generally don't even refer to them as incisions, but rather puncture sites because they are so short and nearly invisible once they have healed. The cannula goes just to the fat layer and no deeper. Experienced surgeons will know they are at the right depth based on their experience and how it feels.Have your surgeon show you after photos of his liposuction puncture sites. Also be sure to follow all post-care instructions on wound treatment. If you are having the procedure done by an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon, you need not worry about the scars. 

The incisions are small and through just the skin.  The liposuction occurs between the skin and the muscle fascia and this is easy to determine by feel.Try to research this to find the surgeon who consistently produces the
results you would expect. Look at reviews on this site and see who gets the surgery right every time. Find

a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of liposuction
procedures each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's
website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can
deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

The incision is about 3 to 4 mm and is just into the fat so in most body areas about 2mm deep. A board certified plastic surgeon has trained 6 years or more in surgery and please seek out a consultation in your area. Good Luck!

The depth of the incision is just through the skin. The liposuction cannula is then advanced into the correct plane from there. How deep that correct plane is depends upon where is being suctioned. In the abdomen, there is the skin, a thin layer of fat that is left alone, a tough layer of tissue called fascia and then big, glorious and easily suctioned globs of fat beneath that. Being at the correct level is absolutely critical to a good result.  It is also the reason that surgeons who are not plastic surgeons, and who have not completed a residency or fellowship in plastic surgery, should not be doing liposuction. Many, however, do. There is great danger in going too deep and terrible results in going too shallow.  If your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has experience and results that he or she can show you, it is reasonable to assume that your surgeon will know how to find that correct level without trouble. Best,Dr. Pyle

Smart question.  The incisions are made such that the cannula goes down into the fat layer.  Obviously, going below would not reflect appropriate surgical technique.  This is one issue that comes up when physicians take weekend courses rather than being fully trained and boarded in plastic surgery.  The scars are very small, perhaps 1/2 inch across, and they will gradually fade in over a year or so.  You should be hard pressed to find the scars later down the road.

The incisions for liposuction and very small and go through the skin into the fat below the skin. The incisions are not deep and are usually closed with one stitch at the most. They are place in area that well hidden and hard to see. It is amazing how much of a change in shape can be achieved with a little incision. Consult a board certified plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience with liposuction.

The incisions/scars are very small, strategically located, and are usually inconspicous. In my northern NJ practice, I have performed over a thousand liposuction cases and know the right plane for liposution. I am a double board certified plastic surgeon. The total cost of surgery for 3 area liposuction is $4100. The fee includes the professional fee, a board certified anesthesia fee, and an Accredited Medicare Approved surgicenter.
Best wishes