What can I do to correct hyperpigmentation and Indentations from liposuction scars? 11 months post op (photos)

Scar issues usually come down to two varieties. Either they are hypertrophic or hyperpigmented or both. It’s important to recognize if the problem is only regarding pigment or if scar hypertrophy is part of the problem.
Scar hypertrophy means the scar is thick and often hard.
Hypertrophy is the best treated with silicone tape used for many months.
Hyper pigmentation does not respond well to silicone sheeting or silicone tape from my experience. The best thing to do is to avoid sun exposure and give it a full 18 months before making a final assessment. They typically continue to fade slowly for a long period of time. This can take 18 months and then some individuals improvements happen even after that. If the hyperpigmentation persists, then start by talking to your provider for consult with dermatologist, I do a lot of laser work and ask if they have treatments that can lighten the scar.
The indentation at the incision it happens for two reasons. One is that every time the cannula is inserted into the same opening. A small amount of fat is taken from the same place over and over again. Usually Liposuction is done in a fan pattern. If providers exit the incision too many times, then too much fat gets removed from that single area at the incision site. Provider should be careful to minimize the number of times the cannula is put in and out of the incision because that area can get a little over treated. The second reason for getting an indentation in this area is the development of contractile scar tissue. Sometimes the issue is a combination of both fat removal and spa tissue contraction.
Depending on how much this bothers you, it may be possible to improve it to some degree, but it is not straightforward or always simple.
If the problem is related to fat, having been removed, and it’s generally a volume issue and grafting some fat or potentially using Fillers can improve the contour.
Providers can inject a small amount of Celine solution or numbing solution to see if the contour improves by adding volume before committing to doing a procedure. This simple technique can help differentiate if the problem has a scar tissu contractile component. if it does, then discard tissue needs to be released with a procedure called Subsicion in conjunction with volume augmentation. It’s a similar treatment to have cellulite is managed.
Follow up with your provider reschedule second opinion in person consultations with other providers on how far you want to go with.
The majority of patients seeking cosmetic surgery, such as Liposuction will have some minor imperfections, and patients should generally not expect perfect textbook outcomes as a reality for most patients. In general, most patients can find at least some minor imperfection with the outcome of an aesthetic surgical procedure. To make an accurate assessment on the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure patients are generally always show proper before and after pictures.
Try focusing on the improvement the procedure did give you as opposed to the small area of imperfection.
Most treatments in medicine having some side effects.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD