Why are my liposuction scars so red still 7 months after surgery? (Photo)

Question

My liposuction scars are so red still 7 months after surgery is there anything I can do to help the redness improve or reason behind why they are still so red? Thank you

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding why your liposuction skin port sites are still red seven months after your liposucition procedure. It can have to do with the type of cannula used, the trauma involved, whether there was vaser, whether there was a small post-operative infection on the skin site whether the port sites were closed with sutures. what kind of sutures were used, and when were the sutures removed? Also, genetic reasons and possibly sun exposure to the area may aggravate the incision; these are just small partial factors to why your liposcuction scars are still red. In terms of treatment, I would suggest applying a silicone-based cream, silicone patches, and a Fraxel laser. If the laser does not treat these areas, you may consider steroid or 5 FU injections. If still, the scars are not to your satisfaction, you may want to consider a surgical incision with removal of the preexisting scar. Please seek a board-certified plastic surgeon. Thanks for your question regarding why are your liposuction skin port sites still red seven months after your procedure.

Anuj Purbey, MBBS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out regarding the redness of your liposuction scars seven months post-surgery. It's not uncommon for scars to retain some redness during the initial stages of the healing process. Here are some insights and recommendations:
Normal Scar Healing Process:Scars typically go through different stages of healing, and redness is a common occurrence in the early months.Initially, scars may appear red or pink due to increased blood flow and inflammation during the healing process.
Factors Contributing to Prolonged Redness:The duration and intensity of scar redness can vary from person to person.Factors such as skin type, genetics, and the body's individual healing response can influence the appearance of scars.
Tips to Reduce Scar Redness:Topical Scar Products: Consider using silicone-based or vitamin E creams, as they may help improve scar appearance.Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect scars from direct sunlight, as exposure can intensify redness. Use sunscreen with high SPF on the scarred area.Massage: Gentle massage of the scar may help improve blood circulation and reduce redness.Hydration: Keep the scar and surrounding skin well-hydrated with a fragrance-free moisturizer.Consult with Your Surgeon:It's essential to maintain open communication with your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns.Your surgeon can assess the specific characteristics of your scars and provide personalized recommendations.Consider Scar Treatments:Consult with your surgeon about potential scar treatment options, such as laser therapy or other interventions, to address persistent redness.Be Patient:Scar healing is a gradual process, and it may take time for redness to fade completely.Be patient and follow your surgeon's guidance for scar care.If you notice any unusual changes in the appearance of your scars or have concerns about the healing process, it's crucial to seek advice from your surgeon promptly.
Remember, every individual heals differently, and scar appearance can vary. Your surgeon is the best resource for addressing your specific situation and providing guidance on scar management.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I wonder if your procedure was done using VASER type of liposuction.

When that device is used the ultrasound probe used to before the actual liposuction requires a fairly large protective skin port to be inserted leaving a scar that can be almost half an inch in diameter at the time of surgery. They will shrink with time but compared to traditional Liposuction procedures done using VASER typically leaves much bigger scars.  A bigger scar can take longer to heal and this could explain why it’s still read at seven months. Scars do continue to improve for 12 to 18 months so most likely your scar will turn white given more time.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Scar healing is a complex phenomenon which involves initial adherence of the wound edges to each other due to the properties of blood, followed by ingrowth of blood vessels (to provide nutrition) and collagen (to provide strength). The collagen aligns itself over time. The hypervascularity of the healing scar will appear reddened on the skin surface. As healing completes ( 12-18 months), the hypervascularity will abate and the redness will subside.
Avoid sun exposure to the healing scar to prevent permanent pigmentary alteration of the scar.
Best wishes...

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Why are my liposuction scars so red still 7 months after surgery? (Photo)

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Answer: Why are the scars of the legs red at 7 months post liposuction?

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