What can be done about indented scar on my stomach from lipo? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I had lipo a couple of years ago and I still have a scar on my stomach. It does not flatten when I stretch it out. What can be done about this?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns with your scar. There are several approaches you can consider to address indented scars following liposuction. Here are some options:

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. **Topical Treatments:**
   - **Silicone Gel Sheets or Silicone Gel:** These can help flatten and soften scars over time.
   - **Scar Creams and Ointments:** Products containing ingredients like onion extract, vitamin E, and other scar-reducing compounds may assist in improving the appearance of scars.

2. **Microneedling:**
   - This procedure involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, which can stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and appearance of the scar.

3. **Laser Therapy:**
   - Fractional laser treatments can help resurface the skin and reduce the appearance of indented scars by promoting new collagen formation.

4. **Chemical Peels:**
   - Chemical peels can help remove the top layers of skin, potentially reducing the depth and visibility of scars.

5. **Dermal Fillers:**
   - Temporary fillers can be injected into the indented scar to raise it to the level of the surrounding skin. These fillers need to be periodically repeated.

Surgical Treatments

1. **Scar Revision Surgery:**
   - This involves surgically removing the scar and re-closing the area with fine stitches. This can be effective for deep or wide scars.

2. **Subcision:**
   - This minor surgical procedure involves inserting a needle under the scar to break up the fibrous tissue that is pulling the scar down, allowing it to rise to the level of the surrounding skin.

General Recommendations

- **Consult a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon:**
  - It's important to have a professional evaluation to determine the best course of action for your specific scar. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can give you personalized advice and treatment options based on the scar's characteristics and your skin type.
  
- **Avoid Sun Exposure:**
  - Protect the scar from sun exposure, as UV rays can darken the scar and make it more noticeable. Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the area.

- **Healthy Lifestyle:**
  - Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support skin health and healing.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment to ensure it is appropriate for your specific situation. They can provide guidance on the most effective and safe options based on your medical history and the condition of your scar.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

What can be done about indented scar on my stomach from lipo? (Photo)

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What can be done about indented scar on my stomach from lipo? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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