Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of scars after liposuction? (photos)

Question

I'm 4 1/2 months post op for Bbl revision. The first time, incisions were completely gone by this point. You could not even see a mark. I don't smoke,drink, and I eat extremely healthy. I moisturized, used boxes of silicone sheets/Roller, avoided sun.I've microneedled 3 times so far (Dr. Pen needle (2.5 length). I'm crying because I'm quite shy about this and can't have these scars showing in the area.Looks like slashes. What's the most aggressive method we can do? Lasers? Thank you in advance!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Sorry you are having this difficulty. Two scar treatment principles apply here: where indented, elevate and smooth, and where texture and color are irregular, attempt to blend with the surrounding skin. Now, in general, "mature" scars, i.e. those over twelve weeks of age can be improved in appearance between 60-80+%, but seldom can be "erased" entirely by any means or combination of treatments available today. Subcision can be used to elevate and smooth the base of the scar so that it becomes more flush with the surrounding normal skin. This can be followed by the use of professionally performed manual Dermastamp microneedling accompanied by the application of prescription strength pigment enhancers, such as topical tyrosine and lanatoprost, when necessary, to treat any hypopigmented component or prescription bleaching medications if hyperpigmented. I do not generally recommend silicone gel sheets, creams, etc. as, in my experience they simply do not work or work well and microneedling, even when professionally performed properly, is best reserved as a "polishing" step after a more definitive procedure, such as subcision has been performed; it has little chance of success as a monotherapy, as you learned the hard way. Be wary of claims for this or that "bells and whistles" fraxel laser or RF devices, as these relatively expensive approaches are backed far more by marketing hype than any hard science. Make sure to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with extensive scar treatment experience. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Blue3,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of scars after liposuction? (photos)

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Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of scars after liposuction? (photos)

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