Liposuction Scars Wont Go Away?

Question

hello i am a african american woman who had liposuction 13 months ago. the doctor said that the scars would fade in a year but they only seem to get darker. i was wondering what i could do as i am black and have limited options. i thought about just covering up the incisions with a tattoo the same color of my skin to match. is this a good idea. what are my options please help. thank you

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is important to establish a diagnosis about the type of scar first. Do you have a hypertrophic or keloid scar? Is the scar widened or is there just a color element to the scar? All of these have different treatments, and you have many options. Discuss these items with a board certified plastic surgeon.

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

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Hello Kelly27,

	It takes about a year for a scar to fully mature.  Unfortunately, wound healing isn't always predictable and depending on the location of the scar, options on how to deal with the end result may be limited.

	Considerations include:

	1.  scar revision

	2.  application of a topical agent to assist in fading the pigment

	3.  tattooing

	4.  daily conceler

	5.  consultation with a dermatologist to review laser treatment options that may assist is fading the pigment

	TIP: There is no silver bullet solution and all of the above thoughts have their own risks and complications, none will provide a perfect outcome.

	Thanks for asking!  Dr Ellen

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

Give your scars more time. They will often take more than a year to mature. They will never go away, but they will get better.

Robert Kratschmer, MD · Answer

Hello and thank for your questions, Kelly.  Tattooing over the scars is always an option, but I would keep this one as a last resort.  Trying to match your skin with a tattoo ink more than likely will still show through.  Even with darker skin types that have a tendency to hyperpigment after procedures, there are minimally invasive techniques to improve the coloration.  At our medical spa and laser center, Chic Esthetic, we offer the Revlite SI for hyperpigmentation in patients with darker complexion.  Since the scar has matured for the most part, the laser can lighten the pigmentation over several treatments.  Some topical creams and pigment regulators are also available to use.  I hope this helps, and good luck in your endeavors.

	 

	Robert Kratschmer, MD

Liposuction Scars Wont Go Away?

Answers (7)