Liposuction with the smallest incision?

Dear Independent304072,

Thank you for your question! For patients concerned about scarring, including those prone to keloids, liposuction typically involves small incisions, usually about 3-5 mm, which can often heal inconspicuously. Techniques like traditional tumescent liposuction, VASER, or AirSculpt all utilize small incisions, but the skill and experience of your surgeon are more critical than the specific technique in minimizing scarring.

To further reduce the risk of noticeable scars, your surgeon may suggest careful incision placement in less visible areas, as well as proper postoperative care, such as silicone gel or sheets. It’s essential to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and concerns and to develop a tailored plan that achieves your desired results while prioritizing minimal scarring.

All liposuction techniques have very small incisions. While some may be millimeters larger than others, it will not affect the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars. If these scars do become a keloid or hypertrophic scar, they are easily treated with injection and other techniques.

There is so much that could be said but don’t be confused by all the technologies. It is much more important to go to a surgeon with consistently good results. There should only ever be small incisions with liposuction and the wounds need to be cared for so there’s not much friction during the procedure so they don’t end up with a thicker or keloid scar. Patients don’t realize this, but the friction causes a heat burn on the wound. If you are prone to true keloids, then they can always be removed at a later date and the wound injected with steroids.

Incisions from liposuction are very small and most are approximately the same size. They must only be big enough to introduce the cannula. If possible your surgeon will try to place the incisions in inconspicuous areas.

The incision only has to be as big as the cannula. Cannulas can be about 4 mm in diameter so the incision would be very small.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.