Liposuction with the smallest incision?

Question

There are so many different types of lipo techniques it seems (airsculpt, vasser, lipo360 etc). It's so hard to distinguish between them. I want to get some lipo done on stomach, back rolls and arms. I'm in shape so it's for sculpting purposes. I get keloids and bad scars very easily so it's important for me to have the smallest possible incisions. What are my options?

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

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.

Chad Deal, MD · Answer

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.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You're right — there are many lipo techniques, and it can get confusing. Its important to note that liposuction alone does not target skin tightening.

Most (AirSculpt, VASER, Lipo360) are variations of traditional liposuction using different tools or targeting different areas:
-- VASER uses ultrasound to break up fat for smoother sculpting.
-- AirSculpt is a branded version of power-assisted lipo with small cannulas (exact same as other techniques, but 'branded').
-- Lipo360 refers to treating the full torso (front, sides, back), not a specific method.

Since you’re in shape and want sculpting, liposuction with VASER/J-Plasma may suit you best. However, because you scar and keloid easily, it’s important to work with a surgeon who can place tiny, hidden incisions and offer scar care afterward.

I would recommend having an in-person consultation to have an individualized discussion on what would best suit you!

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

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.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

The micro canula are so tiny and give such great results when done under local anesthesia so you can be stood up and fine tuned right then and there.

Giray Genc, MD · Answer

Hello, while choosing incision points we try to put them the locations that easy to hide. Generally we prefer inside your underwear. And we use skin protectors prevent thermal and friction injury due to cannulas and probs. Also sensitive areas for keloids are breast shoulder and upper torso. We avoid there while choose incisions

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Regardless of the technique used, liposuction is always done through a very small incisions, less than 1 cm, placed in the hidden areas and natural creases of the body. What particular technique and liposuction treatment may be best for you can be found only on the basis of in person consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

All liposuction incisions are small. the vaser will require a slightly larger incision for the equipment used, but it is still small. Liposuction 360 is doing liposuction of your abdomen and flanks. Please go visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns and options.  Ask to see photos.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Liposuction with the smallest incision?

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