Scars from liposuction - is it possible to scalpel the scar and stitch it up? (photos)

Question

I am 37 year old male, I am 5'6" 130 lbs. I had liposuction in my stomach area 8-9 years ago. They left open wounds on my skin and it has scars. I am wondering if I can have someone scalpel the scar and stich it up so it doesn't look so oblivious. I have pictures of my stomach area. A total of 5 places where the scar has to be revised.

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

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Yes, you can perform scar revision on the area. Cutting the scar out and restitching would be a great option. It's important to know that pigment changes like you currently have could happen again. In the period after the re-excision of the scars, avoiding tension over the areas and protecting from the sun's UV rays are critical. Scar creams like Biocorneum help the scar to heal well. If pigmentation or uneven edges occur, then options like IPL or resurfacing lasers may be an option depending on your skin color. Hope that helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ScarFace777,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from scar revision. 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

Scars from liposuction - is it possible to scalpel the scar and stitch it up? (photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

Scars from liposuction - is it possible to scalpel the scar and stitch it up? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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