How can I prevent scars from forming after liposuction? 4 days post-op.

Question

4 days post op abdominal liposuction. Some incisions appeared to be a dented hole, some appeared to be raw skin openings. There is slight drainage. I've been putting Neosporin on them hoping to prevent scar from forming. What else can I do to help the healing to prevent scars from even trying to form? At what point I can start using the scar silicone strips?

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care. I recommend Silagen + Bioshield to promote healing. Any scarring can be improved with lasers and microneedling/prp. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions!  There are several things you can do to make sure your scars from liposuction look their best.  First of all, please understand that when lipo is performed, the surgeon needs to make a very small incision in your skin for the lipo cannulas to be inserted.  This cut in your skin does leave a scar but there are many ways to minimize its appearance.  During the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, you should cleanse the areas daily and keep them covered.  The puckered, or indented appearance will improve over the next several weeks.  Once the incisions are completely healed (2-3 weeks), you can start massaging the scars daily using a scar cream or apply small silicone sheets to the scars.  It is also very important avoid any UV light exposure to the scars for several months.  Applying sunscreen to these areas is critical.  If scars continue to appear raised or firm, please consult your surgeon as there are other methods available to make scars look their best.  Thank you again for your inquiry.

How can I prevent scars from forming after liposuction? 4 days post-op.

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How can I prevent scars from forming after liposuction? 4 days post-op.

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