Scar tissue after liposuction

Question

If you've had liposuction 20 years ago, is it safe to say that any scar tissue from it is not there anymore? Second liposuction now would Not be a revision, but to remove fat after gaining more weight (than I was at the time of the first lipo).

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Questionqueen76,

Thank you for reaching out with your query regarding scar tissue following liposuction and the implications for subsequent treatments.

To address your concerns:

Scar Tissue After Liposuction: Following liposuction, scar tissue, or fibrosis, can develop in the treated areas as part of the body's natural healing process. Even after 20 years since your previous liposuction, some scar tissue is likely still present in the treated areas, with its extent and density varying from person to person.

Second Liposuction and Scar Tissue: When contemplating a second liposuction, the existence of scar tissue from the prior procedure may present some challenges but isn't an insurmountable obstacle. Scar tissue can make the area more resilient to the cannula, potentially leading to less uniform outcomes. Nevertheless, experienced plastic surgeons have specific techniques and strategies for navigating scarred regions to attain satisfactory results.

VASER Hi-Def Liposuction and Scar Tissue: VASER Hi-Def Liposuction is an advanced form of ultrasound-assisted liposuction that can be especially beneficial for areas with pre-existing scar tissue. The ultrasound energy helps to liquefy fat cells and, crucially, can aid in breaking up and softening scar tissue. This technology can make the extraction of fat more precise, while also addressing fibrous areas, ultimately improving the smoothness and evenness of results.

Not a Revision but a New Treatment: As you mentioned, your second liposuction would address newly accumulated fat rather than rectifying any complications from the initial procedure. However, the prior surgical history remains essential when mapping out a new procedure.

Consultation: It's of utmost importance to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in secondary or revision liposuction procedures. They can assess your skin's elasticity, gauge the scar tissue's presence and extent, and guide you through the best-suited approach for your unique situation. This consultation also offers you an opportunity to establish realistic expectations and grasp the potential challenges and outcomes.

Final Thoughts: Although scar tissue from your previous liposuction might still exist, it does not necessarily deter you from having a successful subsequent operation. Employing methods like VASER Hi-Def Liposuction can offer a strategic advantage in achieving desired outcomes, even when contending with the challenges posed by scar tissue.

Please be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Salvador Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello Im Dr Salvador Garcia, its important see you to know if you have fibrosis or fat, and decide if you are candidate for a second lipo with technology, palm ,vaser and renuvion j plasma

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It's always a revision if you've ever had a surgery of any kind in the past, including liposuction. Scar tissue does change over time, but it's still there making another surgery more difficult. You should see an expert in all types of body contouring surgery, not just liposuction; those surgeons will be the most honest about the issues specific to you and how to best address them.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

There will still be some scar tissue present as it never completely goes away, however it would be safe for you to have a second procedure at this time.  At this point, the scars should all be soft and not interfere at all.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will still have some scar tissue from the first procedure, but liposuction can safely be repeated in those with weight gain.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The scar tissue will still be present from your original surgery but it changes over time.  You can often undergo a second round of liposuction despite the scar tissue from 20 years ago, although your surgeon will make the determination if you are a good candidate after an examination.  Be sure to visit with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Daniel Urias, MD · Answer

You will always have scar tissue. How tough and fibrotic is it after twenty years is the real question. This also depends on how aggressive the liposuction was (ex. high definition) and was there any heating devices used (ex. laser). With that said after twenty years it is safe to say your scarring is likely not a factor if having another procedure, but always need to be prepared that it can have an impact.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Liposuction permanently removed subcutaneous fat. Patients do not grow new fat cells after liposuction. Scar tissue. That forms after liposuction goes through a maturation process after which it stays permanently with you for the rest of your life. Secondary Liposuction is always secondary Liposuction whether you call it a revision or a secondary procedure. You do have scar tissue from your first operation and you have not grown new fat in the treated areas. 
Delivering consistent quality, liposuction results is more difficult than most people realize. The number of plastic surgeons have mastered the procedure on a small minority. Most plastic surgeons think they’re better with Liposuction than they actually are. To find the right provider I suggest patients have multiple in person consultations with local boy Through my plastic surgeons who have a proven track record with the procedure. During each consultation ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before and after pictures of the previous patients who had similar characteristics to your owner. An experience provider should have no difficulty showing you the before and after pictures of at least 50 previous patients. 
Mastering Liposuction, that only includes the ability to technically perform the procedure with excellence, but also making accurate assessments and delivering predictable outcomes, consistent with previously showing it before, and after pictures of patients who had similar body characteristics. Making assessments for secondary liposuction, is more challenging and difficult than it is for primary procedures. Revision work is many times more difficult than Primary Liposuction.
There’s no correct number of consultations needed to find the right provider. Considering how much variation there is a Liposuction skillet I suggest patients start the process by having at least five in person consultations before choosing a provider.Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Joshua Jacobson, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi. Even though scar tissue partially goes away overtime, it never completely disappears. There is still scar tissue present in the areas of your surgery. I would consider it "secondary liposuction".  Usually revision implies that there were some issues with the result of the first surgery and now you are going back to fix those. When you are repeating the surgery due to re-accumulation of fat, we call it secondary liposuction.

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