What can I do to improve the appearance of 5 years old scars in the knee area from liposuction? (photos)

Question

Hello! I thought I'd turn to the community to see if anyone had advice to my specific case and if my scars can be improved as they're in very visible spots. I'm not expecting perfection. I originally got my scars from lipo 5 years ago. They were hyper-pigmented and visible. I decided to pursue scar excision and unfortunately had a worsened result with the scars becoming larger, track marks appearing from the cross stitches and purple pigment. I then pursued laser and PRP with micro-needling.

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm really so sorry that you have this issue. I have been cautioning my regular followers for years that scar revision surgeries, particularly in areas subject to movement, run the risk for the development of stretch scars and tram track stitch marks. Sorry. I have likewise been cautioning them that expensive fraxel laser (and RF and ultrasound) treatments, as well as PRP treatments for aesthetic purposes is backed far more by marketing hype than hard science. So, once again no surprises there at the lack of success and your disappointment. Sorry, once again. I have had gratifying results in treating situations like this combining the use of conventional manual microneedling (no need for the expensive "bells and whistles" additon of RF) accompanied by the application of topical prescription vasoconstrictive and bleaching agents. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear colorado888,
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

What can I do to improve the appearance of 5 years old scars in the knee area from liposuction? (photos)

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What can I do to improve the appearance of 5 years old scars in the knee area from liposuction? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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