Lipo incision looks like tattoo ink. What could these marks be and how can I remove them? (photo)

Hello @SNY548, thank you for your question. In terms of how the scar will develop, there is no guarantee. It's not uncommon for patients to experience scar formation or abnormal skin pigmentation after liposuction. In general, scarring has a maturation cycle of approximately one to one and a half years depending on the patient's skin. During this time, the scar may change its appearance. I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to further evaluate on your incision scars. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery Member (SCCP)

It would be very difficult to evaluate these scars since they are immature; it takes good year or longer for scars to mature in your age. You should discuss this issue with your surgeon. Hope this helps.

If you have marks that resemble tattoo ink from a liposuction incision, they might be residual pigmentation or scarring. It’s essential to consult with a medical professional for a proper evaluation. They can provide guidance on potential treatment options, which might include laser therapy, microdermasion, or topical treatments, depending on the nature of the marks and your skin type. Do not attempt to remove them yourself without professional advice, as improper treatments can worsen the condition.

You are way too early to be concerned with the hyperpigmentation of your lipo scars. It is not uncommon to have red, blue or even black pigments in the scars that fade over 6 months (even better after a year). It might be associated with the ink used to mark your body, but without further information of pens used and areas marked, no one may comment accurately.
Worst case scenario, revising the scars after 8-12 months would remove the pigment.

You will likely notice changes as these scars mature. It's recommended to wait until scars are a year old or more before considering scar revision. In the meantime you can consider over the counter treatments to encourage favorable healing.

My best guess is there may have been some blood trapped in the incision site. I personally make circular incisions anything as skin biopsy tool and don’t close the incision with sutures.
Collection of old blood can create hemosiderin staining.
At this place, I suggest giving it time.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD