How long before smart lipo incision scars disappear completely?

Sometimes these scars are permanent and some go away in months to years. I suggest laser and skin lightening creams at this time if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Everyone heals differently, but a final result can take up to a year. Some people have scars which fade away almost completely while others may form hard, dark or lumpy scars. There are many treatments for unattractive scars. I prefer silicone gel sheeting over creams for prevention of ugly scars.

The way scars generally heal are dependent on two main factors: 1. the technique which the surgeon has some control over and 2. how a patient heals which no one has any control over. Plastic surgeons make the effort to hide incisions in naturally occurring places to hide them such as the belly button or low in the hairline as well as making them as small as possible. In our practice, we use a needle instead of a scalpel blade to make a small, circular puncture rather than a line. Circular incisions tend to heal with a smaller overall length and still can accommodate the instruments needed for the operation . Also, the incisions are closed with fine sutures like the ones we use for facial lacerations. Finally, operating as gently as possible decreases the trauma that occurs at the incision site so that they heal better.As far as patient skin types go, the darker the skin (the higher the Fitzpatrick type) the longer the incisions tend to stay hyperpigmented or dark. In some patients, they may be dark for a year or more. Lightening agents are helpful in some cases but the key is to hide the incisions and make them as small as possible in the first place. Staying out of the sun is important as ultraviolet light can permanently darken the incision while it is in the healing phase.

Incisions, even very small ones from Smartlipo, usually take 6-12 months to fade.  I recommend using skin lightening creams such as Lytera to expedite the healing.  A spot treatment with Fraxel laser can also help.Good luck!

     Healing in general is a process that can last up to a year, even for the very tiny incisions made for the SmartLipo cannula. Everyone heals differently with some people making dark scars and some making lighter scars. Unless you have scars from other procedures to use as a gauge, be assured that you are still very early in the healing process and you can likely expect them to improve. Scar products like Mederma or ScarGuard are helpful, and a good sunblock should be applied to scars that may be sun-exposed this coming season.Best, Scott A. Brenman, M.D., F.A.C.S.Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery