There are two different types of undesirable healing tendencies. Some people can carry which tend to be genetic. The first is hypertrophic scar tissue formation. With hypertrophic scars the scars are raised, thick, hard and often itch. Hypertrophic scars can be reduced by the use of silicone sheeting and minimizing any form of micro trauma, like scratching, or having belts or clothing rub against the scar during the first year. If hypertrophic scars cannot be managed by the use of topical treatments, then sometimes very careful use of anti-inflammatory. Steroid injections can be helpful, but come with some drawbacks as well. Steroids should only be used in severe cases, and should be used with great caution. The other type of undesirable scarring is hyper pigmentation. This does not respond to silicone cheating or steroid injections and the best course of action is to give the area sufficient time before excepting the results as final. Scars can take 12 to 18 months before they stop changing and are mature. If they’ve not faded sufficiently by 1 1/2 years, then at that point, various laser or IPL treatments may be indicated. For individuals who are prone to having highly visible scars, the placement of incisions for liposuction becomes more important. Each provider has their own way of designing incision patterns, and this is some thing that should be reviewed in detail for individuals who have a history of hypertrophic, or hyper pigmentation type scars. Even if scars are visible, if placed in inconspicuous places, the stigma or negative aspect can be reduced substantially. I’ll plastic surgeons have some training and background and skin healing and should be familiar with most modalities to minimize hypertrophic scarring and to some degree the management of hyper pigmentation scars. Personally, I think it’s a mistake to do treatments prematurely and hyper pigmentation Scars since treatments can potentially make them worse. It’s important to recognize the correct time for intervention, and this is as much art as it is science. Because delivering consistent quality Liposuction results is more difficult than most people believe, results are permanent any irreversible and there is significant difference in skill and approach among different providers. I suggest patients have multiple in person consultations before considering scheduling surgery. In the end, there are generally only two variables that determine quality outcomes. The first is patient candidacy, and the second is the skill of the provider. Most patients have limited ability to change their candidacy for the procedure. What patients do have is the freedom to choose the best provider. To do that I recommend having more consultations then you may think necessary. Good luck, Mats Hagstrom MD