Scars After Body Lift, Will They Ever Fade?

I have performed a number of body lifts, I find that patients are so happy with the contouring results that they dont care about the scar. With a good cream and massage the scars can become less noticeable but will never go away. Trust me, if you have a dramatic body change your scars will not be an issue! GOOD LUCK

Dear Alexandra.Texas in Patterson,

Thank you for your question about the permanence of scars following a body lift surgery. It's important to understand that scars from any surgery, including a 360 circumferential lower body lift, arm lift, thigh lift, breast augmentation, or buttock lift, are indeed permanent. However, while they never completely disappear, they do fade over time and become less noticeable.
Minimizing Scarring:
Surgical Technique: Your plastic surgeon's method, including the type of sutures used and ensuring minimal tension during closure, plays a significant role in scar appearance.
Postoperative Care: Wearing a compression garment for 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery is crucial. It helps minimize swelling and supports scar flattening.
Silicone-Based Treatments: Applying silicone-based creams and silicone strips to the scars can be effective for up to two years. Silicone is medically recognized for its scar-minimizing properties and is superior to other products.
Scar Revision Techniques:
Scar revision involves replacing an old scar with a new, typically less conspicuous, one. Techniques include steroid injections, FU, dermabrasion, micro-needling, FRAXEL Laser, or surgical scar removal. However, these methods do not completely erase scars but can improve their appearance.
Trade-off Consideration:
Opting for a lower body lift involves a trade-off: exchanging excess skin for a scar. Many patients who undergo reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss report preferring the presence of scars over living with excess skin folds.
In conclusion, while scars from body lift surgeries are permanent, various techniques can effectively minimize their appearance, and they do fade over time. The decision to undergo such procedures often involves weighing the benefits of removing excess skin against the inevitability of scarring.
I hope this provides clarity on your concerns about scarring post-surgery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It's not unusual for patients to be concerned about scarring following lower body lift surgery. The scars from this procedure are potentially long and not easily hidden.In an effort to minimize scarring, a variety of maneuvers have been utilized. These include techniques designed to decrease tension on the wound closure. Examples include steri-strips, silicone scar sheeting and compressive support devices. Massage of scars with a variety of topical agents has been utilized in an effort to minimize scarring. In the occasional patient who develops hypertrophic scarring, steroid injections may be helpful, as well.it's important to remember that wound remodeling occurs at least 12 to 18 months following surgery. If significant scarring is present at this point in time, scar revision surgery may be indicated.If you're concerned about scarring following lower body lift surgery, it's important to discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to help you understand your potential for scarring.Body Lifyt Scarring

Thank you for your question. We routinely use the V-Beam to diminish scars, and it has proven to be very effective on reducing the scars. We also like to use silicone tape, and may revise the cars if needed. I hope this helps.

Congratulations on your weight loss.Following a massive weight loss, some patients are left with more excess skin than others. In a situation where you are not left with a large amount of excess skin and very droopy breasts and butt, a body lift/body contouring can be very helpful. Understand, that where ever you need skin removal and tightening, you will be left with a scar. A skilled plastic surgeon is able to hide the scars where they are least visible and make them as fine as possible, but never not leave scars.Ask your self, will you be happy in a new tight body but with scars, which you can cover with clothes, or will you be happier with no scars but a lot of loose skin?

Hello Alexandra

Congratulations on your weight loss!

Although the scars from the procedures you mentioned above are permanent, in general they should fade away to a fine whitish line over 1-2 years if done properly.

Your surgeon should have specific treatments should they get thick , turn red or dark.

Massive weight loss surgical patients are in general so happy with the final contour and shape of their new body that they don't mind the fine scars which they hide under their bathing suit.

Thank you

 

The scar after a Lower Body Lift is very undetectable due to the fact that the skin at one point was overstretched and there is minimal tension in the suture line.  Nevertheless it is important to be in contact with your doctor to follow the healing process.

     Scars tend to mature and fade over the course of a year.  Laser may be appropriate in some patients.  They will never disappear.  Scar placement and minimizing the total scar burden are important here.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of body contouring procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.                    

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process following any surgical procedure, including a body lift. The extent and visibility of scars can vary depending on factors such as genetics, skin type, the skill of the plastic surgeon, and how well you care for your incisions during the healing process.In general, scars from a body lift will initially appear red or pink and may be raised or slightly bumpy. Over time, scars typically undergo a natural maturation process, during which they gradually fade and become less noticeable. However, it's important to note that scars will never completely disappear.The rate at which scars fade varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience significant improvement in the appearance of their scars within the first year following surgery, while for others, it may take longer. In some cases, scars may continue to improve for up to two years or more post-surgery.To optimize scar healing and minimize their appearance, it's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include:1. Keeping the incision sites clean and dry.2. Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight and using sunscreen on the incision areas to protect them from UV radiation, which can cause scars to darken.3. Massaging the scars gently as directed by your plastic surgeon to promote softening and flattening.4. Using silicone gel or sheets, which are often recommended to help improve the appearance of scars.5. Keeping the incision sites supported with compression garments, if recommended by your plastic surgeon, to minimize tension on the scars and promote optimal healing.If you're concerned about the appearance of your scars or have questions about scar management techniques, it's essential to discuss them with your plastic surgeon. They can provide recommendations based on your individual healing process and help address any concerns you may have about scar visibility.

The basic principle that applies to any body contouring procedure is that you have to accept some degree of scar to achieve that better form.  The scars to fade with time.  I usually start scar massage therapy 5-6 weeks after surgery.  This can also include silicone gel strips.  Additonal interventions for scar management include steroid injections, laser treatments, and even surgical scar revision.  Please talk to your PS about his/her recommendations. 

Best wishes,

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX