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The goal of liposuction is localized fat reduction, improved contour, and limited scarring. With newer technologies and smaller cannulas the scars are a distant third in importance. The scars should be small in number and size and whenever possible hidden in a bikini or underclothing. However, if a patients' body calls for a higher scar for improved cross-treatment and a smoother result, I would not hesitate to do so. CONTOUR is most important.
Incisions sites for liposuction are typically very small and made in stealth areas - that is hidden as much as possible. For example for love handles/hips/flanks I generally make a tiny incision within the bathing suit line at the edge of the groin crease. In general for liposuction to other areas I will often hide an incision inside the belly button, umbilicus, to approach the upper and lower abdomen, just at the pubic hair line for the lower tummy and pubis area, in the groin crease for the inside of the thighs (medial thighs), at the gluteal, buttock, crease for the lower back, in the breast crease for the fat beneath your arm (lateral chest wall), in the crease below your chin for liposuction of the neck. I also like to place them at the edge of a tattoo or in an existing scar (for example C-Section or appendectomy, or mole removal scar) so that they are hidden.
I prefer to use a long wide boar cannula inserted at the top of the crease between the buttocks. That scar is very easy to hide even under a thong. Some surgeons prefer small cannulas making access holes closer to flank/love handles area. I have found that even the small cannula access holes can leave bad scars epecially in darker skin color individuals so I prefer one larger hole in an area further from the liposuction site that is easy to cover as opposed to multiple small holes closer to the liposuction site. I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery. My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.
My choice is a single incision over an upper lumbar spinous process, and two additional incisions postero-laterally in the bikini line. This allows cross hatching for complete evacuation of fat, and the scars are never seen... usually undetectable by two weeks after surgery when the steri-strips come off. If the patient has a tattoo in the area, I'll often go through that because the scar is also never ever seen.
The micro cannulas are so great at giving smooth results for liposuction and go in through only a needle stick opening so there are no ugly scars and the tiny spots can be placed anywhere easily. Usually each area gets liposuctioned from 3 directions but leave that up to your doc since he will know exactly what to do and where to put them. sincerely, David Hansen,MD
