Whats the Best Treatment for Pigmented Liposuction Scars?

Question

Hi, I've had liposuction 2 years ago.While I love the results, I'm dissatisfied with the two brown holes it has left. My skin color is a Middle Eastern like light olive color. The scars are not raised but you can clearly see the brown scars. I have been using a 4% hydroquinone cream for couple months, which helped only a tiny bit if anything at all.Whats the best treatment for scars like this? Lasers, dermabrasion,skin grafting,etc.? Does it matter if a dermatologist dermatologist does it or PS?

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank
 you for your question. Scars usually fade away after a year. 
Hyperpigmentation can be treated with a laser. Adding retin A or spot chemical peels will also help. An excision can also help and pretreat with a hydroquinone cream.  
Consult with a Board certified Plastic Surgeon for an examination and 
treatment recommendations. Best Wishes

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would use Melarase creams (Melarase AM and Melarase PM) for pigmented liposuction scars. In some cases, Q switch laser may also be appropriate. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and I am happy you are pleased with your overall results. I think hydroquinone is the best topical treatment. Lasering could worsen the color. You might have to discuss surgical scar revision vs accepting the coloration. Please see your plastic surgeon I believe he/she would be better able to discuss these options.

Sheila Bond, MD · Answer

Hyperpigmented or dark scars are common in certain ethnic groups. It is best to take steps that prevent them from forming. In my practice every patients starts a scar control program after surgery to prevent the scars from darkening. Some patients who know they form dark scars can pre-treat before surgery. Once the scars become dark they are more dificult to treat. Hydroquinone containing products work, but slowly. Chemical peells and lasers may also be used depending on your skin type. Often patients try different treatment for at least 8 weeks before changing to another. It can be a long process.

Scott Loessin, MD · Answer

If topical creams such as BioCornuem (a silicon based scar treatment) don't work the the scar needs to be excised and carefully closed by a plastic surgeon.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

Treatment with Q-switched alexandrite laser, starting at low energies, might be beneficial for pigmented scars.  I would suggest that you see a dermatologist with extensive experience with lasers.

Vicki J. Levine, MD · Answer

If hydroquinone alone has not worked you may ask your dermatologist to recommend a pharmacy that can compound a retinoid with a hydroquinone and a topical steroid. This used to be available in this country. The FDA banned it since they do not like drugs made of several components.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

If hydroquinone alone is no correcting the problem you may have to add a retinoid in combination or try a compounded higher concentration hydroquinone or other bleaching cream. If this does not give desired results then I would use a laser (pulsed light) but would need to be very careful due to your skin color. I would make sure you go to an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist that has laser experience.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Hydroquinone is a good starting point but photos would help. It needs to be used consistently for more than a few months to be beneficial.  Skin grafting would produce an aesthetically unpleasing, more obvious outcome.  Depending on the scars, steroid injections could be beneficial. I suggest that you return to your surgeon for folllowup and to explore your options.

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Whats the Best Treatment for Pigmented Liposuction Scars?

Answers (9)

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