Fading Lipo Scars, what can help fade them? (PHOTO)

Question

I had lipo/ bbl November 2019, I have had 2 treatments of Kenalog and have noticed some scars have sunken in. What is my next best option to help fade these scars and make the less visible?

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, my suggestion would be to have the scars excised and potentially inject kenalog at the same time to prevent recurrence of these hypertrophic scars. Though the incisions will roughly be the same size or slightly larger, the wounds can be closed under minimal tension in layers.  Note that when liposuction is performed, a metal cannula is passed hundreds of times leading to local tissue damage through friction. Though most times these wounds heal with very little scarring, but sometimes excision and reclosure may be beneficial.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. As an author of Scars and Scar Revision in Reoperative Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, I am well versed in the potential treatment options.  One treatment (silicone sheets) may be helpful for one patient while another treatment (mederma) may help another patient. No particular scar treatment is better than another.  
The scars from liposuction will continue to fade in most cases for at least one year.  I advise that scars not be exposed to sunlight for the first year due to risk for hyperpigmentation.  If the scars are elevated or irritated or there is exuberant scar tissue, injections of several items may be helpful.  Scar revision surgery can lessen the scar.  Other alternatives such as Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL) lasers (Fractora, Lumecca) may be beneficial. Laser may be reasonable after the initial phase of scar healing is complete at the 6 week mark in an uncomplicated case.  However, I usually recommend waiting longer, because time will usually be the best help, particularly in a good scar former.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

these are huge! they should be revised surgically then lasered. if you cannot do that then do cosmelan peels, vivatia foam, and at home derma rolling.

there are many options for  scars:
1. vascular lasers (yellow laser, vbeam, excel v)
2. fractional lasers (fraxel, erbium, co2)
3. microneedling/PRP
4. silicone based scar gels with growth factors
5. excision 
see an expert.
Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Steroid injections can improve scars that are raised and itchy, but if too much steroid is injected there will develop indentations from atrophy.  If the injection was fairly recent it may be worth injecting saline to wash out the steroid.  If these indentations remain stable for over a year following an injection, the option of fat grafting can be considered.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear miles1993,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like you would benefit from scar revision surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You would benefit from an in person or virtual consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.  A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing. 
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Fading Lipo Scars, what can help fade them? (PHOTO)

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