How many scars do you get from lipo of the flanks and abdomen?

Question

I’m about 150lbs, 5’2 and the only thing that has stopped me from getting plastic surgery are the scars. I’ve seen a lot of really bad scars that make it super obvious that they had work done. Also are there tips and tricks to minimize them?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

At consultation, your surgeon can predict the likelihood of you having bad scars and the number you will require.  Bad scars can be minimized by choosing inconspicuous locations, avoiding injury to the skin during the procedure and properly caring for the scars after surgery.  It is far more likely that a result will be 'obvious' because of contour irregularities rather than skin scars.  Perhaps you have seen a 100 liposuction patients, but only recognized that liposuction had been done in the two patients who got bad scars?

Alfred Sofer, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Typically liposuctions scars are well hidden in the belly button, bikini line, etc. The scars are usually very small depending on the cannula used. It is important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for individualized advice

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation. The port sites for liposuction can be placed under the bikini and are very small. I recommend biocorneum applications after surgery which can help with the scarring. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
 Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
Each doctor has their own protocol It is very important that you talk to him about your concerns and goals.
Typically liposuction on this areas will require 3 - 5 small incisions, hidden In the belly button or below the bikini line.
Hope this helps. Good luck :)

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Kristina_24, thank you for your question. During your consultation the doctor should be able to discuss with you the placements of all incisions for liposuction of the abdomen and flanks. You can achieve minimal scars (depending on the technique of the surgeon). I would recommend an in person exam with a few board certified plastic surgeons who perform many of these procedures, has great reviews and photos, and are experts in this field.

Paul B. Mills, MD · Answer

Typically liposuction of the abdomen and flanks will require between 3 and 5 small incisions that are hidden below the bikini line or in the belly button. Every surgeon has preferential sites for liposuction scars depending upon the patient so an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is probably best.  With respect to the scarring, these scars are usually very minimal and should fade away quite nicely.  In the rare case that the scarring is more significant, gel sheeting or scar formulas may be of some benefit during the scar maturation phase but discuss this further with your plastic surgeon.  Good luck and I hope this helps.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

The best advice would come from the plastic surgeon performing your surgery. Without an examination, it would be difficult to advise over the internet. There are silicone scar therapy that can help after surgery to help " fade" your scars. Talk to your plastic surgeon.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction will produce 3 or 4 small scars measuring less than one inch each.  The scars should fade and be one virtually invisible after one year. If you are looking at immediately post op scars which are not yelled healed, this will not provide an accurate picture.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you very much for your question. Liposuction of the flanks (love handles) is an extremely common procedure, offering smooth, contoured hips that complement a flat abdomen and shapely stomach. The number of small incisions made to place a tiny cannula for withdrawing fat, can vary according to the treatment area and the extent of correction. For this reason, it is hard to say for sure how many scars you will have after the procedure. Remember that an experienced surgeon, specializing in body contouring techniques, will meticulously place the incisions where they will be well-concealed under clothing or swimwear. To find out more about liposuction of the flanks, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. At this time, he/she can determine if you are a good candidate for traditional liposuction or a nonsurgical fat elimination technique such as CoolSculpting. He/she will carefully explain what you can expect from the procedure, including the risk for scarring.

How many scars do you get from lipo of the flanks and abdomen?

Answers (11)

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