Liposuction incisions, how to lighten them?

Question

I got lipo done on my flanks in 2012, and my surgeon was smart enough to position the incision, one higher than the other, so it looks less artificial, even though they have healed, and are lighter in color, they are not the same color as my skin, how can I lighten them? would using hydroquinone on this area, lighten the incision color? I've had been given back massages, and people don't mention anything, probably assume they are acne red marks

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Sometimes, the best bet is to excise the scars and close them again with fine sutures. They can heal almost imperceptibly like this faster than with creams and massge.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The use of the bleaching agent, such as hydroquinone can be used to lighten hyper pigmented scars at the point of access for liposuction.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Dark scars at two years are not common. Best to be seen in person. Sometimes lasers can help improve the color as well.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Scars will frequently be dark for a while, but usually not for 2 years. The most effective treatment at this time would be use of an IPL machine.

James R. Benjamin, MD (retired) · Answer

Unfortunately there is no good way to lighten those scars. Use of differently bleaching agents designed to lighten skin are uniformly unsuccessful. Do not expose the scars directly to the sun as this will permanently darken the scars.

Liposuction incisions, how to lighten them?

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