You’ve done your research, you’ve decided what you’d like your results to look like, and you’re ready to finally sculpt those areas of your body that haven’t responded to diet and exercise. You’re ready for liposuction! But before committing to the procedure, you may have one last question: will the scars after liposuction be noticeable? It’s a valid concern—after all, the whole point of getting body contouring is to look like you haven’t had body contouring. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the concerns liposuction patients have about scarring and how you can enjoy your smoother, slimmer, more contoured figure without worrying about scars.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- Will I Have Scars After Liposuction?
- Where On My Body Will the Liposuction Incisions Be Made?
- Does the Liposuction Technique Used Affect the Size of the Scars?
- Are There Ways I Can Minimize My Liposuction Scars During Recovery?
- Are There Ways I Can Minimize the Visibility of My Liposuction Scars?
- How Long Will It Take for My Liposuction Scars to Fade?
Will I Have Scars After Liposuction?
The short answer is yes. Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and like any surgical procedure, it involves incisions. Where there are incisions, there is healing and collagen remodeling that eventually form into scars. The good news is that while liposuction does involve incisions, they’re typically just a few millimeters long and strategically placed in natural folds or shadowed areas of your body. When you combine today’s advanced liposuction techniques with thoughtful incision placement, most patients find that the resulting scars fade to the point of being virtually undetectable.
Where On My Body Will the Liposuction Incisions Be Made?
The number and placement of your liposuction incisions depend entirely on the areas being treated and your surgeon’s approach. Because liposuction involves inserting a thin tube (called a cannula) beneath the skin to suction out unwanted fat, a few small entry points are required. These incisions are small and positioned to blend in with your natural body creases or less noticeable areas to minimize their visibility.
For example:
- Abdomen and flank liposuction incisions may be hidden within your belly button, bikini line, or lower back folds.
- Thigh and buttock liposuction incisions can be concealed in your groin area or under the crease of your buttocks.
- Arm liposuction entry points are often tucked near your armpit or elbow.
- Chin and neck liposuction incisions are typically made under your chin or behind your ears.
Skilled surgeons like Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole take care to keep liposuction incisions small and discreet. Once they’re healed, the scars are often barely noticeable.
Does the Liposuction Technique Used Affect the Size of the Scars?
Yes, the method your liposuction surgeon uses can influence the number, size, and appearance of your scars. Advances in liposuction technology have made the procedure gentler and more precise, allowing smaller incisions and less scarring, leading to a smoother recovery. At Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery, we use the following liposuction methods:
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction uses a vibrating cannula to break up fat cells before removal. Because the vibration gently dislodges fat, less force is needed, and smaller incisions can often be used. This technique may also result in less bruising and trauma to surrounding tissues, promoting quicker healing and less noticeable scars.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)
Laser-assisted liposuction utilizes laser energy to liquefy fat before it’s suctioned out. Because the fat is already softened, a finer cannula is used—meaning smaller incisions are needed and typically result in more subtle scarring. Additionally, the heat generated during the LAL process may help seal small blood vessels in the treatment area, reducing bleeding, bruising, and inflammation and accelerating healing. An added bonus is that the laser also helps tighten the surrounding skin, which can help skin “bounce back” and improve your overall contour.
While the liposuction technique can play a part in scar appearance after surgery, your surgeon’s skill and attention to detail are equally crucial in determining what your final scars will look like.
Are There Ways I Can Minimize My Liposuction Scars During Recovery?
Absolutely. The way you care for your incisions after surgery plays a significant role in how they heal and how noticeable the resulting scars are. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully will help reduce the risk of incision complications such as infection, poor wound healing, and discoloration.
Some general guidelines for optimal incision care after liposuction include:
- Keep your liposuction incisions clean and dry. Follow all instructions from Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole on how to gently clean the treatment area and prevent infection.
- Avoid picking or scratching scabs. Doing so can prolong the healing process and lead to raised scars.
- Wear your compression garment as directed. This helps reduce swelling, prevent excess fluid buildup, and promote smoother healing.
- Stay out of the sun. Exposure to UV rays can damage newly created scar tissue, causing it to darken permanently and making scars more visible.
- Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet that includes ample protein, vitamin C, and zinc, all of which support healthy tissue repair.
By staying consistent with these habits during your liposuction recovery and attending all follow-up visits, you can help ensure your scars heal properly and blend seamlessly into your skin tone.
Are There Ways I Can Minimize the Visibility of My Liposuction Scars?
Once your liposuction incisions have closed completely, you can begin using treatments to help improve their texture and color. Options include:
- Silicone gels or sheets: These easy at-home applications are clinically proven to flatten and fade scars over time. Silicone treatments keep scars soft and prevent collagen overproduction (which can lead to raised scars).
- Scar massage: Once approved by your surgeon, gently massaging your scars can increase blood flow to the area and soften scar tissue.
- Laser treatments or microneedling: You may choose to undergo professional nonsurgical treatments to further smooth and lighten any remaining discoloration or raised scars.
When it comes to minimizing the visibility of your scars, consistency is key. Many of these treatments take several weeks or months to show noticeable improvement, but with diligent use, your scars can become nearly invisible.
How Long Will It Take for My Liposuction Scars to Fade?
Every patient heals differently and on their body’s own individual timeline, but in general, most liposuction scars begin to fade significantly within three to six months. Early on, your scars will appear pink or slightly raised. As collagen remodeling continues, they should eventually flatten and fade to match your natural skin tone.
Explore Liposuction Options in Pasadena
While it’s natural to worry about scarring after liposuction, the incisions are designed to be as minimal and discreetly placed as possible. With a skilled surgeon like Dr. Martin O’Toole or Dr. Adam O’Toole, proper incision care, and a diligent scar treatment routine, you can enjoy smoother, more defined contours with little evidence that surgery was ever performed. To schedule your liposuction consultation at Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery, contact our office today at (626) 449-8910 or complete our online contact form.