Hello. This is Woori Plastic Surgery.
One of the concerns people have about liposuction is liposuction scar treatment and the incision. Today, let’s take a look at some useful tips for managing liposuction scars.
Reason for making an incision
To undergo liposuction, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted under the skin to remove fat. A small incision of about 5 mm is made so that the cannula can be inserted, and then the liposuction procedure is performed.
You may expect the surgery to be possible without liposuction scar treatment, but as long as the skin is incised, scars can remain. However, if the incision site is chosen well and post-surgery care is managed properly, they can be made to appear hardly noticeable.
Where are the scars?
The liposuction incision site is chosen so that it is hidden in a skin fold. For the arms, incisions are often made in the elbow crease or the inner underarm; for the abdomen, in the panty line or inside the navel; and for the thighs, behind the knee, in the groin, or in the buttock crease.
Because surgical positions and methods differ, the incision site varies slightly from hospital to hospital. If the procedure is performed while lying face down or on the side, the incision site may also differ.
Why scars form
The biggest reason liposuction scars form is friction. As the cannula repeatedly moves in and out of the incision site, the friction can damage the skin and make the area look red and raised. That is why clinics insert a plastic guard between the skin and the cannula, and spray saline or a special solution on the incision site to minimize skin damage during the procedure.
How to care for scars
Even if the surgery is performed well at the clinic, patients still need to manage their scars after surgery.
■ Avoid moving the incision site excessively
■ Avoid UV exposure (there is a risk of hyperpigmentation when exposed to sunlight)
■ Apply scar ointment consistently
■ Wear compression garments to help prevent swelling and scars
In particular, if you have a keloid-prone skin type, it is best to let the clinic know in advance.
Liposuction is not a procedure that leaves no scars at all, but it is a surgery whose scars can be managed so they are not noticeable. If you have any questions about liposuction scar treatment, please contact Woori Plastic Surgery.
