Posted: March 2, 2018
During the liposuction procedure, a small incision is made in the treatment area to allow for the insertion of the instrument that will gently break apart and remove your stubborn fat deposits. The incisions used for liposuction are incredibly small, but as with any surgical incision, a scar is possible after recovery.
Indianapolis plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Fata utilizes advanced liposuction techniques that are designed to minimize trauma while maximizing results. These techniques allow for a smaller incision to be used during the liposuction procedure, which can further serve to minimize scarring.
Efforts you make before and after your procedure will also play a decisive role in the visibility of your incisions after you have recovered from liposuction surgery.
Minimizing Liposuction Scars
The easiest way to reduce your risks of scarring after liposuction is by taking proper care of your incisions. Keeping incisions clean and dry will go a long way towards preventing infection and other issues that can increase scar visibility. Minimizing activity while you recover will help as well. If incisions become irritated or reopened during physical exertion, you may experience more significant scarring than is necessary.
Certain medications and supplements that thin the blood may need to be avoided during liposuction recovery to help reduce risks of scarring. The use of nicotine, in any form, will also increase risks of visible scarring. In fact, if you smoke, vape, use patches, chew nicotine gum, or in any other way invite nicotine into your system during liposuction recovery, you can almost count on large, ropey, highly visible scars. Dr. Fata strongly encourages our patients to quit smoking at least six weeks before liposuction and to stay quit for at least six weeks after to avoid this complication.
Depending on the area of the body that has been treated, you may be provided with a compression garment after your procedure. Wear this garment as instructed to help minimize bruising and swelling, and to reduce the risks of excessive scarring after you have healed.
Dr. Fata will provide you with thorough instructions for liposuction preparation and recovery. Follow these instructions carefully to reduce your risks of scarring and other unnecessary complications. He will review these, as needed, during your follow up visits. Please remember, these follow up visits are included in the cost of your liposuction procedure.
If you become concerned about the way your incisions are healing in between scheduled visits, we encourage you to call our office right away. Your comfort and satisfaction are top priorities for us and we take every care to help ensure our actions help provide you with the most rewardable experience possible.
Dr. Fata is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, and all surrounding areas of Indiana. If you are considering liposuction or any other plastic surgery procedure, please call Renaissance Plastic Surgery at 317-575-9152 to schedule a consultation today.
