Trim the Fat without the Trauma: Options for Reducing Body Contouring Scars
Body contouring procedures like liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can produce dramatic results for patients looking to restore a more youthful, streamlined silhouette after weight loss, pregnancy, or small amounts of fat retention because of aging. While proportionate curves can make you feel and look better, the scars from plastic surgery are not as enticing. While these procedures do necessitate incisions, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the severity of body contouring scars.
The sizes of scars are most closely determined by the length of incision required for your procedure. Based on the location and extent of your cosmetic concerns, Atlanta cosmetic and plastic surgeon, Dr. John LeRoy, will suggest either the traditional or “mini” Band Aid version of a procedure. Traditional abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is performed using an incision the width of the abdomen, which is easily hidden under the panty line to remedy larger amounts of excess abdominal skin and fat. Additionally, a full tummy tuck is often required when muscles must be retightened after pregnancy during mommy makeover surgery. Band Aid tummy tuck uses a narrower incision to reduce small, isolated abdominal fat.
Both traditional and Band Aid Liposuction require only tiny incisions so that the thin metal tube, known as a cannula, can access and suction the unwanted fat from beneath the skin. If the area of excess fat is small enough, Band Aid Liposuction may be performed in-office using gentle numbing (local anesthesia).
Patients can reduce the severity of plastic surgery scars by following their surgeons prescribed aftercare instructions. Depending on your skin type and whether or not you have a tendency of scarring easily, Dr. LeRoy may recommend post-surgery treatments such as topical, silicone-based ointments like scarguard® to apply while your incisions heal to lessen the appearance of scars. Treatments such as massage may be used post liposuction to help break up scar tissue. If more noticeable scarring occurs, patients may then research laser skin treatments to reduce scar pigmentation and projection.
Being an informed patient is one of the best ways to prevent plastic surgery complications like excess scarring. For more news and information concerning plastic surgery from Dr. LeRoy, be sure to connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.
