Your Questions

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had liposuction done to my calfs out of state.  My calves look great and I am happy with results but I’m not happy with the indented scars that are left. Three of the eight incisions are indented.  The incisions were left open to drain and were not stitched up.  I understand some docs do this and some don’t.  I guess it’s a preference thing.  They are very small incisions but I still do not like that they are indented.  Because of the location on my calves, they show a lot.  I feel like everyone will now know what I had done.  I can’t enjoy the results because of this.  I feel like I would have been better off if they were stitched up and became keloid scars this way I could flatten them with scar strips like I have done in the past.  Even with scar revision, I know they will not go away completely.  I am realistic about this but as indented as they are, they will attract more attention.  I have had liposuction in the past on other body parts and the incisions were sutured up and now you cannot even see the scars.  So I do have experience with this.  That is what I was hoping for these too.  Now there is nothing I can do to pull them out.  I have included pictures.  I would like to discuss what method you would use to pull them out or even cut out the scar and resuture.  I heard some doctors make another incision and then loosen the connective tissue (with a needle) that is pulling it down and then suture it up.  This is what I would be interested in.  What would you charge per indentation?   If this is something that you are comfortable doing or have experience with, please have your assistant contact me.

A: Indented scars from liposuction are common on the calfs if they are not sutured closed because the skin is so naturally tight and thick. This is particularly true on the back of the calfs. The best approach would be to a simple scar revision by excision, release the indentations by needle (subcision) and then reclose them. This would be a fairly simple procedure done in the office under local anesthesia.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis,Indiana

Q: Dear Dr Eppley I have two deep scars (they are red and has slight dent) )on my legs due to an accident three months ago. I know scar revision can remove the redness, but can it treat the dent too? How long will it take and how much will it cost( just give myself some mental preparation)? Thank you.

A: Contrary to your perception, scar revision can do exactly the opposite of what you think. Scar revision can improve the indentation of the scars by removing the depressed portion and bringing skin in from the sides to make it more level. The redness of scars is not something that traditional  scar revision will help. Redness of scars fades mainly a a function of time. As the scar matures, the blood vessels in it recede as the nutrients are no longer needed to heal. That makes the scar redness go away.

The more significant question is the timing of your scar revision…when is  a good time to undergo scar revision? That will depend on the appearance and location of your leg scars. Each scar must be assessed on its own qualities. Scars on the legs are particularly difficult to improve due to the tightness of the leg skin and the pressure and stresses to which the leg is exposed. I would have to see pictures of your scars to determine the best approach as well as timing and the costs. Relaxation of the surrounding skin is particularly important. So being only three months after your injury is undoubtably too soon.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana