What is post lipo-surgery fibrosis?
Injury to the tissues during lipo-surgery causes inflammation and edema (fluid retention). This may lead to the deposition of excess collagen fibers with random orientation. The abnormal collagen deposition in the tissue heals with the formation of fibrous scar tissue, adhesions, or hard lumps. This process is called ‘fibrosis’ or post lipo-surgery fibrosis. Fibrosis is very common if not universal in the first few weeks and months following lipo-surgery.
Some of the common lipo-surgery procedures associated with fibrosis include:
- liposuction
- liposculpture
- laser lipo/smart lipo
- vaser lipo
- bodytite
- abdominoplasty/tummy tuck
- Brazilian butt lift/BBL
- cellfina
- subcision
- cellulaze
- cellutite
- profound RF
What causes post lipo-surgery fibrosis?
- the suction of fat
- the liposuction cannula itself as the surgeon “pokes” under the skin
- the ultrasound/radiofrequency/laser tip of the cannula, as used for vaser/ bodytite/ smart lipo, respectively.
Adhesions and hard lumps
Adhesions refers to a form of scar tissue which acts as a glue between tissue layers, such as the skin and underlying fascia, adhering together with collagen fibers. Hard lumps are formed in small spot areas where there is excessive concentration of fibrosis. Often the term fibrosis is used to refer to hard lumps or overall hardened skin, while adhesions is used to refer to areas where there is restricted movement between tissue layers.
When does scar tissue formation start following lipo-surgery?
Fibrosis may start as early as 3-4 days after lipo-surgery and can keep developing for about 2-4 weeks thereafter:
- Minimizing inflammation and edema will reduce the likelihood of developing post lipo-surgery fibrosis.
- When edema or inflammation persists, the chances and degree of fibrosis increases.
DOES FIBROSIS AFTER LIPO GO AWAY? IS IT PERMANENT? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
We utilize radiofrequency and laser therapy to treat the post lipo surgery inflammation and reduce scar and adhesion formation.