Ask a Surgeon - Liposuction - I am considering liposuction, but as an African-American, I am concerned about...

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I am considering liposuction, but as an African-American, I am concerned about how...

Q:

I am considering liposuction, but as an African-American, I am concerned about how darker skin heals from the incisions of the procedure. Are the scars more noticeable on black skin? What about keloids? Are there studies or other information as to how black skin heals as opposed to lighter skin?

A:

The healing and appearance of scars following lipoplasty (liposuction) are determined in large part by the individual patient's genetic background. An evaluation of any existing scars on the patient is helpful to predict the likely appearance of new scars. Even among people of the same ethnicity, there can be great variability in the way they heal and the visibility of scars. Patients of African background do have a higher incidence of darker scars and keloids than the general population. However the scars resulting from lipoplasty are small -- usually the size of a pencil eraser head – and can often be placed into areas where they will be well hidden. Should hypertrophic or keloid scars develop, there are treatments available to improve their appearance.