BBL Scars: What to Expect and How to Minimize Them

One of the biggest advantages of a BBL over implants is minimal scarring. The incisions are tiny — just large enough to insert a liposuction cannula — and are strategically placed in areas that are naturally hidden. Here is what to expect and how to optimize your scar healing.

Where the Scars Are

A BBL with Lipo 360 typically requires 4–8 small incisions, each approximately 3–5mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). Your surgeon places these in areas that are naturally concealed by clothing, underwear, or body folds. Common locations include the lower abdomen (often within the bikini line or inside the navel), the flanks (at the hip crease or natural waist fold), the lower back (at the waistband line), and occasionally the inner thigh or upper arm if fat is harvested from these areas.

For the fat injection into the buttocks, 2–4 additional small incisions are made — typically in the intergluteal crease (the natural fold between the buttocks) and at the base of each buttock cheek. These are among the most well-hidden scars on the body.

How They Heal: Timeline

• Weeks 1–2: Incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape. Slight redness, tenderness, and possibly minor oozing is normal. Kept covered and clean.
• Weeks 3–6: Sutures dissolve or are removed. Scars appear pink or red. This is normal inflammation during the healing process.
• Months 2–6: Scars gradually flatten and fade. They may go through a phase of looking darker or more pigmented (especially in patients with darker skin tones) before lightening.
• Months 6–18: Scars continue to mature. Most BBL scars become barely visible — thin, flat, and close to the surrounding skin tone. In many patients, they become essentially invisible to anyone not specifically looking for them.

How to Minimize Scarring

• Keep incisions out of the sun. UV exposure causes scars to darken permanently. Cover healing scars with clothing or SPF 50+ sunscreen for at least 6 months. This is the single most impactful thing you can do for scar appearance.
• Use silicone scar sheets or gel. Once your surgeon clears you (typically 2–3 weeks post-surgery, once incisions are fully closed), applying medical-grade silicone strips or silicone scar gel daily has the strongest evidence for reducing scar thickness and discolouration. Brands like ScarAway, Mederma, and Biodermis are widely available.
• Do not pick at scabs. Let incisions heal naturally. Picking or scratching at healing scars creates additional trauma that worsens the final appearance.
• Stay hydrated and eat well. Good nutrition and hydration support your body's tissue repair process. Protein, vitamin C, and zinc are particularly important for wound healing.
• Massage (once cleared). Gentle scar massage starting 3–4 weeks post-surgery can help prevent adhesions and promote flat, soft scar tissue. Ask your surgeon when to start.

When Scarring Might Be More Visible

Individual healing varies. Patients who are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scarring (raised, thickened scars) should discuss this with their surgeon before the procedure. Certain skin types — particularly those with a history of keloid formation — may develop raised scars even from small incisions. Your surgeon can adjust incision placement and recommend preventive treatments (silicone sheets, steroid injections if needed) based on your scarring history.

Read more: Recovery Week by Week · Realistic BBL Results · Complete BBL Guide