Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it can. Dr. Liu uses a special dissection technique to completely remove the lipoma along with its capsule through a small incision. As long as the capsule is completely removed, recurrence rate is extremely low (less than 1%). In our 15-year clinical follow-up, cases with complete capsule removal have shown no recurrence.

Yes. We use a special "Tumescent Anesthesia" technique. Even for giant lipomas over 10cm, surgery can be safely completed under local anesthesia. Patients remain fully conscious, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes.

Traditional surgery may be covered by health insurance, but minimally invasive surgery is a self-pay procedure (including technical fees and special materials). Cost varies based on tumor size, location, number, and complexity. We recommend an in-person consultation for accurate pricing.

Sutures are typically removed in 7-10 days. Keep the wound absolutely dry for the first 3 days, then you can shower with waterproof dressing. For strenuous exercise, wait until after suture removal and recovery assessment. Normal activities can usually resume after 2 weeks.

Yes. If multiple lipomas are located in nearby areas, we can remove them all in a single surgery, saving time and recovery period. A complete pre-operative assessment will determine the optimal removal sequence and plan.

Giant lipomas are our specialty at Liusmed Clinic. Our <20% ultra-minimal incision technique allows complete removal of 10cm tumors through just 2cm incisions. Pre-operative ultrasound precisely locates tumor size, depth, and relationship with surrounding tissues to ensure safe and complete removal.

Dr. Liu recommends case-by-case evaluation. Mild inflammation can be handled with special techniques. For severe inflammation with pus, we usually recommend drainage or medication control first, then micro-excision after swelling subsides for better aesthetic results.

No. Recurrence is mainly caused by incomplete capsule wall removal. Our core technique is "complete capsule wall dissection." Even with a tiny incision, we ensure the entire cyst sac is removed, resulting in extremely low recurrence rates.

No. Due to the tiny incision (usually just a few millimeters), only a small hydrocolloid or waterproof bandage is needed. It's not noticeable and doesn't affect face washing (avoiding the wound) or daily work.

Epidermal cysts are in the superficial skin layer, often with a central black dot opening, containing keratin debris with possible odor when squeezed. Lipomas are in the deep subcutaneous layer, feel soft and movable, with no opening. Different surgical approaches are required.

Absolutely not recommended. Squeezing often ruptures the capsule wall, causing severe inflammation, infection, and adhesion. This not only increases pain but also makes future surgery more difficult and leaves larger scars. Only complete surgical removal of the capsule wall can provide a cure.

Liusmed's 1:1 micro-technique creates tiny incisions along skin texture lines (Langer's lines). With proper post-operative care, scars are nearly invisible. For keloid-prone patients, we offer professional scar treatment options.

No. We first inject a small amount of local anesthetic using precision pain control technique. During the laser and dissection process, you feel no pain—only slight touching sensation.

Yes, it can. A cyst is like a water-filled balloon—after expressing the contents, the volume shrinks instantly, allowing the softened capsule wall to be easily pulled through the small hole. As long as the capsule is completely removed, recurrence rate is very low (<5%), comparable to traditional surgery.

Not recommended. Large cysts have thicker, wider capsule walls that are difficult to completely dissect through a small hole. Forcing it may cause capsule fragmentation and residue, increasing recurrence risk. For large cysts, we recommend "minimal incision surgery"—still very small and aesthetic wounds.

Usually not. A 2-3mm laser wound typically heals on its own with just hydrocolloid dressing care. If the hole is slightly larger, the doctor may place one stitch to ensure smooth healing, removed in about 5-7 days.

No. When inflamed, the capsule wall becomes thin and fragile—it crumbles when grasped, preventing complete removal. We recommend anti-inflammatory injection or oral medication first, waiting for swelling to subside (about 2-4 weeks) until it becomes a firm ball, then surgery yields best results.

Absolutely not! Self-squeezing only expresses the contents (sebum)—the "capsule wall" remains inside and will regrow quickly. Moreover, squeezing can push bacteria deeper, causing serious cellulitis, resulting in larger surgical scope and uglier scars later.

Yes, it's virtually painless. We use a special tumescent anesthesia technique. Only the first injection of local anesthesia causes mild discomfort (like a regular injection), after which there's no pain during surgery - you'll only feel the vibration of the doctor operating.

Absolutely not. Compensatory sweating (like hand sweat transferring to the back) only occurs with sympathetic nerve cutting. Our micro-surgery only targets the apocrine glands under the skin, without touching the nervous system, so it won't affect temperature regulation or cause compensatory sweating.

This depends on how thorough the surgery is. Recurrence usually happens when apocrine glands aren't completely removed. Dr. Liu follows a "Clean First" principle, ensuring >99% removal rate under direct vision. In our 15 years of clinical follow-up, we have zero recurrence cases.

Recovery is very quick. Most patients can resume light daily activities (like office work) 1-2 days after surgery. However, avoid raising arms significantly for 3-5 days post-surgery for better wound healing. Strenuous exercise should wait until 2 weeks after surgery.

Micro rotational curettage surgery is a self-pay procedure. Cost varies based on severity and treatment area - we recommend an in-person consultation for accurate pricing. Traditional odor surgery may be partially covered by health insurance, but micro-surgical materials and technique fees are self-pay.

We generally recommend surgery for moderate to severe cases (detectable within 1 meter by self or others). Mild cases can try conservative treatments first (antiperspirants, Botox injections). If these don't work or you want a permanent solution, micro-surgery is an option. Dr. Liu provides personalized recommendations during pre-operative assessment.

Extremely safe with zero sensitivity impact. Dr. Liu has over a decade of specialty experience. The surgery precisely targets only the apocrine gland layer under the skin, completely avoiding the nerves that control nipple sensation. Many patients report that after resolving the odor concern, their intimate life quality actually improves significantly.

Virtually no visible scarring. Our incision is controlled at an extremely minimal 0.3cm, cleverly placed at the junction between the areola and surrounding skin (hidden by the color difference). With proper post-operative care, the scar fades to nearly invisible within 1-2 months.

Results are permanent with zero recurrence cases. Once apocrine glands are physically removed, they do not regenerate. Dr. Liu maintains a "Clean First" principle with over 90% removal rate. In his 15 years of clinical follow-up, no patient who underwent this surgery has experienced recurrence.

You can self-assess: if your areola area emits an odor similar to underarm smell during exercise, emotional stress, arousal, or intimate activities, you likely have areola bromhidrosis. Additionally, if you have "wet earwax" or a history of underarm odor, your chances of having areola odor are relatively higher.

Care is simple and usually no time off is needed. For 14 days after surgery, just keep the wound dry (sponge bath instead of showering) and avoid strenuous exercise and breast massage. Since there's no large open wound, pain is minimal, and daily life and office work are completely unaffected.

Yes, absolutely. Many patients have concerns in both areas. Dr. Liu can arrange to address both underarm and areola odor issues simultaneously in one surgery using minimally invasive techniques. This means only one recovery period, saving you significant time and care effort.

This is based on safety considerations. The perineal area is special in location, close to urinary and anal openings, with high bacterial load and difficulty maintaining dryness. Surgical wounds are highly prone to infection or dehiscence. In contrast, non-invasive thermolysis has no open wounds, completely avoiding infection risks while providing 70-80% satisfactory results - the most beneficial choice for patients.

Yes, and this is usually considered a benefit. Since apocrine glands and hair follicles are close together, thermal treatment destroys some follicles while treating glands. Pubic hair volume typically decreases by 50-80%, making intimate areas fresher and reducing odor retention.

For most patients, yes. A 70-80% improvement means odor will be significantly reduced to levels undetectable even at "social distance" or "intimate distance." Unless extremely severe, non-invasive treatment can help you regain confidence.

No. We use special local anesthesia techniques. Only the first anesthesia injection feels like a mosquito bite with mild discomfort - the treatment process is completely painless. You may experience some swelling afterward, but strong painkillers are usually unnecessary.

Non-invasive treatment has no wound healing period - you can resume daily activities the same day. However, since the treated area will be swollen for about 3-4 weeks, we recommend waiting until swelling completely subsides before resuming intimate activities.

Osmidrosis: Odor similar to underarm (spicy/cumin-like), yellow stains on underwear, usually no itching. Infection: Fishy or foul odor, cottage cheese-like or yellow-green discharge, usually with noticeable itching or burning. If you have itching, consult a gynecologist first.

Generally recommended for ages 9 and above. As long as the child can cooperate lying on the operating table for about 1-1.5 hours (we play cartoons to help), and the doctor assesses good physical condition, surgery can be performed.

Absolutely not. Surgery only removes the "apocrine glands" under the skin, without involving growth hormones, bones, muscles, or lymphatic system. Our long-term clinical follow-up shows that children who had surgery developed completely normally in height, weight, and secondary sexual characteristics.

Parents can rest assured. We pay great attention to children's psychological feelings. Besides detailed and gentle pre-operative explanation, we use special gentle anesthesia techniques. Only the first anesthesia injection feels like a vaccination with brief discomfort - the surgery itself is completely painless. With cartoons playing, most children complete the surgery calmly and smoothly.

As long as removal is complete, there will be no recurrence. Dr. Liu follows the "Clean First" principle, using rotational curettage to thoroughly remove apocrine glands. Apocrine glands cannot regenerate - our pediatric cases have had zero recurrence to date.

Winter or summer break is ideal. Although children can return to school 7 days post-surgery, the treated area shouldn't contact water or lift heavy objects for 2 weeks. Surgery during long breaks allows children to recover at home without worrying about PE class absences or changing dressings at school.

There are options. If surgery isn't suitable yet, we can discuss non-surgical suppression therapies (like non-invasive thermal energy or Botox injections). While not as permanent as surgery, they can help children through social difficulties until they're older and mentally ready for surgery.

Yes. Non-invasive thermolysis directly destroys sweat glands. Based on clinical experience, a single treatment can reduce sweating by 80-90%, helping patients regain dry life.

Absolutely not. This technique only destroys sweat glands in specific areas without touching sympathetic nerves, so there's no sweat transfer or new compensation issue.

Results are long-term, even permanent. Sweat glands destroyed by thermal energy cannot regenerate. Over 95% of patients maintain good results after 1-2 years without frequent treatments.

Pain is minimal. We use gentle painless techniques with local anesthesia. During treatment, you'll only feel warmth or slight pressure, with high comfort level.

Suitable for large sweating areas including chest, back, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. The doctor will plan treatment areas based on starch test results.

Usually 1-2 sessions. Single treatment achieves 70-90% improvement. For severe cases or those seeking maximum dryness, a second enhancement treatment can be done 3 months later.

The filler has likely formed a hard "capsule." Your body's fibrous tissue has tightly wrapped around the filler like a wall blocking the dissolver. In this situation, medication cannot penetrate, and the only solution is precise surgical removal of the encapsulated tissue.

We specialize in "micro-pinhole technique" with wounds only pinhole-sized (hidden in skin texture or mucosa), healing to virtually invisible scars. Most patients experience only mild swelling and bruising, recovering within 1-2 weeks for normal social activities.

Post-procedure swelling typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. "Pillow Face" (Facial Overfilled Syndrome) refers to overfilling or wrong layer placement, causing artificial expressions, blurred facial contours, and an inflated appearance persisting for months. If you feel you look "weirder with more filler" or "stiff when smiling," it's likely pillow face requiring removal or adjustment.

The complex distribution of facial nerves and blood vessels is exactly why repair specialists are so rare. Dr. Liu has 20 years of minimally invasive surgery experience, thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, and can precisely avoid neurovascular bundles (Danger Zones) while safely removing foreign bodies.

Yes. Literature documents delayed granuloma cases appearing 10 years after injection. Regardless of time elapsed, as long as the foreign body exists and causes problems (visible bumps or recurring inflammation), we can precisely locate and treat it with minimally invasive methods.

Repair surgery is highly customized medical treatment. Cost depends on filler type (hyaluronic acid, various collagen stimulators, or fat), number of lumps, depth of location, and severity. This requires the doctor's hands-on examination and ultrasound assessment before quoting. We insist on not letting patients waste money and only provide necessary treatment.

Yes. The longer lumps remain, the harder and more calcified they become. Traditional liposuction indeed cannot handle them, but our "micro-pinhole crushing" technique can break down and extract calcified tissue. We've treated many cases of lumps 5 or even 10+ years old.

This depends on the repair technique. We use "tissue repositioning" technique for skin readhesion. If significant sagging exists, we recommend combining non-invasive lifting for repositioning.

Yes, though it's more challenging. The under-eye skin is extremely thin, so we use finer micro-instruments. Under ultrasound guidance, we precisely remove superficial granulomas while preserving normal under-eye fat to prevent tear trough hollowing.

Usually local anesthesia or twilight sedation. Since it's minimally invasive with pinhole-sized wounds (hidden in hairline or inconspicuous areas), post-operative swelling lasts about 1-2 weeks and bruising fades within 2 weeks. No hospitalization needed; normal activities can resume after surgery.

Too risky. Steroid injections easily cause surrounding normal tissue atrophy, creating "crater" depressions, and cannot truly eliminate the calcified lump core. For facial repair, we insist that "physical removal" is superior to "chemical atrophy."

Repair surgery is highly customized medical care. Cost depends on the extent, number, depth, and degree of calcification of the lumps. This requires the doctor's personal assessment through palpation and ultrasound before an accurate quote can be given.

"Improvement" is more accurate than "elimination." Once scar tissue forms, it's permanent, but through subcision and regenerative treatment, we can fill depressions and soften edges. For deep ice pick or rolling scars, we typically achieve 70-90% visual improvement, so makeup doesn't cake, and scars aren't noticeable at social distances.

Melasma is related to hormonal fluctuations and chronic inflammation, making melanocytes very active and unstable. The "photothermal" stimulation from lasers easily irritates them, causing "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)" or even more difficult-to-treat "hypopigmentation." Injection treatment suppresses melanin at the physiological level, which is internationally recognized as a safer approach.

Rosacea is a chronic condition, with the goal being "long-term stable control." While it can't be "cured" like removing a tumor, rosacea injection treatment can significantly reduce facial flushing frequency, constrict dilated vessels, and lower the chance of sensitivity flare-ups, returning the skin to a healthy barrier state.

We apply high-concentration topical numbing cream, so you'll only feel slight needle pricks during treatment, which most patients find acceptable. Since it's non-laser treatment, post-treatment typically involves only tiny needle marks and temporary redness that subsides within 1-3 days, unlike fractional lasers that leave your face crusted over.

Red marks respond best, but white ones can also improve. Red stretch marks indicate ongoing inflammation with best treatment results; white marks indicate fibrous tissue atrophy. Although more challenging to treat, injection therapy that stimulates collagen regeneration can still improve the width and depression of marks, blending them better with surrounding skin.

Skin repair is a gradual process. Generally, 3-6 treatments form a complete course (depending on severity). Melasma typically shows lighter pigmentation after 2-3 sessions; acne scars take longer due to collagen regeneration time, with results most noticeable about 1 month after treatment.

It depends on the cause. If it's due to uneven soft tissue tension or minor implant displacement, "Structural Thread Lifting" using thread tension to guide the nose shape usually works well without reopening. However, severe implant misplacement or significant septal deviation may still require surgical treatment.

Nasal fat grafting has good survival rates. We inject fat as a "modification layer" at implant edges or thinned skin areas. Although some absorption occurs, the remaining fat effectively increases skin thickness and improves transparency and edge visibility. Usually after 1-2 sessions, the effect is permanent.

Significant improvement is possible. Through "fibrosis release" combined with "precise fat grafting," visual smoothness can be achieved. We've treated many severe adhesion cases that other doctors deemed hopeless, all achieving satisfactory improvement.

Not recommended. If the "fake look" is from an implant that's too high or large, adding fat will only make the nose bigger. Fat modification is suitable for "harsh lines," "visible edges," or "thin skin"—not for masking an oversized implant.

Higher than primary surgery, but micro-adjustment is relatively safe. Thread lifting or fat grafting don't damage main structures or blood circulation, making them far safer than traditional open revision surgery.

The infection must be fully controlled. If there's currently no redness, swelling, heat, or pain, and the infection has healed for over 6 months, micro-modification can be considered. But if there's potential implant infection risk, we recommend removing the implant first and reconstructing with autologous tissue (dermis, rib cartilage) for maximum safety.

Medically, it's difficult to "completely disappear." Any injury to the dermis layer will leave a scar. Our treatment goal is to make scars "inconspicuous"—color close to skin tone, surface flat, lines extremely fine—so they're barely noticeable in daily life unless examined closely.

This is a long-term battle. Keloid recurrence rates are indeed higher, depending on body type and wound location (chest and shoulders with high tension are most prone to recurrence). At Liusmed Clinic, we use "combined therapy" and emphasize "long-term post-operative follow-up" to significantly reduce recurrence rates.

The golden period is 3-6 months after wound healing. This is the scar remodeling phase. We recommend using silicone patches or scar gel as soon as sutures are removed. If you notice the scar becoming red or raised, seek immediate injection treatment for best results.

It depends on the treatment method. Surgery uses local anesthesia and is painless. For intralesional injection (scar injections), because scar tissue is hard, you may feel pressure pain when medication is administered. We use ultra-fine needles mixed with anesthetic to minimize discomfort.

Yes. Although new scars have the highest plasticity, old scars can still be improved through surgical revision (excision and re-suturing) or laser resurfacing. For old white depressed scars, minimal incision scar revision surgery can also be considered.

It varies by individual. Keloids typically require multiple injections (monthly, about 3-6+ times) to flatten. Scar revision surgery is usually one-time but requires months of post-operative care. Costs depend on scar size, length, and difficulty—the doctor will provide a quote after personal evaluation.

Yes. Skin darkening indicates the area is in an ischemic state, but it does not mean the tissue has necrosed. If aggressive multimodal repair treatment (such as hyperbaric oxygen, microcirculation IV therapy, photobiomodulation, etc.) is initiated within the golden rescue window, there is still a chance to restore blood flow and salvage tissue. The key is early intervention before irreversible tissue death occurs.

Acute rescue (such as hyaluronidase injection) is emergency treatment performed within the first hours after occlusion. Our post-occlusion repair targets patients who, after the acute phase, have experienced ischemic injury and developed complications like hyperpigmentation, ulceration, or scarring, providing systematic multimodal reconstruction therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can increase dissolved oxygen in plasma by 10-15 times, delivering oxygen to ischemic tissues without relying on red blood cells. This is particularly important for areas where blood vessels are blocked and red blood cells cannot reach, effectively supporting tissue survival and regeneration.

Treatment duration depends on the severity of damage. Mild hyperpigmentation may improve in 2-4 weeks, moderate ulceration requires about 4-8 weeks of intensive treatment, and severe scarring may need months of staged repair. Costs are individually quoted after the doctor's detailed assessment — we only provide necessary treatment plans.

Recovery depends on initial injury severity, intervention timing, and individual healing capacity. Mild ischemic injuries can often achieve near-complete recovery with aggressive treatment; moderate to severe injuries aim for "maximum functional restoration," significantly improving appearance and function through multimodal therapy. We honestly assess the expected improvement range during the initial consultation.

Post-ischemic tissue faces the "double hit" of reperfusion injury — even when blood flow partially returns, free radicals and inflammatory responses continue damaging tissue. Passive waiting not only misses the golden repair window but may deepen hyperpigmentation and worsen scar contracture. Active multimodal intervention is needed to interrupt the injury cascade and create optimal conditions for tissue reconstruction.

Yes, the threads remain inside. We use PDO (Polydioxanone) threads, the same material as surgical sutures, which are completely absorbed by the body in 6-8 months. During absorption, collagen production occurs around the threads—this is what provides long-term support. Since they're absorbable materials without long-term foreign body retention, side effect risks are extremely low.

The key difference is "vascular embolism" risk. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like filler that can cause tissue necrosis or even blindness if accidentally injected into blood vessels. Thread lifting uses solid threads that physically cannot enter blood vessels, making it far safer for high-risk vascular areas like the nose and glabella.

Results typically last 1-2 years. Effects don't "suddenly disappear"—they gradually diminish over time. After threads absorb in 6-8 months, the collagen they've stimulated continues providing support, then gradually fades with natural aging. Think of it as "slowing the aging clock" rather than "freezing time."

These are technique issues, not inherent problems with thread lifting. Unevenness typically occurs when threads are placed at incorrect depths or tension is unevenly distributed. Exposed ends result from improper anchor point handling. With experienced physicians, these complications are avoidable. Our "Structural Bone Framework Filling" technique emphasizes multi-layer, multi-directional placement for even force distribution.

Honestly, it cannot match surgical facelift tightness. Thread lifting's advantages are "minimally invasive," "quick recovery," and "natural results"—suitable for mild to moderate laxity or those wanting to prevent aging. Severe laxity (obvious turkey neck, deep SMAS descent) still requires surgical facelift. We'll honestly assess which approach suits you during consultation.

No. "Pillow face" is an overfilled hyaluronic acid problem—thread lifting doesn't cause volume expansion. Our technique philosophy is "bone framework filling"—using threads to reconstruct the skeletal support of youth rather than stacking fillers. Post-procedure expressions remain natural, smiles aren't stiff, because threads are placed along fascial planes without affecting expression muscles.