Thigh lift groin scar has dropped 3 years post-op - any advice? (Photos)

Question

I had a thigh lift 3 years ago. The scars dropped not long after the surgery & are visible, the skin is puckered & loose again. I did go back to see my surgeon who advised me a revision wouldn't help. They look awful again & I felt uncomfortable wearing anything above my knees. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding thigh lift groin scar which has dropped three years after surgery. From your pictures, you have undergone what I call a crescent thigh lift. Scar migration and drift are complications of this procedure. To minimize this complication, the scar line needs to be anchored to pelvic periosteum (the outer layer of the pelvic bone). Another potentially bad complication is labial spread. In your case, I would suggest a surgical revision. The incision needs to be used, and the scar needs to be anchored to your pelvic periosteum. This minimizes migration which you have developed even three years after the surgery. During this surgery, the procedure will eliminate excess skin and fat, and some of your visible puckering can be eliminated. Please seek an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed many crescent thigh lifts. 
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam is needed to give a specific recommendation.  If laxity has returned you may need a revision to your thigh lift or even a vertical incision on the inner aspect of the thigh to better reduce the laxity.  I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you to hear varying opinions.

Thigh lift groin scar has dropped 3 years post-op - any advice? (Photos)

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