What can I do to fix the dent in my right thigh? (Photo)

Question

In September of last year (2013), roughly nine months ago, I fell onto the ridge of a low dressing table. I fell HARD with a heavy shelf on top of me from behind, & this resulted in a very severe subdermal hematoma on my thigh. The bruising didn't go away for over a month. Eventually the bruise disappeared, but I was left with a dent in my thigh. Is massaging the area effective treatment or do I need fat injected? It's unsightly, about an inch in diameter and a more than a few centimeters deep.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

This is a common case of post traumatic fat loss. It can be improved with fat transfer. Sometimes more than one session may be required. For smaller areas like yours this can be performed as an office procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Fat grafting is a very powerful tool in cases of traumatic tissue loss like this.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

You have provided adequate time for the trauma to resolve. If you still have a contour deformity, fat grafting is worthy of consideration. Medical evaluation is warranted as well to see if your asymmetry requires further diagnostic testing. Good luck!

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear blvnycThank you for your question and photo!  OUCH!  Micro Fat Grafting is a good procedure to correct the indent.  It may take more than one procedure- a couple of months apart to get the contour corrected.With Warm Regards,Trevor M Born MD

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Hi.  At 9 months any further massaging is unlikely to change the dent.  It is most likely that the injury has caused some of your fat to "split" & it has healed this way.  The best option for you is fat grafting.  This would be a relatively minor procedure for you to go through and is very likely to provide you with excellent results.  But be aware that there is a possibility of requiring more than 1 treatment.  All the best.  Regards Kim

What can I do to fix the dent in my right thigh? (Photo)

Answers (5)