Is hardness and discoloration normal or should I seek treatment? Possible suture? (Photos)

Question

I had a thigh lift in Jan 2024. I went to a well known practice here in Atlanta. I was not informed of any complications during the procedure.I did not have any difficulty until after the incisions were removed. Area was very tender. but I also felt pinching underneath my skin and one area near my knee would not heal. At my 4 week post op the doctor looked at it and said it was possible that a suture was still there. The scar is bad, I have discoloration and also hard lump in my other leg.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It takes about a year for scars to fully mature.  During this time they may change in terms of color and texture.  There are many scar treatments available that when used consistently can help scars to heal more favorably.  I encourage you to continue to visit with your surgeon to discuss concerns as you progress through recovery.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding hardness and discoloration, whether it’s normal after a thigh lift, and whether you should seek treatment for possible suture removal.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  Before any surgery, plastic surgeons outline the risks, benefits, potential complications of the proposed procedure.  Most plastic surgeons review potential complications before the procedure.  Tenderness, pinching, suture retention, poor scarring, and discoloration are all known potential complications after any surgery, especially a thighplasty or thigh lift.  These potential complications should’ve been discussed before surgery.  Regarding current treatment, if the thigh is bothering you, most plastic surgeons would suggest that you undergo a consultation.  In terms of treatment, that’s up to you.  If you are having localized pain in an area, and your plastic surgeon has suggested suture removal, most plastic surgeons would likely also recommend it.  If the scar bothers you, many things can be done to improve thigh lift scars.  Thigh lift scar treatment includes silicone gel, silicone sheeting, FRAXEL laser, micro-needling, Morpheus 8, and even surgical scar excision.  Regarding the hard lump on your other leg, this may be treated with injection of Kenalog, steroids, or 5-FU.  If it is a seroma, it may need serial fluid needle aspiration every other day until the seroma resolves.  If the seroma does not resolve, it may require open drainage or even insertion of a drain.  If the seroma continues, you may need surgical revision.  Either way, if it bothers you, most plastic surgeons would suggest you seek advice.  Good luck.  I hope this helps to answer your question regarding hardness and discoloration, as well as whether this is normal after a thigh lift and whether you should seek treatment.  Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing thigh lifts.  Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 thigh lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA.  (President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery, American College of surgery, International College of surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very extensive surgery that you had! It will take a good year for result to settle and scars to mature. It is not unusual to have complications like wound dechiscence after such an extensive thigh lift. You should let result to mature and then address residual concerns with your surgeon. Regular follow up visits with your surgeon are recommended.

Is hardness and discoloration normal or should I seek treatment? Possible suture? (Photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is hardness and discoloration normal or should I seek treatment? Possible suture? (Photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.