I have a hypopigmented scar/white scar on my thigh. I would like to get it removed. What type of surgery would I need? (photo)

Question

I have this hypopigmentes scar on my right thigh. I've had it since I was maybe 18/19 I'm now 24. I've tried creams but that didn't help. How can I minimize this scar with surgery or get rid of it? How much will it cost? And will I still have a scar after getting the scar removed ?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

While, unfortunately, once a scar forms, it cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be significantly improved by a variety of techniques. In my experience, hypopigmented, ivory white scars, such as the one shown in the photos, can improve without invasive scalpel surgery via a series of in-office fractional microneedle treatments. Using either a manual dermarolling device or an electronic wand arrayed with numerous small. stainless steel needles, fractional medical microneedle therapy, aka  skin needling, dermarolling, medical microneedling, or collagen induction therapy creates microscopic wounds within the scar to break up the abnormal scar tissue and stimulate new, native collagenesis (neocollagenesis) that results in improved texture and tone. If additionally a pigment stimulating agent, tyrosine, is applied following the treatment, while the microchannels are still open, the chance of achieving a gratifying improvement in repigmentation is increased. Since neither scalpel nor stitches is required, there is practically no time following the procedure. For a small scar, such as the one shown here, the entire procedure may take less than ten minutes to perform and may run between $350-$500 per treatment session.

Paul Carniol, MD · Answer

There are multiple techniques which can be used for scar reduction.  Recent studies have shown benefit from a few different lasers.  In order to determine what is best, you should have an evaluation in a physician's office by a physician who has experience with scar reduction.Otherwise advice for this problem would just be an educated guess based on looking at a photo, which might be suboptimal.

Elan B. Singer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, there is no way to totally remove your scar.  Once you get a scar, it's there forever, BUT that's not to say you can't improve it--sometimes significantly!  It all depends on the location, size, and nature of your scar.  From your photos, it may be possible to improve it, but a physical exam would be necessary.  Surgery typically allows surgeons to improve contour deformities and wide scars, so long as there is enough tissue redundancy in the area (like the thigh).  Small scars such as yours can be revised in the office under local anesthesia.  The cost can vary, but the typical range in the tri-state area is $1200-2500 (among plastic surgeons).  I would recommend going in for a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  Good luck!

I have a hypopigmented scar/white scar on my thigh. I would like to get it removed. What type of surgery would I need? (photo)

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I have a hypopigmented scar/white scar on my thigh. I would like to get it removed. What type of surgery would I need? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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