Plastic Surgery Scar Treatment After Thigh Lift? (photo)

Question

I had thigh lift and tummy tuck and the scars in thigh lift in the groin are very dark. I would like to lighten their appearance only because when I bend the bathing suit slides and it does not look nice. Is there anything I can use to lighten the scars?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding plastic surgery scar treatment after a thigh lift. Many things could be done to scars in general. This can include dermabrasion, micro-needling, derma pen, Morpheus8, injection of steroids, and 5FU. Some skin bleaching creams can also remove the pigment of the scar. In addition, excellent lasers can help with the discoloration of the scar. The name of the laser is called V-beam laser. To flatten the scar, you may also consider a Fraxel laser. These lasers can decrease the scarring and optimize the results. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding plastic surgery scar treatment after a thigh lift.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s
not unusual for patients to be concerned about scarring following thigh lift
surgery.  The scars following this
procedure are potentially long and are not easily hidden.

In
an effort to minimize scarring, a variety of maneuvers
have been utilized.  These include
techniques designed to decrease tension on the wound closure, examples include
steristrips, silicone scar sheeting and compressive support devices.

Massage
of scars with a variety of topical agents has been shown to be helpful as
well.  It’s also important to avoid
sun exposure and tanning.  In the
occasional patient who develops hypertrophic scarring, steroid injections may
be helpful as well.

It’s
important to remember that wound remodeling occurs for at least 12-18 months
following surgery.  If you’re
concerned about scarring following thigh lift surgery, it’s important to
discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon.  Your surgeon should be able to help you manage this problem.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars usually get better (and lighter) with time.  Within 1 year of surgery, I usually recommend my patients to massage the scar with scar cream and to avoid UV light.  If after a year you still have hyper-pigmented scar, you can treat the area with hydroquinone based cream and or undergo laser treatment.

Plastic Surgery Scar Treatment After Thigh Lift? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Concerned about scars from thigh lift

Answer: Concerned about scars from thigh lift

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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Plastic Surgery Scar Treatment After Thigh Lift? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Concerned about scars from thigh lift

Answer: Concerned about scars from thigh lift

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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.