Purple Itchy Hip Scars 3 Months Post DIEP, Will They Fade?

Question

I am at 12 wks post DIEP 2 and the hip scars were moved down 2 cm. They are VERY itchy and VERY purple esp. compared to last time (12 mos ago) where they were just red. When wearing silicone sheets, swelling is obvious by days' end. As I continue to heal, will purple fade? Should I see a PS here about it. Original surgeon is out of state.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi katmamaof4,
Scars mature over the course of months, and the scars that you are seeing at 12 weeks from revision are by no means your final scars. Over time, scars tend to go from pink or purple to a lighter color, generally settling out to a thin white line scar by approximately 1 year. If you feel like you are scarring abnormally, I would suggest you reaching out to your surgeon. Alternatively, watchful waiting is generally appropriate for scars which appear to be healing normally. Your final results won't be seen for a year or more.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

The good news is that will fade with time.  However, you might benefit from some treatments with either IPL or laser to help this happen more quickly.  See a local PS for some advice on this.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should definitely talk to your surgeon regarding post-surgical treatment for scars.   Everyone offers something a bit differently. I prefer that patients moisturize scars, this helps with dry skin and itching.

Purple Itchy Hip Scars 3 Months Post DIEP, Will They Fade?

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Purple Itchy Hip Scars 3 Months Post DIEP, Will They Fade?

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