Will This Scar Flatten? (photo)

Question

this is my scar at three weeks. My surgeon said this will flatten out... do you think this is true?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if your scar will flatten. It appears you had a spiral medial thigh lift or crescent thigh lift. Also, you may have had a banana roll removal or an inferior buttock lift. Nonetheless, this scar should flatten you only three weeks out of surgery. It takes at least 6-8 weeks for scars to mature and flatten. Even then, it takes slightly longer to recover completely. I suggest you apply compression to this area and continue exercising and moving. Again, these scars will flatten. Just give it time. I hope this answers your question regarding whether your scars will flatten. 
I specialize in thigh lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the thigh reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the thigh lift, thigh reduction, vertical thigh lift, medial thigh lift, spiral thigh lift, crescent thigh lift, or thigh lipo, please contact my office.   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.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's important to understand that wound healing is a dynamic process that goes on for 12 to 18 months following surgery. During this period of time, scars have the potential to undergo significant remodeling and become less noticeable.It's important to note that a significant amount of tissue gathering was utilized during your wound closure. This has resulted in some irregularity of the wound margins. It's important to realize that this is not unusual after this type of surgery when patients are only three weeks post-op. With the passage of time, these wounds should flatten and lose their redness.It's important to take steps in the post-operative period to minimize scarring. A variety of maneuvers have been utilized to minimize scarring. These include techniques designed to decrease tension on the wound closure, examples include ster-strips, 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 also be helpful. When adverse scarring occurs despite these maneuvers, scar revision is occasionally necessary.If you're concerned about scarring following thigh lift surgery, you should discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses scarring in the post-operative period.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

A raised texture is normal for the first three to six months after your surgery but fortunately it will gradually flatten out. This natural healing process can take about a year or so. Ask your surgeon about scar treatments, such as topical silicone gel or silicone sheeting. These may help reduce visibility of the scar.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  The photo of your posterior thighlift scar looks reasonable for 3 weeks.  I agree with your surgeon that it should settle with time.  The puckering is due to deep sutures used to reset the fold under the buttock.  If It does not faltten out in 3-6 months you should discuss with your surgeon.  Scars take 18 months to fully mature to their final state.  If a revision is necessary, you should wait until then.  Best wishes.

Will This Scar Flatten? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scars Take 18 Months to Fully Mature

Answer: Scars Take 18 Months to Fully Mature

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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

Will This Scar Flatten? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scars Take 18 Months to Fully Mature

Answer: Scars Take 18 Months to Fully Mature

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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.