Really Unattractive Scars, Swelling and Redness After Thigh Lift What Can I Do?

It's not unusual for patients to be concerned about scarring following thigh lift surgery. This concern is related to the length of the incisions and the inability to easily hide them.A variety of maneuvers have been utilized to minimize scarring. These include techniques designed to decrease tension on the wound closure, examples include steri-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 be helpful, as well. When adverse scarring occurs despite these maneuvers, scar revision is occasionally necessary.In your particular case, scarring isn't your only concern. The presence of redness, warmth and swelling along your incision suggests the presence of infection. It's important to understand that infection can adversely impact wound healing and worsen scars. For this reason, it's important that infection be evaluated and treated as soon as possible.It's also important to remember that wound remodeling occurs for at least 12 to 18 months following surgery. If you're concerned about infection and scarring following thigh lift surgery, it's important to contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment that addresses your concerns.

Thank you for your question regarding an unattractive thigh lift scar associated with thigh lift swelling and redness. You must follow up with your chosen plastic surgeon; it sounds like you have a recurrent seroma. Since it is red and hot to the touch, it may be an abscess (pocket of pus) or skin infection (cellulitis). You must heal entirely from your initial surgery before any scar revision can be contemplated. Before undergoing scar revision, I would ensure all your scars are entirely sealed and healed and not sensitive to the touch. In addition, I would give you at least 8-6 months before considering scar revision. Scar revision can be a multitude of things. Micro-needling, dermabrasion, injection of steroids, injection of 5FU, and Morpheus8, to name a few. Surgical interventions to improve the scars can be W-plasty, Z-plasty, and even frank direct excision of the scar. I would hate until everything is healed and then consider scar revision later. At this point, you must follow up with your chosen plastic surgeon regarding your scar that is hot to touch and perhaps an undrained seroma or abscess. Thank you for your question regarding n unattractive thigh lift scar associated with thigh lift swelling and redness.
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.)

Sometimes the thigh lift incisions can heal poorly with wide or hypertrophic scars. The swelling is definitely a seroma and should be drained. The swelling in both legs will last 9-12 months. You can always have a scar revision which usually always results in a better scar. In the meantime try taping the incisions with paper tape or use silicone cream to reduce the scarring. 

If you're experiencing unattractive scars, swelling, and redness after a thigh lift, it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon promptly. Postoperative care and management play a crucial role in achieving the best possible outcomes. Here are some general suggestions, but keep in mind that individual cases vary, and your plastic surgeon's guidance should take precedence:1. Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions:• Strictly adhere to your plastic surgeon's postoperative instructions. This may include recommendations for wound care, compression garment use, and activity restrictions.2. Scar Care:• Follow the scar care regimen recommended by your plastic surgeon. This may involve applying topical treatments, avoiding sun exposure, and massaging the scars as directed.3. Compression Garments:• Continue wearing compression garments as prescribed. These garments help reduce swelling and provide support to the treated area.4. Manage Swelling:• Elevate your legs when possible to help minimize swelling. Avoid activities that may exacerbate swelling, such as prolonged standing or sitting.5. Avoid Sun Exposure:• Protect the incision sites from direct sunlight to prevent hyperpigmentation and further irritation.6. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet:• Proper hydration and a balanced diet can support overall healing and reduce inflammation.7. Patience and Time:• Scars take time to mature and fade. Be patient and allow your body the time it needs to heal. The appearance of scars often improves significantly over several months.8. Consult Your Surgeon:• If you have concerns about the appearance of your scars or experience persistent redness and swelling, schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon. They can assess your condition, provide guidance, and address any potential issues.Remember that the healing process varies from person to person, and some degree of swelling and redness is normal in the early stages of recovery. However, if you notice any signs of infection, excessive pain, or worsening symptoms, contact your plastic surgeon promptly.It's crucial to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about your concerns and seek their guidance to ensure the best possible aesthetic outcomes and overall recovery.

Thigh lift scars get significantly better after about 6 months. The areas that separated are likely wider and would benefit from revision in the future.  The swelling at the knee should be evaluated. It can represent a seroma or lymphocele which requires treatment. Consult a Plastic Surgeon in your area with experience with thigh lifts.

Really need a photograph to understand your problem.  Was this a lateral thigh lift or an inner thigh lift?  Given time and once everything heals scar revisions are possible.  

How we scar after trauma or surgery depend on many factors. How the wound healed, any complications?, location of the scar, How the scar was repaired, and most important is genetically how we are programed to form scars.  It seems that it is early to judge on your scars,. Scar take about one year to settle down and mature. Unless there is a major problem with the scar, it is wise to give it time. If there is a major problem then one can revise the scar earlier. You need to discuss all the elements of the scar with your surgeon that you do not like. It is not unusual to have puffiness at the end of the scar, near the knee, that may require to wait for all the swelling to go away. If it persists then liposuction of the puffy area and scar revision may improve it.