Don’t let the worry of thigh lift scarring prevent you from working towards achieving the thighs you’ve always wanted. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to thigh lift scars – no matter what technique or incision is used, we’ve got you covered. Our recovery timeline explains how your scars will improve over time and what can be done to support this.
Types of thigh lift scars
The shape and size of your scar will depend on the type of thigh lift you have. You will have the opportunity to ask your Consultant about scar placement to understand where exactly the incisions will be made. The thigh lift techniques can vary considerably between the following:
Vertical thigh lift
If you have excess skin and fat from your knees up to your groin, this procedure may be recommended as it will seek to tighten your entire thigh region. During surgery, your Surgeon will make a crescent-shaped incision from your inner groin to the inside of your knee. This does result in a large scar, but it's located in a less visible area on the inside of your thigh.
Vertical thigh lift with inverted ‘T’ scar
For excess skin and fat from below your groin to your knees, a vertical thigh lift may be recommended as this procedure tightens your entire thigh region. Your scar will appear vertically down the inner thigh, on your ‘bikini line’ and on the front and back of your groin.
Thigh lift with liposuction
Liposuction (fat removal) can be combined with many cosmetic procedures including tummy tucks and arm lifts. This technique will not only remove excess skin but will remove stubborn fat from the area and surrounding areas of the thighs and knees if desired. Due to the liposuction, further, smaller incisions may be required for your Surgeon to access the fat in the surrounding areas.
Mini thigh lift
The best choice for patients who have a small amount of excess skin and isolated pockets of fat located in the uppermost part of the inner thigh. This technique does use liposuction, but the scars are less noticeable and the second part of this technique – the excess skin removal - does result in scarring, but less so as it is a ‘mini’.
Thigh lift scarring timeline
On waking from surgery
When you wake from surgery, your thighs will be covered by a compression garment and drainage tubes might also be used. If you have these, they will most commonly be removed after your overnight stay before you’re discharged from our hospital. Your incisions will be covered with a dressing or medical tape, you normally return around a week later for a wound check and a dressing change and your nurse will talk you through how to clean and change your dressings and how to reduce swelling.
One week post-surgery
One to two weeks post-surgery, you’ll return for your first follow-up appointment to check on the healing of your wounds. By the end of week two, swelling and bruising will still be prominent, but patience and rest is key at this point.
One month thigh lift scars
Walking should become a regular part of your recovery routine to minimise swelling and the risk of blood clot formations. After six weeks, you will most likely be able to discontinue the dressings and during your second follow-up you’ll be able to discuss scar reduction treatment options if needed.
Thigh lift scars after six months
Your swelling would have completely reduced so you can see the appearance of the scar and watch it start to fade. You’ll also be enjoying the full benefits of your surgery. Be aware that heat and excessive activity can cause swelling to increase over the first year.
Thigh lift scars after one year
As you approach over one-year post thigh lift surgery, your scars will lighten in colour and fade. They can take 18 months to fully settle.
How to minimise thigh lift scars
Many patients worry about how bad the scarring will be after thigh lift surgery. However, with good aftercare, your recovery should go smoothly, and the appearance of your scarring should improve. Our Specialist Cosmetic Nurse will show you how to look after yourself post-thigh lift – from incision to fading scars.
Avoid sun exposure
A fresh scar is more vulnerable to UV rays, which can darken more quickly in the sun, leading to more noticeable scars. It’s important to wear SPF every day.
Massage your scars
After six weeks, you can begin to massage the scars one to two times a day for around five minutes at a time. You might be recommended a moisturiser or oil to help soften the scars and stop them becoming raised, otherwise we recommend using a cream or oil that your body is used to, to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction.
Use silicone sheets or gels
Around about the same time as you introduce scar massaging into your routine, you may want to use silicone sheets or creams or gels that can regulate collagen production. Not only can these reduce the appearance of your scars, but they can also prevent malformations like keloid scarring. Check with your nurse or Consultant if they think you could benefit from this.
Aesthetic procedures
Some aesthetic procedures can help to improve the appearance of your scars such as laser scar treatment or microneedling. Our Plastics team can provide advice on whether laser treatment might be suitable for you.
Laser therapy can target the scar tissue to even out your skin tone and encourage the growth of new collagen in your skin. Microneedling (often used for facials) creates micro-punctures in your skin, which help to break down old scar tissue, stimulate fresh new collagen and elastin and stimulate the production of melanin which is responsible for your natural skin tone.
Claim your free cosmetic consultation
Ready to enhance your natural features? Benefit from a free consultation for any private cosmetic procedure available at our hospital, for a limited time only. Our highly experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeons deliver stunning results tailored to your needs and desired outcomes.
Book your initial consultation online (terms and conditions apply) or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.
Published on 28 November 2024