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Hi, unfortunately at some point in the near future I have to have a total hip replacement. I am only 34. I can't have minimally invasive surgery like I wanted because the surgeon says that my hip bones are malformed and are too short and therefore he has to open me up the full way so he can see what he's doing to place the joint in the 'abnormal anatomy' (his words), so that means I will be left with a huge scar, 20-30cm.
If I was 65 or 70 I wouldn't care, but it really bothers me being this young. I keep thinking of the film 'Frankinstein' :( I was wondering if there were any plastic surgery procedures to get rid of the scar or is that just not possible?
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Sorry to hear about your. upcoming surgery. I had a foot of my colon removed, and the only way the Dr. could do the surgery was, yep, your right, cut my stomach open right down the middle and yes I have a very unsightly scar. I'm 54 yrs. old and it still bothers me to look at it. But you know what, I have asked Drs. is there any thing I can do about it any the same answer is, no, so I have learned to live with it. I hope you have better luck than me But if your outcome is similar to mine,just look at it this way, it could be on a place that you can't cover up.
January 21, 2012 - 8:22pmThis Comment
Thanks, that's helpful, I thought they only used lasers for acne or eye surgery. I know it's silly to be so bothered about this when I should just be grateful they can fix me. Dread to think what the poor people would have done before they invented THR - this condition is so painful, I just never thought I would have to even think about this at my age so it's a lot to get my head around. So glad there are nurses on the internet - I think my surgeon would think it was a stupid concern to have.
January 11, 2012 - 4:44pmThis Comment
Hi Joanna,
I'm sorry you are having to go through a hip surgery at such a young age. I understand that the size of the scar is a scary thought, but believe me, a hip scar will not leave you looking like Frankenstein's monster.
You can consider cosmetic surgery after you have had your hip surgery if you think that it can be reconstructed and the scar decreased-- this is known as scar revision. Many dermatologists will also offer treatments to reduce the pigmentation and thickness of the scar with Fractional resurfacing or pulse dye laser.
https://www.empowher.com/beauty/content/what-laser-resurfacing-dr-shaw-video
You can speak with your surgeon regarding how long you will have to wait to perform any treatments on the scar and you can consult with a dermatologist to decide which method is best for you.
All the best,
Rosa
January 11, 2012 - 6:20amThis Comment