Hip Replacement Scar
Hip replacement surgery is a common invasive procedure designed to correct hip joint pain induced by arthritis or a severe fracture. A total hip arthroplasty or a partial hemiarthroplasty can be performed depending on the severity of the condition and the source of the pain. Although hip replacements are often a last resort option for most patients, they are sometimes necessary to restore joint functionality and relieve discomfort. To operate on the hip joint, a surgeon will need to make an incision measuring between 3 and 12 inches in length. For some patients, this can lead to keloids or hypertrophic scar formations that are cosmetically unappealing, itchy, and even painful. Luckily, there are clinically-proven methods for reducing abnormal scar types from surgical incisions, and products are readily available online.
Continue reading to discover a safe and effective topical solution for scar management.
What To Expect After the Hip Replacement Surgery?
Scar
You will have a single scar in the region of your hip and this will measure anywhere between 8 and 20 cms (3 and 8 inches). The length of scar is dependent in part on obesity and musculature. The exact position of the scar will depend on the approach that your surgeon uses to enter the hip joint and can be on the front, side or back of your hip. The wound can be closed in a number of ways including with sutures that need to be removed, or dissolvable sutures, with staples or with glue.
Stitches
If you have stitches which need to be removed, this can usually be done by the practice nurse at your GP surgery about 10 days after your operation. You should make an appointment for this as soon as you get home. Your hospital should already have given you advice about how your wounds are closed and how to care for them.
Dressings
How your wound is closed will influence whether you need to keep your scar covered. If your surgeon has used staples or stitches then the wound should be kept covered until these are removed. If your stitches are buried, then the wound only needs to be covered for the first few days and you will not have to worry about getting the scar wet, but follow the advice given from your surgical team about how to shower and bathe. If there is leakage from the wound, you should inform the surgeon immediately.
Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery and Scar Management
Recovery after a hip replacement surgery takes time, and patience is crucial during this stage. Depending on your age, how physically active you are, and various other health concerns, recovery time can differ among patients. As a general rule, complete recovery can take at least six months following surgery. Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to ease discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. Depending on your health and strength after the operation, your surgeon may advise you to spend the night in the hospital. It’s possible to return home early if you have help from a partner or family member.
To ensure a speedy recovery, it’s important to follow the exercise regimen recommended by your surgeon or physical therapist. Walking, swimming and other light forms of physical therapy can help build up your strength. Running, heavy weight-lifting and strenuous exercise is strongly discouraged during your recovery period and sometimes thereafter.
How Silicone Heals Scars
One aspect of post-operative recovery that is often neglected is the cosmetic appearance of one’s scar. A hip replacement incision will produce a large scar on the outer thigh that can discourage patients from enjoying time at the beach or outside in the sun. One way to reduce post-surgical scarring is to wear silicone gel sheets or apply silicone sticks to the scar site. Silicone gel technology emerged 30 years ago as the only clinically-proven topical advancement in scar therapy.
Medical grade silicone works through two mechanisms of action: scar hydration and collagen regulation. Scars need an ideal healing environment, otherwise known as homeostasis, to properly heal. If wounds become dehydrated through trans epidermal water loss, collagen—a common structural protein—can overproduce, leading to collagen buildup and raised, discolored scar tissue. By fully encapsulating the scar site, silicone gives the user control over the moisture and collagen levels on the surface of the skin. By following an 8–12-week treatment regimen of daily silicone application, collagen production will normalize and scar tissue will regain hydration and elasticity. This helps to flatten and reduce discoloration, allowing scars to blend in with the surrounding tissue.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best orthopedic surgeons in Iran. The price of Hip replacement surgery in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined by an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of Hip replacement surgery in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.
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