Key Takeaways
- A hip replacement scar is a normal part of the procedure, but its appearance can vary depending on the surgical technique used and the patient’s individual healing factors.
- Minimally invasive approaches, most notably robotic-assisted anterior hip replacement, often result in smaller, more discreet scars.
- In most cases, hip replacement scars go through predictable healing stages, gradually fading and softening over time.
- Following your surgeon’s instructions for proper wound care, rehabilitation, and scar management can significantly improve both the appearance and comfort of the incision area.
Why Scarring Occurs After Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacements help about 544,000 Americans relieve pain and restore mobility every year. Even though this procedure has gotten more efficient and less invasive, incisions are still required to access the joint and replace damaged bone and cartilage with a prosthetic, meaning hip replacement scars are unavoidable.
Anyone concerned about having a scar from hip replacement surgery should remember it’s a normal part of healing. To close and strengthen sliced skin, the body produces collagen fibers that have a unique arrangement and density, leaving behind scars that look and feel different from surrounding skin.
The good news is that hip replacement scars partially fade over time, and modern surgical techniques minimize scarring. Rather than taking a traditional posterior approach, surgeons can now use robotic technology to enter through the front, preserving tissue and leaving only a small anterior hip replacement scar.
The guide below will help you tailor your expectations based on the type of hip replacement you are getting and answer common questions, such as “What does a hip replacement scar look like?”
What Affects Scar Appearance After Hip Surgery
Since everybody is unique, each hip replacement and the resulting scar are bound to have slight variations. The factors below greatly impact what a hip replacement scar looks like.
Surgical Approach and Scar Location
The location of the incision is largely determined by the surgical approach used. At a world-class facility like the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, minimally invasive hip replacement techniques are used whenever appropriate, helping reduce tissue disruption and improve recovery.
The three most common approaches are:
- Posterior approach – This approach has been the most common for decades. Surgeons make incisions on the back of the hip, meaning the scar may be less visible from the front but more noticeable from behind.
- Lateral approach – During this approach, the incision is made on the side of the hip, leaving a scar that may be visible depending on clothing and positioning.
- Anterior approach – This more advanced approach has been gaining popularity. By making the incision at the front of the hip, the resulting anterior hip replacement scar is often smaller and may be less noticeable.
Each approach has its own advantages. Your surgeon will recommend the best option, helping you weigh things like posterior vs anterior hip replacement based on your unique anatomy, condition, and lifestyle.
Individual Healing Factors
Several personal factors also influence how a scar heals, including:
- Genetics and skin type
- Age and overall health
- Skin tone and pigmentation
- Tendency toward thicker scars or keloids
- Post-surgical care and activity level
Keep in mind that bruising after a hip replacement and swelling around the incision can also temporarily affect the appearance of the scar in the early stages of recovery.
Healing Stages of a Hip Replacement Scar
Understanding how scars evolve can help set realistic expectations. A scar does not look the same throughout the hip replacement surgery recovery timeline; it changes as the body heals, typically following the pattern outlined in the table below.
| Healing Phase | Timeline | What to Expect | What’s Happening in the Body |
| Initial Healing Phase | First few weeks | As the incision closes and begins to seal, redness, mild swelling, and tenderness are common, and the scar may appear raised or slightly firm. | The inflammation during this stage indicates that the body is repairing the tissue and closing the wound. |
| Scar Formation Phase | Weeks to months | Scar may thicken and become more noticeable, and the color may deepen, making the area look pink, red, or darker than surrounding skin. | This stage is when collagen production increases and tissue remodeling begins beneath the surface. |
| Scar Maturation Phase | Several months to a year or more | As the scar gradually softens and flattens, the color should fade closer to a natural skin tone, and the texture should become smoother and more flexible. | Your body will continue remodeling and strengthening the tissue, encouraging the scar’s appearance to improve over time. |
Our board-certified surgeons at The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale use the latest methods in hip surgery to provide you with the best possible outcome.Return to the Activities You Love
Top 3 Tips for Supporting Healthy Scar Healing
While scarring is inevitable, there are several steps you can take to support optimal healing and improve the final appearance, including the three tips below.
1. Follow Wound Care Instructions
You can expect your surgeon to provide specific instructions for caring for your incision. This may include directions like:
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Changing dressings as directed
- Monitoring for signs of infection
Following your medical provider’s guidelines closely is one of the most important factors in proper healing.
2. Protect the Incision
Avoid placing unnecessary stress on the incision site, especially during early recovery. Some examples of ways you can protect the incision include:
- Do not excessively stretch or bend your scarred hip
- Do not wear tight clothing that rubs and irritates your scar
- Be mindful of sitting and sleeping positions after a hip replacement
3. Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Schedule regular check-ins with your care team so they can monitor your healing and assure you that it is progressing as expected. Early intervention from check-ins can ensure minor issues do not grow into more significant concerns.
Options for Reducing the Appearance of Hip Replacement Scars
Once the incision has fully healed, patients can explore the options in the table below to improve the appearance of their hip replacement scar.
| Scar Care Method | What It Involves | Benefits for Healing & Appearance | Important Tips |
| Silicone-Based Treatments | Application of silicone gels or sheets recommended by healthcare providers | Hydrates the scarReduces thickness and discolorationImproves overall texture | Consistently use as directed for best results |
| Scar Massage | Gentle manual massage of the healed scar area | Helps break down dense scar tissueImproves flexibility and mobilityPromotes circulation | Only begin after the incision is fully healed and approved by your provider |
| Sun Protection | Covering the scar or applying sunscreen when exposed to sunlight | Prevents darkening and discoloration caused by UV exposure | Avoid direct sun exposure early on and use sunscreen once healing allows |
| Skin Hydration | Regular use of moisturizers to keep skin hydrated | Supports elasticityPromotes smoother, more resilient healing | Choose gentle, non-irritating products and apply regularly |
When a Hip Replacement Scar Should Be Evaluated
Most hip replacement scars heal without complications, but certain symptoms may signify that you need medical evaluation. Some examples of scenarios that warrant contacting your healthcare provider are:
- Increasing redness, warmth, or drainage
- Severe swelling or worsening pain
- Unusual thickening or raised scar tissue
- Changes that persist beyond the expected healing timeline
During an evaluation, joint specialists like Dr. Shane Martin can explain everything patients need to know about knee replacement scars and hip replacement scars and help them identify issues such as infection or abnormal scar formation, ensuring appropriate treatment.
The Role of Rehabilitation in Scar Recovery
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring a hip replacement patient’s mobility and supporting healthy scar healing. Some specific things rehabilitation can help with are:
- Increasing range of motion – Physical therapy helps restore movement in the hip joint and surrounding muscles. This reduces stiffness that can affect the scar area.
- Preventing tightness – Without movement, scar tissue can become tight and restrictive. Your physical therapist can recommend scar-safe exercises to improve joint mobility in the area and prevent discomfort.
- Supporting circulation – Improved blood flow from physical activity supports tissue repair and helps the body remodel scar tissue in a more effective manner.
Your physical therapist and other members of your care team can help you integrate scar awareness into your rehabilitation plan to improve both function and comfort.
Long-Term Expectations for Hip Replacement Scars
Over time, most scars from hip replacement become significantly less noticeable. While they usually do not disappear completely, they often fade to a thin, light line that blends with the surrounding skin.
Three important things to remember about hip replacement scars’ appearances are:
- Final scar appearance varies from person to person
- Surgical approach and healing response both play a role
- Time is one of the most important factors in improvement
Most notably, for many patients, the long-term benefits of joint replacement surgery, from reduced pain and improved mobility to enhanced quality of life, far outweigh concerns about scarring.
Moving Forward With Confidence After Surgery
As mentioned earlier, having a scar from hip replacement surgery is a normal part of the healing process. While its appearance may change over time, proper care, patience, and rehabilitation can significantly improve both its appearance and its feel.
If you still want more information about what your hip replacement scar will look like or how to manage healing effectively based on your planned surgical approach, talk to your medical provider and consider getting a second opinion. With the right support and guidance, you are more likely to improve your mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
If you’re considering hip replacement surgery or have questions about recovery, the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale is here to help. Our team offers minimally invasive hip replacements assisted by Mako SmartRobotics™ and the CORI surgical system to reduce incision size and, therefore, the appearance of scars.
Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and determine the next step toward confident, comfortable movement.