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Will My Hips Return to Their Original Shape After Recovery?

8/2/2025, 9:10:20 AMMale25-34

Hello, I'm a 19-year-old female, and I once had curvy hips. Unfortunately, I experienced cellulitis that resulted in significant open wounds on my sides. As I continue to recover, I’ve observed an inward curve at my hips near the area of the wound, creating what appears to be a pronounced hip dip. Could this be attributed to skin maceration, or might plastic surgery be a necessary option for me?

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisFibromyalgia

Answers (1)

Cony

8/2/2025, 9:10:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about changes in your body shape after experiencing cellulitis and the resulting impact on your skin and hips. Healing after an injury can lead to temporary changes, and many people find that their body returns closer to its previous state over time.

Understanding Your Concerns: The inward curve or hip dip you notice could stem from several factors related to your recovery process, including skin texture changes, swelling, and underlying muscle or tissue healing. Skin maceration (softening and breaking down of the skin) can also contribute to changes in how surrounding tissue looks and feels.

What You Can Do Next:

  1. Give Yourself Time to Heal: Recovery can be a slow process, and many changes will continue to improve as your body heals. Check in on your progress over the next few months.

  2. Moisturize and Care for Your Skin: Keeping the area moisturized can help in healing the skin and may assist in improving its appearance over time. Look for creams that are gentle and suited for sensitive skin.

  3. Notice Changes Over Time: Keep track of your healing progress. You might find that your body starts to regain its previous shape as swelling goes down and skin repairs itself.

  4. Consider Gentle Exercise: As your wounds heal, gentle exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your hips and improve the overall appearance of that area. Activities like walking or swimming can promote circulation, which aids in healing.

  5. Monitor for Changes: If you notice significant discomfort, persistent concerns about your skin, or if the shape doesn't improve in several months, seeking a professional assessment may be beneficial.

  6. Avoid Making Rush Decisions: Cosmetic surgery should be a last resort, especially if you might see improvements naturally with time.

It's important to give your body the chance to recover fully before considering more invasive options. If you have any specific concerns about your healing process, pay attention to those and consider discussing them further in a supportive environment. Always remember, healing is a unique journey for each person.

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