Living with hip pain can wear you down, especially when it starts getting in the way of your everyday routine. If arthritis or joint damage is holding you back, hip replacement may be the step that helps you move comfortably again.
Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn specializes in the anterior approach to hip replacement, a technique that avoids cutting through major muscles so you can recover faster and with less pain. For patients who qualify, he also offers the bikini incision, which is a discreet incision along the groin crease that leaves a less visible scar.
With offices in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut, Dr. McLawhorn brings years of experience and a personal approach to every case. He performs more than 600 joint replacements each year and is known for combining advanced technology with custom care.
Why Choose Anterior Approach for Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement surgery can be performed using a few different surgical techniques. Each approach gives the surgeon a different path to access the hip joint, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the common types:Â
- Posterior Approach:Â The most widely used method in the U.S. This involves entering through the buttock and cutting the gluteus maximus muscle to reach the hip joint.
- Lateral and Anterolateral Approaches:Â These involve going in from the side and often require splitting or detaching part of the gluteus medius muscle.
- Direct Anterior Approach:Â This method accesses the hip from the front. It is the only approach that does not require cutting, splitting, or detaching muscles.
The direct anterior approach is considered a muscle-sparing technique. Because it avoids cutting through major muscles, it allows for:
- Less pain early in recovery
- Lower risk of hip dislocation after surgery
- Easier movement during the first few weeks post-op
Inguinal Crease "Bikini" Anterior Hip Replacement
Inguinal crease "bikini" anterior hip surgery involves the surgeon making a surgical scar horizontally, rather than vertically, parallel to the patient’s bikini line. Executing the surgery in that manner helps conceal the scar resulting from the procedure for several reasons:
- Since the scar is hidden in the groin crease, the patient can easily cover it, making the location of the scar more discreet compared to the traditional "longitudinal" anterior approach scar.
- Our skin has a natural "grain" defined by the orientation of its collagen fibers. When surgical incisions are made in line or parallel with the grain of the skin, the scar will typically heal more cosmetically than when an incision is made against or perpendicular to the grain of the skin. The bikini incision is made parallel to the grain of the skin overlying the hip joint.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Bikini Anterior Hip Replacement?
Most healthy adults who need hip replacement and meet certain physical criteria may be candidates for the bikini approach. This technique is best suited for individuals who want the benefits of the anterior approach with a smaller, more discreet incision.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are in overall good health without serious medical conditions that increase surgical risks
- Have a lower to moderate body mass index (BMI)Â because a leaner body type allows better access through the groin crease
- Have not had prior metal hardware (like screws or plates) near the hip that would need to be accessed through a different incision
- Have anatomy that allows safe access through the front of the hip
What to Expect From Recovery
Most patients recover quickly after a bikini hip replacement, thanks to the muscle-sparing nature of the anterior approach. You’ll likely be up and walking with help the same day or the next, and many people return to everyday activities within a few weeks.Â
Full recovery typically takes about three months, but your timeline may vary depending on your age, overall health, and activity level.
Some temporary numbness around the outer thigh is common, but it doesn’t affect how your hip works and usually fades over time. You’ll work with a physical therapist after surgery to build strength and regain motion, and Dr. McLawhorn’s team will guide you through the process.
Why Choose Dr. McLawhorn?
If you're considering hip replacement, you want a surgeon you can trust to get it right. Dr. Alexander McLawhorn performs over 600 joint replacements every year and specializes in the anterior approach and bikini incision technique. He's also one of the most experienced surgeons in the country when it comes to robot-assisted anterior hip replacement. That means you're getting the latest technology and techniques designed to reduce pain, speed up recovery, and get you moving again.
When you come to Dr. McLawhorn’s offices in Manhattan or Stamford, our team walks you through every step, answers your questions, and makes sure you feel prepared and supported. Dr. McLawhorn is known for his attention to detail and for treating every patient with the same level of care he’d want for his own family. If you're ready to feel better and get back to living your life, you're in the right hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Recovery Time for Anterior Hip Replacement?
The expected recovery time for anterior hip replacement is around three months. However, patients may be well enough to move around with assistance only one day after the procedure.
Is Everyone a Candidate for Inguinal Crease Bikini Anterior Hip Surgery?
It is important to note that there are other factors that Dr. McLawhorn may take into consideration as well. He will consider your specific anatomy and previous surgical procedures. A thorough evaluation is critical to the success of this operation, as every patient is different.
How Long Does an Artificial Hip Last?
There are very good odds of total hip replacement lasting the rest of your lifetime. The longevity of the prosthetic will depend on your specific situation, including age, weight, and activity level.
What Are the Benefits of Anterior Hip Replacement?
There are many benefits of anterior hip replacement, including:
- Faster recovery
- Less muscle damage
- Decreased risk of hip dislocation
- Improved mobility
- Less postoperative pain
What Are the Risks of Anterior Hip Replacement?
Anterior hip replacement is considered very safe, with a major complication rate under 2%. Studies show it carries no higher risk than other approaches and may even reduce the chances of dislocation and reoperation. At HSS, data from over 5,000 cases showed an 80% lower risk of dislocation compared to the posterior approach.
Some minor side effects can happen. Temporary numbness on the outer thigh is common and usually fades over time. Wound healing issues are rare but are more common with vertical incisions than with the bikini-style cut. Dr. McLawhorn will explain all risks and what to expect during your consultation.
How Long Does Bikini Hip Replacement Take?
The surgery typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your individual anatomy and any prior procedures. Most patients are up and moving with assistance on the same day.
Does Insurance Cover This Procedure?
Yes, bikini hip replacement is generally covered by insurance when medically necessary. Coverage details can vary, so it’s best to check with your provider and confirm with Dr. McLawhorn’s office.
Dr. McLawhorn Makes Inguinal Crease "Bikini" Anterior Hip Surgery An Option
Check if you are eligible for inguinal crease bikini anterior hip surgery after consulting Dr. Alexander McLawhorn. Set your appointment with Dr. McLawhorn by calling 917-277-3841 if you’re seeking treatment in New York City or 203-659-0048 for his Stamford, CT, office.
