Paulina Porizkova Shows Scars from Hip Replacement Surgery, Says She Will 'Accept Them' as 'Reminder of Old Pain'
“They will become a part of what constitutes the map of me,” the 58-year-old model said
Paulina Porizkova is giving her fans a look at her scars after having hip replacement surgery.
On Thursday, the 58-year-old model shared an update on her recovery and posted a photo of herself on Instagram wearing underwear and an open robe, revealing the two scars she has on her hips and explaining how they’ll take time getting used to.
“Going into this surgery, I couldn’t help but think about scars,” she began. “The ones I have, I embrace. But I have no desire to make new ones. On our vacation, I kept saying goodbye to the smooth skin across my hip bones, even as I felt guilty for being vain.”
Porizkova explained that when she was initially looking for orthopedic surgeons, she factored in how they would make their incisions. She ultimately landed on Dr. Roy Davidovitch and Dr. Peirre Saadeh for her procedure and although she “admired the handiwork” of their stitches, she is still learning to embrace her new scars.
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“Today is day 7 post op/ 1 week,” she said. “I know the incisions will soon become a part of me. They will be a reminder of old pain and new victories. They will join all of the other inscriptions on my body and mind - both visible and invisible - all of which, ultimately, will be the glue that holds me together, a netting of past fractures which have healed stronger.”
“They will become a part of what constitutes the map of me,” she continued. “And like all other scars on my outside and inside, I will accept them. I will be proud of them. But I have no intention of courting new ones.”
In the comments section, Porizkova received comforting comments from fans and fellow stars amid her ongoing recovery. MJ Day, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, even praised the model’s surgery scars.
“Let me know when you are ready for me! They look great by the way! They are like punctuation marks to your awesomeness! Heal well girl! ♥️” she wrote.
Related: Paulina Porizkova Reveals She's Getting 'Long Overdue' Hip Replacement Surgery
Last week, Porizkova revealed on Instagram that she was getting a "long overdue" double hip replacement surgery. She said her hips have been "worn down" and there is "none left" since being born with congenital hip dysplasia.
Her announcement included a photo of her in a two-piece bikini and another where she was seen lying down in a hospital room.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hip dysplasia can cause complications such as osteoarthritis or a hip labral tear. It occurs when "a hip socket that doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone."
"There is none left," wrote Porizkova. "The three doctors I've visited all recoiled when they saw my x-rays. 'Well, it's bone on bone,' they exclaimed. 'At least we know you're good with pain tolerance!' It's so bad, in fact, that doing one hip at the time is pointless. It would actually impede the healing and mobility."
Porizkova said she was happy to have had "one last vacation with old hips" and is ready for new ones.
"I'm so grateful this is a fixable problem," she continued. "I found a doctor I really trust, one who specializes in anterior hip replacements, I've had an amazing vacation … and now - like my sis-in-law said- 'take a break from kicking ass and let everyone wait on YOU for a change!'"
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