Recovery After Thigh Lift Surgery – Top Tips

Thigh lift surgery, also known as a thighplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the inner thighs by getting rid of excess fat and sagging skin. A thigh lift is particularly beneficial after significant weight loss. Centre for Surgery is a specialist plastic surgery clinic in London. Our surgeons have years of experience performing thigh lift surgery at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic.

Types of thigh lift procedures

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the thighs to create a more toned and shapely appearance. There are several types of thigh lift surgery, including:

1. Medial thigh lift: This type of thigh lift focuses on the inner thigh and is often performed in conjunction with a liposuction procedure. It is designed to remove excess skin and fat in the inner thigh area and can be done using a horizontal or vertical incision.
2. Lateral thigh lift: A lateral thigh lift focuses on the outer thigh, and is designed to remove excess skin and fat in the outer thigh area. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a liposuction procedure, and the incision is typically made along the hip.
3. Bilateral thigh lift: A bilateral thigh lift combines the medial and lateral thigh lift procedures and addresses both the inner and outer thighs. It is often performed in conjunction with a liposuction procedure.
4. Mini-thigh lift: A mini-thigh lift is a less invasive version of a thigh lift, and is performed through a smaller incision in the groin area. It is often recommended for patients with less skin and excess fat or good skin elasticity.
5. Extended thigh lift: An extended thigh lift is a more invasive procedure and is typically performed on patients with a significant amount of excess skin and fat. The incision is typically made around the hip, extending to the back and the front of the thigh.

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How to prepare for thigh lift surgery

Thigh lift surgery, also known as thighplasty, is a procedure that aims to reshape and contour the thighs by removing excess skin and fat. Preparing for thigh lift surgery is an important step in ensuring a smooth and successful recovery. Here are some detailed tips to help you prepare for a thigh lift:

1. Consult with your surgeon: Before the surgery, you will have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your expectations, medical history, and any potential risks. Be sure to ask any questions and address any concerns you may have.
2. Quit smoking: Smoking can decrease blood flow to the surgical area, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Your surgeon may ask you to quit smoking at least six weeks before the surgery.
3. Avoid certain medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on which medications to avoid before the surgery.
4. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise: Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help improve your overall health and prepare your body for surgery. It can also help you achieve optimal results from the surgery.
5. Arrange for transportation and post-operative care: After the surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and take care of you during the first few days of recovery. Make sure to arrange for transportation and post-operative care before the surgery.
6. Prepare your home: You will need to rest and elevate your legs for the first few days after the surgery, so make sure your home is set up to accommodate your needs. This may include placing a comfortable chair or a bed in a place where you can elevate your legs.
7. Be prepared for the recovery process: Thigh lift surgery is a major procedure, and recovery can take several weeks. Expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Listen to your surgeon’s instructions and follow them closely for the best possible outcome.

Thigh lift surgery recovery timeline – week by week

The recovery timeline for a thigh lift can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. However, here is a general week-by-week guide of what you can expect during the recovery process:

Week 1:

• Immediately after the surgery, you will experience pain and swelling in the thighs. Your surgeon will provide you with pain medication to help manage this discomfort.
• You will need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the thighs during healing.
• You will need to rest and keep your legs elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling.
• You will be instructed to avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least six weeks.
• You will be seen for follow-up appointments with your surgeon at our Baker Street clinic to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.

Week 2:

• Pain and swelling will start to subside during this week, but you may still experience some discomfort.
• You will continue to wear compression garments and keep your legs elevated.
• Your incision sites will be healing, but they may be red, swollen, and tender.
• You may be able to start some light activities, such as walking, but you should avoid anything that causes pain or discomfort.

Week 3 to 4:

• Pain and swelling will continue to decrease during this time.
• You will continue to wear compression garments and keep your legs elevated.
• Your incision sites will be healing and may start to itch.
• You may be able to start some light activities, such as walking, but you should avoid anything that causes pain or discomfort.

Week 5 to 6:

• Pain and swelling will be significantly reduced during this time.
• You will continue to wear compression garments and keep your legs elevated.
• Your incision sites will heal, and you may start to itch.
• Your surgeon will provide you with instructions for returning to normal activities, but it’s important to continue avoiding strenuous activity and exercise for six weeks.

Week 7 to 8:

• Pain and swelling will be minimal during this time.
• You will continue to wear compression garments and keep your legs elevated.
• Your incision sites will heal, and you may start to itch.
• Your surgeon will give you the green light to return to normal activities but will advise you to avoid strenuous activity and exercise for another 2-4 weeks.

Week 9 to 12:

• Pain and swelling will be gone by this time.
• Your incision sites will be healing, and you will start to see the final results of the surgery.
• You will be able to return to normal activities, including exercise, but it’s important to start slowly and listen to your body.

Top tips for recovery after thigh lift

Recovering after a thigh lift is an important step in achieving the desired results. Here are some detailed tips to help you have a smooth and successful recovery:

1. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully: Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for recovery, including how to care for your incisions, how to manage pain and swelling, and when to return for follow-up appointments. Following these instructions closely is important to ensure the best possible outcome.
2. Wear compression garments as directed: Your surgeon will likely recommend that you wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support your thighs during healing. These garments should be worn as directed, usually for several weeks after the surgery.
3. Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least six weeks: It is important to avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least six weeks after the surgery to allow your body to heal properly. Your surgeon will give you the green light to return to normal activities and exercise.
4. Keep your incisions clean and dry: Your incision sites will heal, and it’s important to keep them clean and dry to prevent infection. Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions.
5. Elevate your legs as much as possible: Elevating your legs can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Try to keep your legs elevated as much as possible during the first few days after the surgery.
6. Take your prescribed medications as directed: Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help manage pain and discomfort during the recovery process. It’s important to take these medications as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage.
7. Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen: You should protect your incision sites from sun damage during the recovery process by avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen.
8. Maintain a healthy diet and hydration: Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help promote healing and improve overall health.
9. Attend all follow-up appointments: You should attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
10. Be patient with the healing process: Recovery from a thigh lift can take several weeks, and it’s important to be patient with it. Don’t be discouraged if your thighs appear swollen or uneven at first. The results of the surgery will become more apparent over time.

Risks of thigh lift surgery

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with thigh lift surgery.

Some of the risks include the following:

1. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. Your surgeon will take steps to minimise this risk, but in rare cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
3. Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the legs or lungs after surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe blood thinners or compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots.
4. Numbness or tingling: Nerve damage can cause temporary or permanent numbness or tingling in the thighs.
5. Scarring: As with any surgery, there will be scarring from the incision sites. The scarring will typically fade over time, but it may be permanent.
6. Asymmetry: Even though the surgeon will try to achieve symmetry in the thighs, there may be some slight asymmetry after the surgery.
7. Unsatisfactory results: There is a small chance that the patient may not be satisfied with the results of the surgery.
8. Complications from anaesthesia: Risks associated with anaesthesia, such as breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, or nausea.

THIGH LIFT RECOVERY FAQs

How long is recovery from an inner thigh lift?

Recovery from thigh lift surgery takes approximately six weeks.

What can I expect to feel after thigh lift surgery?

Once the procedure is complete, it is normal to feel tired and drowsy. You may experience mild pain or discomfort in the early postoperative period. Taking at least one week off work is important to ensure proper healing.

What should I wear after a thigh lift?

It is important to wear a compression garment continuously for the first six weeks after surgery to get the best results. You should also wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and off.

How far can I walk after a thigh lift?

Taking it easy during the first two weeks after surgery is important. Although short walks around the house are actively encouraged. Light walking should last no more than 10 to 15 minutes to help with healing after a thigh lift.

What is the best sleeping position after thigh lift surgery?

After surgery, you should not sleep on your front. You must sleep on your back and place a couple of pillows beneath your legs to keep them elevated, which helps to reduce swelling.

Can a thigh lift get rid of cellulite?

Although a thigh lift may reduce cellulite, it is not specifically aimed at getting rid of it. Of course, any cellulite in an area of skin to be removed will be significantly improved, although it is likely to return over time.

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When can I restart exercise after a thigh lift?

Light exercise involving walking for no more than 15 minutes is actively encouraged, although vigorous exercise should be avoided until at least six weeks after thigh lift surgery.

How long will I need to wear a thigh lift compression garment?

You must wear your compression garment continuously for the first six weeks after surgery. You should not take it off at night, as the skin can affect the final results of surgery.

When can I take a bath after thigh lift surgery?

Although you may shower 48 hours after surgery, having a bath should be avoided for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

Does a thigh lift leave scars?

Thigh lift surgery involves making incisions that produce scars, which can extend from the groin down the inner thigh to the knee. It can take up to 6 months to a year for thigh lift scars to fade and flatten, and this process can be helped with silicone strips to improve the appearance of your scars further.

Thigh Lift Surgery at Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is a centre of excellence for excess skin removal surgery. Our surgeons regularly perform all types of thigh lift surgery at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in London. Call us today to schedule an in-person consultation with a specialist Plastic Surgeon.

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