A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens loose, sagging skin on the inner, front and outer thighs. During a thigh lift, the doctor makes an incision in the groin area. He or she may perform liposuction to remove excess fat from the inner and outer thighs if needed. A predetermined amount of excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled tight and reattached with sutures.
Directly after surgery, results may be hidden by swelling, but will appear as swelling decreases. Proper care after surgery will give your body the best conditions for healing. While thigh lift results are permanent, it is possible to regain lost fat and for skin to lose its elasticity over time. You can take steps to help maintain your results.
Physical Limitations
After surgery, you will be encouraged to walk as frequently as you can tolerate. This helps prevent fluid accumulations in the thighs and can help you avoid a hematoma, or blood pooling beneath the skin. You should limit any motions or activities that put a strain on the incision area, including climbing stairs, squatting, lifting more than 25 pounds and jogging. It may be uncomfortable to sit in the first few days after surgery. You will be able to resume most usual activities in 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, with the exception of vigorous exercise. You should also avoid sexual intercourse for six weeks after surgery.
Fluid Drainage
The doctor injects fluids into the patient's thighs before operating to help control blood loss. After surgery, he or she may have installed small tubes designed to drain this fluid. These tubes are temporary and will be removed at a later point in the healing process. The doctor will give specific instructions as to how to care for these tubes and how to record the fluids that are drained.
Compression Garments
Bruising and swelling are common after the surgery. Wearing a compression garment around the thighs can both reduce swelling and support your new contour while your body heals. The doctor will advise you as to how long compression garments are needed.
Tobacco Use
If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking three weeks prior to your surgery and for at least six weeks after surgery. Studies have shown that people who smoke tobacco are slower to heal than nonsmokers. It is important that you stop smoking completely, not just reduce the amount you smoke. Smoking can contribute to lost elasticity in the skin, so in the long term, smoking may lead to a reversal of the tightening effect of the thigh lift.
Maintaining Results
A healthy diet and a regular exercise routine are the two key components for maintaining a newly-contoured body. Fluctuations in weight can stretch the skin, so you should try to maintain a fairly stable weight. Even after a thigh lift, your skin can still become lax as you age. Non-surgical alternatives to a thigh lift may help you retain the desired tightness in your thighs. The doctor can advise you on these procedures.
