A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure used to improve the skin texture and contours of the inner and outer thighs. There are several different types of thigh lift procedures to target specific areas. These lifts can be performed together or separately depending on where the patient is experiencing the most sagging in their thighs. A thigh lift can also be combined with other lifts, such as an arm or buttock lift, or alongside liposuction to achieve total body contouring. Thigh lifts are popular among people who have lost significant amounts of weight and have noticeable excess skin.
Side Effects
Bruising and swelling after the thigh lift procedure are the most common side effects. Pain and discomfort are also common during the recovery time and can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Wearing compression garments after surgery can help reduce swelling and promote faster healing. The incisions may be visible for a year after the surgery, but most doctors intentionally hide the incision in the crease of the groin to make it less conspicuous.
In some cases, a patient may have tubes inserted into their thighs to drain excess fluid. If so, the doctor can give instructions as to how to properly use these drainage tubes. Although they can be awkward and take some time to adjust to, the tubes are typically not associated with much pain.
Serious Risks
While bruising, swelling and pain are typically temporary, there are some serious risks involved with thigh lift surgery. One of the most dangerous risks is blood clots. These may occur by themselves or as a reaction to anesthetic. Blood clots can travel into the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and are potentially fatal. Other serious risks include infection, improper or abnormal healing at the incision site, allergic reactions to anesthetic and the possibility of internal bleeding (hematoma). The doctor should make you aware of all of these risks prior to your surgery. You will likely have to sign consent forms stating you understand the risks.
Recovery and Prevention
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on aftercare, and following these instructions carefully can reduce the recovery time and help ensure successful healing. Recovery time after a thigh lift is typically 1 to 2 weeks. Be prepared to take this time off work or arrange to work from home. Strenuous activities such as sports and jogging should be avoided, although walking is encouraged. Sex should also be avoided directly after surgery. After post-operative follow-up, your doctor can advise you as to how soon you may engage in sexual activity.
Smoking tobacco can increase the time the body needs to heal. Studies have shown that patients who smoke typically take longer to heal after surgery than non-smokers. If possible, aim to stop smoking at least three weeks before your surgery and avoid smoking for at least a month afterward. It is not enough to simply smoke less than you usually do; you must cease smoking completely to provide your body the best conditions for successful healing.
