Thigh Lift: Potential Side Effects & Recovery

A thigh lift is a type of plastic surgery that brings better contours to the upper legs by taking out excess fat and tightening loose skin. With the advice of your plastic surgeon, you can choose an outer thigh lift, inner thigh lift, or both.

A thigh lift is not designed only for removing extra fat; it tightens your skin, too. If fat removal is your only goal, you may want to opt for San Antonio liposuction to remove the excess fat.

It’s important to understand that a thigh lift is a serious procedure, and there is recovery involved and possible side effects.

Below is additional information about a thigh lift, the recovery period, and potential side effects.

First Day After Surgery

Your thigh lift surgery is done under general anesthesia, and you could feel nauseous, tired, and sore when you first come out from the operation. This feeling may last for a few hours, and it’s normal.

Your surgeon will have your thighs wrapped in bandages, and you may need to wear compression garments on them to make your skin adhere to your new shape. Drainage tubes will be put under your skin to get rid of fluids from the thighs as you heal.

It’s essential to avoid driving at first because of pain medication, so you should have a friend or family member drive you home and be with you for that day. You will feel pain and pressure in your thighs, especially when you walk.

Two To Three Days After Surgery

You will notice swelling and bruising the most for the first two or three days after surgery. You should wear your compression garments as you need them and change the bandages according to your surgeon’s instructions.

During this time, you should minimize movement to protect the incisions as they heal. Your thighs are involved in most body movements, so you want to keep your movements limited for a few days.

Seven To 14 Days After Surgery

A week after your thigh surgery, you’ll go back to your surgeon’s office for your follow-up visit. Your stitches and drains will be removed, and your bandages also will be changed or removed.

It’s essential to wear your compression garments for a few weeks to ensure your skin adheres to your new shape. The garment also protects the incisions as they heal. Keep your movements to a minimum for at least the first two weeks.

Don’t stretch your thigh, and be careful when you sit, stand, walk or bend.

You still will have some bruising and swelling, but you’ll see the improved shape of your legs during this time.

Two To Four Weeks After Surgery

After 14 days, it’s time to engage in more gentle movements, such as slow walking. Moving will keep blood clots from forming in your legs, which can be a life-threatening complication.

Easy and cautious walking is best for you. Also, you can try gentle calf exercises, including flexing your feet to stretch the back of the lower legs.

One To Two Months After Surgery

After about six weeks, your incisions should be healed entirely, and the swelling in your thighs should be almost gone. You’ll still have scars, but they will fade significantly over time.

At this time, you can resume most of your regular activities, as long as your fitness, general health, and body weight remain the same. If you still have some swelling, try walks and avoid running and other vigorous exercises.

Six Months And Beyond

After six months, your swelling should be gone. You should see your final results, but you may see improvements for up to one year after surgery.

The good news is the results are permanent, as long as you keep your same body weight.

Risks And Side Effects

There are risks for every plastic surgery, especially anything that uses general anesthesia. If you think a thigh lift is what you want, talk to your doctor about the risks before you make a decision.

The most common risks are scarring, moderate to severe pain, asymmetrical results, infections, bleeding, blood clotting, and fluid retention.

Most people find if they obey their doctor’s instructions, their side effects are minimal, and they enjoy impressive long-term results.

To recover faster, try to rest as much as your can for the first 14 days. Also, take all medications your doctor prescribes and minimize movements in the first few weeks, other than gentle walking.

Hydrate often, avoid drinks with excessive sodium, and resume your normal activities, but do it gradually.

Some patients decide to do other procedures with their thigh lift, such as a San Antonio tummy tuck or San Antonio mommy makeover.

Request A Thigh Lift Consultation

Interested in a San Antonio thigh lift? Dr. Scott J Farber or Dr. Amita Shah of Hill Country Plastic Surgery can help. They will consult with you for your San Antonio cosmetic procedure today. They’ll go over the options, goals, and more to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for a thigh lift.

References

 What To Know About Thigh Lifts. (2020). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/thigh-lift

What Are The Risks Of A Thigh Lift? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/safety

What Is Thigh Lift Surgery? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift