A thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure that contours the upper legs by removing excess fat and tightening sagging skin. Patients can choose between an outer thigh lift, an inner thigh lift, or both.
Thigh lift results are a great partner for patients who have undergone extreme weight loss and are left with loose skin afterward. The results of thigh lift surgery dramatically improve the look of the thighs and can offer a great confidence booster for patients looking to reach their ideal body contouring results.
When considering a thigh lift, patients must understand the recovery process. Thigh lift recovery can vary from patient to patient based on many characteristics like genetics, age, pain tolerance, anatomy, and the surgical technique performed.
With all of these variables in mind, this blog post will outline the average thigh lift recovery experience as well as tips for helping your recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Thigh Lift Recovery Break Down
Day After Thigh Lift Surgery
Your thigh lift will take place under general anesthesia. You may feel tired, nauseous, and sore when you first wake up, but the gracious staff at Bryan Armco M.D. will strive to keep you as comfortable as possible. Your thighs will be wrapped in bandages, and you may be given a compression garment. Small drainage tubes will be placed under your skin to drain fluid from your thighs as you heal.
It’s important that you ask someone to drive you to and from the hospital as you will not be able to do so yourself. Your thighs will feel sore, especially when walking, but taking short walks around your home is essential to keep your circulation moving.
2-3 Days After Thigh Lift Surgery
Swelling and bruising will be the most pronounced at this time. Continue to wear compression garments if needed, and change your bandages according to your doctor’s instructions.
Minimize movement during this time and protect your incisions as they heal. The thighs are involved in almost every body movement, so try to keep your activity to a minimum for the first few days.
7-14 Days After Thigh Lift Surgery
After your first week, you’ll return to your doctors for your first follow-up visit. At this time, your drains and stitches may be removed, and your bandages removed or changed. You’ll continue to wear your compression garment for several weeks. This garment protects your incisions and helps to provide support for your thighs.
2-4 Weeks After Thigh Lift Surgery
After two weeks, it’s time to try more movements like simple, slow walking. Gentle movements prevent blood clots from forming in your lower limbs. Cautious, easy walking is best, and don’t try to overdo it. If you become sore or feel pain, go back and rest for a while.
1 Month After Thigh Lift Surgery
At the 6-week mark, your incisions should be fully healed, and the swelling in your thighs will be at a minimum. At this time, it is safe to resume most activities. If you are still experiencing moderate swelling, stick to steady walks and avoid vigorous exercise.
Thigh Lift Recovery Tips
To minimize risk and improve your results, follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions, which may include the following:
- Rest as much as possible for the first two weeks
- Take all of your pain medication as directed by adopting a written schedule
- Minimize movement aside from easy walking for blood-clot prevention
- Wear your compression garments as directed by your doctor
- Hydrate and avoid a high sodium diet to avoid fluid retention
- Resume normal activities gradually
- Ask your doctor any and all questions
Ready To Achieve Slim, Contoured Thighs?
Achieve the thighs of your dream with the help of a thigh lift procedure with Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Bryan Armijo. Schedule your appointment today by calling (214) 540-1434 or contact us through our online portal.