Thigh Lift Surgery: The Recovery Process
Patients who visit our Gatineau plastic surgery centre know that we offer exceptional surgical care. We focus on pre-op preparation, expert surgical technique, and sound post-op recovery strategies. A big part of this is letting patients know what to expect after their surgery is done. This improves expectations and helps with overall recovery and results.
With this in mind, we'd like to consider the healing and recovery process after thigh lift surgery (thighplasty). Like other body contouring surgeries, good rest and proper understanding of the recovery process are crucial.
What to Expect Immediately After Thigh Lift Surgery
Immediately after a thigh lift surgery, patients will often feel groggy and fatigued, which is common as the effects of general anesthetic wear off. Some soreness and nausea may also occur. Patients should return home, escorted and accompanied by a loved one to ensure safety.
How Long Will I Need to Take Off from Work?
In general, a patient should plan to take 2 to 3 weeks off of work to recover from their thigh lift surgery. This helps ensure proper healing before returning to the job.
Keep the following in mind, however: if your job is physically demanding, you may need to take additional time off of work or allow others to perform certain tasks for you. This is especially true of heavy lifting and squatting.
Activities to Avoid After Thigh Lift Surgery
After undergoing a thigh lift, there are certain activities to avoid to ensure optimal healing. These include:
- Strenuous physical activity
- Major exercise
- Sexual activity
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
A full list of activities will be provided as part of your consultation process. We will give you general timelines on when certain activities can be resumed.
How to Sleep After a Thigh Lift
Sleeping after a thigh lift can be difficult and pose a number of problems with regard to pain and comfort. We recommend that patients sleep with pillows under their legs as they heal. This prevents the legs from stretching out and placing strain on the sutures, while also offering the right amount of support to improve comfort.
Pain and Discomfort
Pain and discomfort are common following any surgery. It will be most pronounced in the first days following the procedure, with reductions in pain as healing continues. Patients can manage pain using recommended pain relievers.
Bruising and Swelling
Bruising and swelling are also a common reality following any surgical procedure. Bruising will be most pronounced in the first two weeks after surgery, slowly fading by the end of the month, with residual discoloration fading through the second month. As for swelling, the most pronounced swelling will have subsided by the end of the first month, though residual swelling may persist for several weeks after. Wearing your compression garment as directed can help manage both of these issues.
Attend Follow-up Visits as Needed
As you recover, there will be follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress. Be sure to attend all of these as schedule. This can help prevent complications from occurring. In addition, do not hesitate to contact the practice if there are any concerns or questions that arise during recovery. Having issues addressed sooner rather than later is always best.
About Post-Surgical Scarring
Post-surgical scarring is a reality following any sort of surgery. In the initial weeks of recovery, scarring may be quite noticeable, though thankfully it is generally well-hidden and concealed by mos bottoms, undergarments, and bathing suits. In the months ahead, the scars should continue to fade, with noticeable changes in appearance by the end of the first year.
Learn More About Thigh Lift Surgery
To learn more about body contouring surgery and how it can help you look your very best, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery centre today. The team at our practice looks forward to your visit and helping you look and feel your very best.