Lymphedema After Thigh Lift

If you’re concerned about what to wear after thigh lift surgery, your surgeon will be able to tell you exactly what to wear during the recovery period. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to any surgical technique:

In this guide, we review the aspects of Lymphedema After Thigh Lift, what to wear after thigh lift, hematoma after thigh lift, and thigh lift complications.

If you’ve had a tummy tuck, your doctor will give you some specific directions on what to wear post-surgery. But in general, you should wear clothes that are comfortable and supportive. Choose garments that perhaps have elastic bands inside or try on different size garments and see how they feel.

• Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing.

• Avoid skinny jeans or anything that might be constrictive around your thighs.

• Wear loose-fitting underwear, but don’t wear cotton underwear for at least four weeks after surgery, as it can cause irritation and swelling.

• Wear a support garment if directed by your surgeon (this may include a girdle, garter belt, or compression bandages).

what to wear after thigh lift

There are several different thigh lift procedures and incision options, which will determine how you should dress after the procedure.

There are several different thigh lift procedures and incision options, which will determine how you should dress after the procedure.

• There is a vertical incision that runs down the front of your leg, from just below your hipbone to just above or below your knee depending on your surgeon’s preference. This technique allows for greater access to deeper fat deposits in order for them to be removed during liposuction. However, it does leave scarring on the front of both thighs–and there may be some swelling at first as well as bruising under both eyes from where drains were placed during surgery.*

Thigh lift surgery has several benefits, but recovering from the surgery can be both uncomfortable and boring.

Thigh lift surgery is a procedure that can help with sagging skin and fat deposits, excess skin and fat deposits in the inner thigh area.

The benefits of a thigh lift include:

• Improved appearance of thighs
• Improved self-esteem (you’ll feel good about how you look)

Wearing the right clothing can help a lot during this recovery period.

• Wear loose and soft clothing. Clothes that are tight or constrictive can cause pressure on your incision sites, which can lead to pain and swelling. Avoid wearing belts or anything else around your waist for at least six weeks after surgery, because they may rub against the incisions and make them hurt more than they already do.
• Keep incision sites dry and clean; wear absorbent pads if needed (they’re available in most drug stores).
• Wear clothes that don’t irritate your healing skin: avoid tight-fitting garments like jeans or leggings until all stitches have been removed; use cotton underwear instead of synthetics; avoid pants with zippers at the side seams if possible–these tend to rub against scarring without realizing it! Also make sure any pair of trousers has an elastic waistband so they’ll be easier to put on later down the road when everything feels better again…

Your surgeon will give you guidance on what to wear after thigh lift, but here are some general guidelines that apply to any surgical technique.

Your surgeon will give you guidance on what to wear after thigh lift, but here are some general guidelines that apply to any surgical technique.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes. The goal is not to restrict your movement or cause pressure on the incision sites. Avoid wearing tight pants that could cause this type of problem, especially in the first few weeks following surgery when swelling is at its peak.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and heel height that’s appropriate for your level of activity post-surgery (elevating feet while sitting may help reduce swelling). You may also want a pair of flip flops handy–you’ll be doing a lot of walking around!
• Choose clothing that doesn’t irritate incision sites, such as cotton garments with wide elastic waistbands or adjustable straps so they don’t pull at sutures if they’re too tight around thighs/hips during movement activities like bending over at waist height level (don’t forget about bending forward when getting up from sitting positions like car seats too).

Wear clothes that don’t irritate your incision sites or put unnecessary pressure on them.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid wearing pants with tight elastic bands around the waist, jeans and other types of pants that rub against your incision sites.
• Wear comfortable shoes, preferably with low heels if you have swelling in your ankles or feet.

Lymphedema After Thigh Lift

Performed as part of body contouring procedures in patients with massive weight loss, a procedure called medial thigh lift carries a substantial risk of complications, reports a study in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

“Wound complications in medial thighplasty are common, but most are minor and can be managed without reoperation,” according to the new research by ASPS member surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Adam Gusenoff and colleagues of University of Pittsburgh. The study is the first detailed look at complications after thigh lift surgery, performed as part of body contouring surgery after bariatric (weight reduction) surgery.

After Thigh Lift, Most Patients Have Mild Complications

Dr Gusenoff and coauthors analyzed their experience with medial thigh lift in 106 patients with massive weight loss, mainly after bariatric surgery. The patients were 90 women and 16 men, average age 45 years. Most patients undergoing bariatric surgery for severe obesity are left with excess, sagging skin folds of the thigh and other areas.

Overall, 68 percent of patients experienced some type of complication after thigh lift surgery. The complication rate varied with the extensiveness of surgery: from 43 percent for patients undergoing the least-extensive “horizontal thighplasty,” to 64 percent with an intermediate “short-scar thighplasty,” to 74 percent with the most-extensive “full-length vertical thighplasty.”

But while complications were frequent, they usually weren’t serious. The most common issues were minor wound healing problems: problems with wound closure (dehiscence) and fluid collections (seromas). Most of these were managed without any further surgery.

Six percent of patients had complications requiring additional surgery. Another 14 percent underwent further surgery to improve their cosmetic results.

New Findings on Risk Factors for Complications

Leg swelling (edema) developed in 22 percent of patients—most undergoing the most-extensive type of thigh lift surgery. In all but two cases, the edema cleared up within a year after surgery.

Edema occurred mainly in patients undergoing the most extensive type of thigh lift, while seromas were more likely in patients with high blood pressure. Infections were more common in older patients, those with low thyroid function, and those undergoing liposuction at the same time as thigh lift.

With the increased use of bariatric surgery, the numbers of patients seeking body contouring surgery after massive weight loss have increased sharply. Thigh lift surgery has demonstrated functional and cosmetic benefits for patients, but concerns about complications may limit the use of this procedure.

The new study—the largest series of patients undergoing thigh lifting surgery reported to date—shows a high overall rate of complications, especially after the more-extensive procedures.

However, most of these complications are relatively minor wound-healing issues, resolving without the need for further surgery. Swelling is also common, and also resolves over time in most cases.

“Despite these considerable challenges, massive weight loss patients also stand to benefit immensely from contouring procedures,” Dr Gusenoff and colleagues conclude. The researchers believe their results will be useful in counseling patients as to what to expect after thigh lift surgery. They also outline some steps that may help to reduce the risk of common complications, and call for further studies to compare the outcomes of different surgical techniques. Watch the accompanying Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery Video.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

For over 75 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 92 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of €4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,200 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students in effective decision-making and outcomes across healthcare. We support clinical effectiveness, learning and research, clinical surveillance and compliance, as well as data solutions. For more information about our solutions, visit https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth.

hematoma after thigh lift

Performed as part of body contouring procedures in patients with massive weight loss, a procedure called medial thigh lift carries a substantial risk of complications, reports a study in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

“Wound complications in medial thighplasty are common, but most are minor and can be managed without reoperation,” according to the new research by ASPS member surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Adam Gusenoff and colleagues of University of Pittsburgh. The study is the first detailed look at complications after thigh lift surgery, performed as part of body contouring surgery after bariatric (weight reduction) surgery.

After Thigh Lift, Most Patients Have Mild Complications

Dr Gusenoff and coauthors analyzed their experience with medial thigh lift in 106 patients with massive weight loss, mainly after bariatric surgery. The patients were 90 women and 16 men, average age 45 years. Most patients undergoing bariatric surgery for severe obesity are left with excess, sagging skin folds of the thigh and other areas.

Overall, 68 percent of patients experienced some type of complication after thigh lift surgery. The complication rate varied with the extensiveness of surgery: from 43 percent for patients undergoing the least-extensive “horizontal thighplasty,” to 64 percent with an intermediate “short-scar thighplasty,” to 74 percent with the most-extensive “full-length vertical thighplasty.”

But while complications were frequent, they usually weren’t serious. The most common issues were minor wound healing problems: problems with wound closure (dehiscence) and fluid collections (seromas). Most of these were managed without any further surgery.

Six percent of patients had complications requiring additional surgery. Another 14 percent underwent further surgery to improve their cosmetic results.

New Findings on Risk Factors for Complications

Leg swelling (edema) developed in 22 percent of patients—most undergoing the most-extensive type of thigh lift surgery. In all but two cases, the edema cleared up within a year after surgery.

Edema occurred mainly in patients undergoing the most extensive type of thigh lift, while seromas were more likely in patients with high blood pressure. Infections were more common in older patients, those with low thyroid function, and those undergoing liposuction at the same time as thigh lift.

With the increased use of bariatric surgery, the numbers of patients seeking body contouring surgery after massive weight loss have increased sharply. Thigh lift surgery has demonstrated functional and cosmetic benefits for patients, but concerns about complications may limit the use of this procedure.

The new study—the largest series of patients undergoing thigh lifting surgery reported to date—shows a high overall rate of complications, especially after the more-extensive procedures.

However, most of these complications are relatively minor wound-healing issues, resolving without the need for further surgery. Swelling is also common, and also resolves over time in most cases.

“Despite these considerable challenges, massive weight loss patients also stand to benefit immensely from contouring procedures,” Dr Gusenoff and colleagues conclude. The researchers believe their results will be useful in counseling patients as to what to expect after thigh lift surgery. They also outline some steps that may help to reduce the risk of common complications, and call for further studies to compare the outcomes of different surgical techniques. Watch the accompanying Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery Video.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

For over 75 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 92 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

thigh lift complications

In addition to most of the standard risks of surgery, there are some additional risks with a thigh lift or thighplasty. Standard risks include obvious things such as bleeding, infection, scars, numbness, wound healing problems, pain and anesthesia issues.

Bleeding and Infection

Bleeding problems can be reduced by avoiding taking medications that can thin your blood before surgery. You will receive a list of common medications to avoid for two weeks before surgery. Infection around the time of surgery can be reduced by taking your antibiotics appropriately as prescribed.

Scarring

Most of the incisions tend to heal nicely without excessive scarring unless there are wound healing problems that can result in excessive scarring. We try to reduce scars by using all buried, absorbable sutures and taping over the incisions for several months after surgery. The skin that is undermined and pulled tight can be numb for a while but most, if not all, of the sensation generally returns in a few months. Scars can be much worse if you smoke or are around secondary smoke for a month before or after surgery. No form of nicotine is acceptable.

Pain

A thigh lift is usually not very painful compared to some other procedures. We try to reduce pain by infiltrating the area full of both short and long acting local anesthetics at the time of surgery. A prescription for pain pills is also provided but most patients find that they can switch to over the counter medications in a few days.

Seroma

Seroma formation, which is a buildup of blood without blood cells, is somewhat unique to thigh lifts. This can result because of an interruption of the lymphatic drainage as a result of dissection during surgery and because of the dependent nature of the legs. This can be reduced by keeping your legs elevated as much as possible after surgery and wearing your compression garments religiously. You should, however, get up and walk short distances frequently to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your legs.

Blood Clots

Blood clots forming in the legs are known as a deep vein thrombosis or DVT, which can be a very serious complication of any surgery. To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs with a thigh lift or any cosmetic surgery, it is important to get up and walk frequently after surgery. In addition, you will likely get an injection of a blood thinner (heparin) immediately before surgery. Heparin does not tend to increase bleeding with surgery but helps to reduce the risk of DVT’s.

In addition to the blood thinner injection, sequential stockings or foot pumps are placed prior to the induction of anesthesia which force the flow of blood through the veins in the legs to prevent pooling during the surgery and in the recovery room. In addition, patients are encouraged to get up to walk frequently for short distances after surgery and to move their legs and feet while in a bed or chair every fifteen to twenty minutes.