Why Consider Thigh Reduction Surgery?

Thigh reduction surgery can remove excess skin and fat from the inner thigh which may have resulted from bariatric (weight loss) surgery, diet and exercise or after pregnancy.

The surgery can address unsightliness, skin irritation, infections and hygiene difficulties and can make the thigh area appear more toned.

Thigh Reduction Surgery Consultation

Patients must consider the effect a change in appearance would have on their lives and be aware of the post-operative recovery process before electing to undergo thigh reduction surgery.

Aims

At the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss:

• Your expectations, and;
• potential limitations to achieving your desired results

Limitations can include:

• the extent excess skin
• skin quality
• the amount of fat present (adiposity)

Thigh reduction surgery produces best results when a patient’s weight is consistent with a body mass index in the normal range and has been stable for at least 3 months.

Liposuction can be used in addition to the thigh reduction procedure.

Past Medical History

It is important that the Surgeon is aware of:

• previous surgery
• history of scarring
• tendency for easy bruising
• excessive bleeding,
• deep venous clots involving the legs
• all prescription and non-prescription medication
• allergies to anaesthetic agents, antibiotics and dressings
• history of smoking
• psychological or psychiatric issues

These issues are important as they have the potential to affect the surgery, anaesthesia, potential complications and recovery.

Pre-operative Management

If necessary, further medical consultation may be necessary to minimise complications, especially regarding blood thinning agents which may need to be either ceased or modified in preparation for surgery. Diagnostic tests including blood tests may also be necessary for the Surgeon to obtain a complete picture of your physical wellbeing.

If advised by the Surgeon, it may also be necessary to cease medication such as the Oral Contraceptive Pill. It is important to avoid Aspirin, Disprin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen in addition to herbal medications such as Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko, Arnica and Fish and Krill oils two weeks prior to and after surgery. It is essential that smoking cease six weeks prior to and after surgery to minimise the risk of surgical wound complications and anaesthesia. Nicotine containing products can also affect wound healing and should be ceased two weeks prior to and after surgery.

Risks

All operations carry some level of risk, even though they are an uncommon occurrence. Risks common to all operations include problem scarring, wound complications, haematoma formation (bleeding) or seroma formation (tissue fluid collection), in addition to the risk of further surgery to address these potential complications.

Risks specific to thigh reduction surgery which improve over eighteen months to two years include swelling and redness of the skin and numbness of the inner thighs and legs. Those specific risks which may require revisional surgery include asymmetry and dog-ear formation, which are contour irregularities at either end of the scar. Revisional surgery is necessary in approximately five percent of patients who undergo thigh reduction surgery.

Informed Consent

Consent can only be given:

• at the culmination of the consultation process
• after you have had the opportunity to have all questions and concerns addressed by the Surgeon,

have discussed, and are aware of, the costs of surgery and potential revisional surgery

Consultation Cost

There is a cost for an initial consultation at our Brisbane clinic, with the potential to receive a portion of this back via Medicare where eligible for rebate, provided you have a referral from your GP. You can call our Brisbane office on 07 3180 3400 to enquire about any out-of-pocket costs before your initial consultation as well.

Thigh Reduction Surgery

Thigh reduction surgery at NorthEast Plastic Surgery’s Brisbane practice is performed under general anaesthetic administered by a specialist Anaesthetist in an accredited hospital.

The incisions are placed on the inner thigh from the groin to the knee. A wedge of skin and fat tissue is removed to improve the contour of the inner thighs.

The internal wounds are repaired with dissolving stitches. Drainage tubes are used to drain tissue fluid and blood and are generally removed 2 days after surgery.

After surgery a waterproof dressing and compression garment are applied to minimise soft tissue swelling.

Recovery Period

Following surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room then discharged to the care of a responsible adult for 24 hours. At the time of discharge, you’ll be given appropriate pain medication and antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and to control your pain.

It is important that you have access to medical attention by telephone. The surgeon needs to be made aware if you suffer from:

• temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius
• bleeding to the extent that the dressings soak through with blood
• pain not controlled by the medication
• redness of the thigh or leg skin
• any concerns related to the surgery

To minimise post-operative bruising, elevation of the feet is encouraged for seven days after surgery and you should avoid prolonged periods of standing. Swelling and bruising usually increase over the first three to five days and then improve between five to ten days.

In some instances, it may take several months for the soft tissue swelling to subside completely. During this period the sensation of the thigh and leg skin may be affected but will generally return to normal over a few months.

Dressings will be changed as appropriate during post-operative visits. Wound healing will generally take three weeks. During this period, lower limb movement should be minimised to assist wound healing. Driving a motor vehicle should be avoided for two weeks.

You can expect to resume physical activity such as walking for exercise three weeks after surgery. Running can resume at six weeks and normal exercise, including swimming at eight weeks. It is important to avoid lower limb trauma – such as accidental hits or knocks – six weeks after surgery. Return to work can be anticipated after two to three weeks.

The result of thigh reduction surgery may not be appreciated for many months. The inner thigh scar can be unpredictable and will be visible for up to 18 months after surgery. Instructions on swelling and scar management strategies such as massage, taping and silicone gel sheeting will be provided during post-operative consultations.