Why consider a Thigh lift? | Thigh lift surgery consultation | Thigh lift surgery | Recovery period | Book Consultation
NorthEast Plastic Surgery, has changed the layout of the educational information about this
procedure to outline the risk and recovery information at the top of the page in order to be
compliant with the advertising guidelines of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
(Ahpra).
As we appreciate that this may impact your understanding, the surgeons will answer any related
questions at your consultation.
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.
It is important that access to medical attention is available by telephone once you have been discharged. Issues about which your surgeon needs to be made aware urgently include pain uncontrolled by medication, bleeding to the extent that the dressings soak through with blood, temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, redness of the skin, swelling or any concerns related to the surgery.
Following surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room then discharged to the care of a responsible adult for 24 hours or after inpatient admission to hospital for one to two days. 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.
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 remain visible indefinitely. Instructions on swelling and scar management strategies such as massage, taping and silicone gel sheeting will be provided during post-operative consultations.
Thigh reduction surgery can manage inner thigh skin and fat.
The surgery can manage associated skin irritation, infections and hygiene difficulties.
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.
At the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss:
Limitations can include:
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.
It is important that the Surgeon is aware of:
These issues are important as they have the potential to affect the surgery, anaesthesia, potential complications and recovery.
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.
Consent can only be given:
have discussed, and are aware of, the costs of surgery and potential revisional surgery
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 the surgical quotation process before your initial consultation.
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.
Mr Patrick Tansley MD FRCS (Plast) and Dr Sugitha Seneviratne FRACS (Plast) provide second opinion to patients seeking to address problems following plastic surgery performed elsewhere and revisional or corrective surgery. If you would like a second opinion on previously undertaken surgery, book a consultation to discuss this with one or both of our surgeons.
As the privacy of our patients is of the utmost importance to us, we do not provide before and after photos on our website. You will be shown a number of before and after images during your private consultation to illustrate the potential outcomes of surgery. These images have been provided by previous patients who have consented to their private use.
E: brisbane@northeastplasticsurgery.com.au
T (07) 3180 3400
F (07) 3180 3401
P 0411865055
(paging service for after hours emergencies only)
NorthEast Plastic Surgery
Wickham House
Level 1 155 Wickham Terrace
Spring Hill
Brisbane
Queensland 4000