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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.

Risks

Risks which are uncommon but can occur after any operation include problem scarring such as keloid or hypertrophic scar formation, wound complications including infection, wound breakdown, 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.

 

Recovery period

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 or swelling of the skin or any concerns related to the surgery.

The usual timetable for recovery is as follows:

First 24 hours:

  • Immediately after surgery, you are monitored in the recovery room
  • You are discharged to the care of a responsible adult for 24 hours if the surgery is performed as a day case or you may have inpatient care for a few days.
  • You will be discharged with appropriate pain medication and antibiotics

 

0-7 days after surgery:

  • You are encouraged to elevate feet with pillows for seven days after surgery
  • Prolonged periods of standing are to be avoided but you should walk within your home.
  • Swelling and bruising will usually increase three to five days after surgery, then begin to improve thereafter

1-3 weeks after surgery

  • Lower limb movement and excessive walking should be minimised to allow wounds to heal
  • Dressings will be changed during post-operative visits
  • You may resume driving two weeks after surgery
  • Return to work (two to three weeks after surgery)

3-8 weeks after surgery

  • You may resume walking for exercise (three weeks after surgery)
  • You may resume running (six weeks after surgery)
  • You may resume swimming (six to eight weeks after surgery)
  • You should take great care to avoid being knocked or hit accidentally

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.

The inner thigh scar can be unpredictable and will remain visible indefinitely. Instructions on Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to optimise wound healing, swelling and scar management strategies including massage, taping and silicone gel will be provided during post-operative consultations.

The final result of thigh reduction surgery may not be fully appreciated until many months after surgery, due to the amount of time it takes for soft tissue swelling to subside.

Why consider thigh reduction surgery?

Thigh reduction surgery performed at NorthEast Plastic Surgery’s Melbourne practice can be helpful to patients who wish to address inner thigh skin. The procedure involves the removal of skin and fatty tissue.

The surgery can address skin which may be caused by weight loss following bariatric surgery, diet and exercise or following pregnancy. It can assist in the management of skin irritation, infections and issues with hygiene.

Thigh Reduction Surgery Consultation

Aims

A patient will see best results from thigh reduction surgery when their weight is consistent with a body mass index in the ‘normal’ range and has been so for at least three months.

At the consultation, the surgeon will discuss:

  • Your desired result
  • Limitations which could affect the result of the surgery

Limitations may include:

  • The amount of fat present (adiposity)
  • Skin quality and quantity
  • The condition of the lower limbs

Liposuction can be used as an adjunct to the thigh reduction procedure.

Medical History

At the consultation, the surgeon will ask you about your medical history. It is important that you disclose any material information concerning previous surgeries, a history of scarring, a tendency for bruising, a tendency for excessive bleeding, deep venous clots involving the legs, all prescription and non- prescription medication, allergies to anaesthetic agents, antibiotics and dressings and any history of smoking and psychological or psychiatric issues.

Pre-operative Management

At two or more consultations, the surgeon will advise you of a number of measures to be taken to minimise the risk and complications of a thigh reduction procedure.

It may be necessary to stop taking the Oral Contraceptive Pill before surgery. 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.

If necessary, further medical consultation may be necessary to minimise risk and complications, including consultation regarding blood thinning agents which may need to be either ceased or modified in preparation for surgery. Blood tests may also be necessary for the surgeon to obtain a complete assessment of bleeding tendencies and to optimise fitness for general anaesthesia.

Informed Consent

It is only at the culmination of the consultation process, after having the opportunity to have all your questions addressed by the surgeon, should you consent to thigh reduction surgery. The consent process will include a discussion as to the costs of surgery and potential revisional surgery.

Cost

NorthEast Plastic Surgery is unable to provide costs for thigh reduction surgery until after consultation which you can arrange by phone on 03 9088 5000 or via enquiry through our website.

Once Mr Patrick Tansley or Dr Sugitha Seneviratne have met with you at the initial consultation, you will receive in writing, the full cost of this procedure in the form of a personalised quotation.

Consultation Cost

There is a cost for an initial consultation at our Melbourne 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.

Thigh Reduction Surgery

Incisions are made on the inner thigh from the groin to the knee. A wedge of skin and fat tissue is removed to shape the inner thighs. The wounds are repaired with internal dissolving stitches. Drainage tubes are used to drain excess tissue fluid and blood.

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

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

Second Opinion

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.

Before & After Photos

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.

contact us

E: melbourne@northeastplasticsurgery.com.au
T: (03) 9088 5000
F (03) 9088 5001
P 0411865055
(paging service for after hours emergencies only)

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