DR FAIZAL ALI       

PLASTIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE AND COSMETIC SURGEON

Risks of Thighplasty

Although serious complications from thigh lift surgery is uncommon, potential candidates should understand that 
every procedure comes with it a certain risk for possible complications and has a recovery period (down time). Preoperative preparation and postoperative care will minimize their incidence.

The more common complications from thigh surgery are:

1. Bleeding (primary or secondary)
2. Swelling
3. Bruising
4. Infection
5. Poor wound healing (especially in smokers)
6. Numbness
7. Scarring
8. Skin discoloration
9. Asymmetry
10. Possibility of revision surgery
11. Anaesthesia risks
12. Fluid accumulation

These risks mentioned above can be minimized if proper preoperative and postoperative instructions are adhered to.

Preoperative Preparation


1. Stop all non-medical supplements for at least one week before surgery.
2. Stop taking any anti-inflammatory pain medications , blood thinning medications (anti-platelets, anti-coagulant), 
    and aspirin one week before the procedure.
3. All medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, etc) need to be optimized prior to surgery.
4. Smokers need to stop smoking well in advance.
5. Some individuals might require prior blood investigation or further medical assessment.




Postoperative Care

After the surgery, there will be some swelling, bruising, discomfort, numbness and discoloration for several days that can be controlled with oral medications and compressive dressing. The swelling and bruising usually last between 2-3 weeks but in some patients, this can last longer.

Oral antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection and postoperative pain respectively. Stitches will be removed about 10 days after the surgery. The final result of surgery will appear within several weeks, but it may take up to a year for the scar to fully mature.


1. Cold compression with an ice pack the first day and night after surgery.
2. Wear compression garment for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
2. Avoid squatting for the 3-4 weeks after the surgery.
3. Avoid strenuous activities and swimming for 4-6 weeks.
4. Regular antibiotic ointment on the surgical wounds.

THIGH LIFT ( THIGHPLASTY)

Thigh lift (medical term is thighplasty) is usually performed to reduce the excess skin and in some cases, fat from the thighs. It can help to improve the contours and reduce sagging in the inner or outer thighs. The smoother and tighter contouring that result from a thigh lift is visible almost immediately. Thigh lift surgery depends on the individual patients anatomical abnormality. It can be performed only on the inner aspect of the thigh (medial thigh lift), outer aspect (lateral thight lift) or a combination of both. In patients who have excess of fatty tissue in the thighs and good skin elasticity, liposuction only can remove the fat and the skin will the redrape to the new thigh contour. In older patients with decrease skin elasticity, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift is advised.

During the initial consultation, patients will have the opportunity to discuss their goals and desirable results with the plastic surgeon. Every patient is different, therefore a specific treatment regimen is planned to suit an individual’s need.

Procedure

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions based on the area or areas to be treated, the degree of correction and patient and surgeon preference. For the medial (inner) thigh lift, an incision is made in the groin area, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh. The underlying tissue will be reshaped and tightened and the skin will be reduced and redraped in more proportionate and smoother body contours. Improving the contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip. At the end of the procedure drains are inserted and the incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.
The wounds are then dressed with a compressive bandage to prevent fluid accumulation and blood collection. Patients are encouraged to wear a body garment for the next 4 to 6 weeks.

 Candidates for Thighplasty

1. Generally healthy individuals with well-controlled medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes (if they have any)
2. Individuals with clear and realistic expectations of their desired result.
3. Individuals with loose skin around their thighs who sometimes find it uncomfortable when walking.
4. Non smoker.