Thigh lift

During a thigh lift, superfluous skin at the inner and outer side of the thighs can be removed. The risk of possible long scars must be accepted in this case. A thigh lift can be combined with a liposuction. This additionally can improve the figure of the body. Both can be done during one surgery.

Basic preconditions:
	You are over 18 years old, in good physical and psychological condition and have a realistic idea.
	You are not pregnant and not nursing your baby.

Preparations:
	About 4 weeks before the surgery, you should reduce smoking. Moreover alcohol should be avoided.
	On the day of the surgery you should not have your menstruation.
	About 2 weeks before the surgery you should not take anticoagulants (Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid containing drugs).
	Not later than 3 weeks before the surgery the birth control pill must be discontinued.

Surgery preparations and examinations:
	For the surgery you need a blood count and an ECG. Your GP can provide both. Please bring the findings with you (it should not be older than two weeks).

Length of the surgery:

Usually the surgery takes 2-3 hours and is conducted during a stationary stay in hospital of 2-3 days.

Course of action:

Before the surgery you will be informed during a detailed counselling talk on how the surgery is done, possible complications, risks, and alternatives. Maybe you want to write done your questions on the surgery. The surgery will be conducted under general anaesthesia. Before the anaesthesia you will be advised by an anaesthetist about the risks, complications and possible alternatives to a narcosis. The anaesthetist will be present during the surgery. A general anaesthesia means stress for the body. During narcoses risks or complications can occur, depending on previous diseases and your general state of health.

The affected areas are measured and marked on the skin before the surgery. The necessary incisions for removing superfluous skin are placed in a way that make them most inconspicuous. Superfluous skin and subjacent tissue can be removed in this surgery.

During thigh lifts of a larger scale, it may be necessary to insert drainages, in order to ensure that blood and ichor can flow off. Skin and muscles are tightened by fixing it with a thin suture. Then, the affected areas are bandaged.

Perception and possible complications:

Usually you will have some pain (a tugging pain at the sutures) during the first few days after the surgery. This normally subsides after several days in the course of wound healing. The pains after the surgery can be alleviated by pain killers.

Particularly when the inner side of the thighs was lifted a possibly lymphostasis which can remain some time can lead to swellings. That must be treated with drugs and physical therapy (lymphatic drainage). It is possible that these treatments deteriorate the effect of the surgery.

After a surgery there can occur blood clots in the main veins (thrombosis), these can be carried further and thus block a blood vessel (embolism). As prevention it can be considered to take anticoagulant drugs (i. e. injections of heparin), however these cause an increased bleeding tendency and in very rare cases grave dysfunctions of blood coagulation.

Even when the wound healing is normal, scars can initially become red or harden. After a while they will fade, they become inconspicuous. You will be informed on further risks and possible side-effects in a comprehensive handout.

After the surgery:

Usually the drainages can be removed one to two days after the surgery. In order to support the affected area and the wound healing, you should wear the compression bandages about 6-7 weeks constantly. During this time you should avoid sports and other exhausting activities. Before you go home you will have a follow-up examination. Please do not drive yourself home, but bring an accompanying person with you. After about 2 weeks you can take up your ever-day activities again.

Usually your GP can take out the stitches after about 2-3 weeks. You should only apply special scar ointment or crème on the scars. You can take showers again, as soon as the wounds are completely closed. Sunbaths and sauna should be avoided for 8-12 weeks.


Any questions? Please contact us

Home