A body/thigh lift surgery is a major surgical procedure that requires careful post-operative care. As it involves large incisions and significant tissue removal, which can take weeks and sometimes even months to recover from, strict post-op care, and time off work and normal activities are a must.
Your body needs time to heal, and only adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions can help promote timely healing, reduce the risk of complications, and ensure the best possible results.
Post-operative instructions for proper healing
After the surgery
- Rest for the next 24 hours. Only get up to use the restroom with assistance. The initial 3 to 5 days may be tough due to the post op pain or discomfort before things get better.
- You may sleep in any position you feel comfortable in without jeopardizing the stitches. The ideal position is for you to be on your back with your body and legs slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
- Your surgeon may ask you to wear a compression garment, all day and night for the first three weeks. This garment is snug and helps minimize swelling and contour the body. It should not be too tight to restrict breathing or result in wounds or blisters from the compression. Take it off when showering or as per your doctor’s instructions.
- It is normal to have some drainage of fluid from the incisions for several weeks. The color may range from red to yellow. This is a normal occurrence.
Do NOT stay in bed all the time. Although it will be uncomfortable in the beginning, it is important to move around. Take short walks inside the house for a few minutes each day during the next few days to prevent blood clots and encourage healing.
Caring for your incisions
- All stitches are dissolvable, and the incisions will be covered with a waterproof dressing. Your surgeon will remove the dressing after the first post-op visit and place Steri-Strips that support wound healing, minimize scarring, and provide additional support over the incisions.
- Avoid all forms of nicotine after surgery. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and may increase risks of complications. Smoking or the use of unauthorized products may interfere with healing and jeopardize the results of your surgery.
- Avoid direct sun exposure to your body for several weeks after surgery. Use an SPF 30 or greater when going outdoors. Even a mild sunburn can exacerbate swelling or irritate an incision, potentially delaying healing.
- Only use the scar gels or other topical creams your surgeon has prescribed. Do not apply any other products on the treated area without consulting your doctor first.
What to expect?
- Pain – You will experience moderate tightness, pressure, soreness, itching, and discomfort for several days to weeks following the surgery as the body recovers. These symptoms can be relieved with the prescribed medication.
- Bruising – You will also notice mild to moderate bruising on the treated areas that will fade in about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Swelling – Edema or swelling of the surgical area in the following weeks and sometimes months is not unusual. However, the amount of swelling and bruising varies from person to person.
- Bleeding – Mild oozing or spotting from the incision sites may occur in the first few days after surgery and is usually not serious.
Do not be alarmed if there are slight differences between your legs or breasts. It may take several weeks for the swelling and bruising to completely subside before you notice the final results.
Medications
- Take all prescribed medications as directed, including pain-relieving medications and antibiotics. They help prevent infection and keep the discomfort down.
- Take your medications with food to prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Do not take any other medications without your doctor’s approval.
What to eat?
- Follow a light, low-fat diet for the first few days after surgery. You can start your regular diet if you are not feeling nauseous.
- Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy food during the initial recovery period.
- Drink plenty of fluids. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery. Dehydration may cause nausea and dizziness.
- Avoid alcohol for at least two weeks or for as long as your doctor says, and while taking any medications.
Showering after your body/thigh lift surgery
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery with assistance. Use a mild, gentle soap over the incision sites. Be sure to carefully pat the areas dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Stay away from bathtubs or Jacuzzis until your incisions have healed or you have been cleared by your surgeon, which may take around 3 to 4 weeks.
- Sutures along the incision site are inside and self-absorbing. Don’t worry if you see sutures coming out of your skin; this is normal.
- If your Steri-Strips get wet and fall off, don’t worry. Pat dry your skin and keep it clean. Place new ones if instructed by your doctor.
Physical activity
- Stay away from all strenuous activities. No heavy bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, squatting, or lifting until you have fully recovered.
- Do not lift more than 5lbs of weight for 6 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
- You can resume your normal life and activities, bit by bit, as you regain your strength and your incisions heal.
- Your doctor will guide you on when to start with a light schedule or return to work full-time.
Sexual intercourse
- Direct pressure or chafing to the thighs can impede recovery. You can resume sexual activity when the incisions have healed and you feel ready.
Range of motion
- Your range of motion will be restricted after a body or thigh lift surgery to protect healing tissues and avoid wound separation.
- You will be asked to limit your movements for the next 4 to 6 weeks to prevent stretching of the incision site before returning to normal activity levels.
Returning to normal activities
- It will take at least 3 to 4 weeks before you can resume light daily activities, including exercises and return to non-strenuous work, depending on your comfort level and healing process.
- Your surgeon will guide you on when you can get back to work based on your incision health and how you feel.
- It is best to start with a light workload and or return part-time based on your recovery and how soon you regain your strength.
- It up take up to 6 weeks before you can safely resume normal exercise routines and physical activities.
Healing time varies from person to person. It is important to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions and attend follow-up appointments for best results.
Contact your doctor’s office if you experience any unusual symptoms or have any questions. Discussing your concerns with your doctor helps with a smooth recovery.
Conditions that require emergency care- Call 911 right away if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that does not subside with pain medications
- Increased swelling
- Redness or warmth on the incision site
- Excessive drainage on dressings
- Incisions that appear to be opening
- Bleeding
- Allergic reaction such as itching or rashes
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Temperature above 101.8°F
- Shakes and chills
- Breathing issues
Timely medical attention is critical to preventing serious complications and ensuring safety.