What to Expect When Having an Inner or Outer Thighlift

Anesthesia: General. You will sleep during the entire procedure.

Location of Operation: Hospital or outpatient surgery center.

Length of Surgery: 2 hours.

Length of Stay: This is an outpatient procedure. The patient goes home the same day.

Discomfort: Moderate to severe. Anticipate 5-14 days of prescription pain medications.

Swelling and Bruising: Both are expected, but will improve within 4-6 weeks. Swelling may be reduced by keeping your legs elevated. As thigh swelling improves, you may notice swelling in your knees and ankles. Bruising improves in 10-14 days.

Drains: If drains are placed, they will be removed by Dr. Hainer or one of his staff in 3-7 days, depending on the output.

Bandages: Removed in 2-4 days.

Stitches: All stitches/sutures are dissolvable.

Work: You may return to work in approximately 1-4 weeks if you have stopped taking pain medication. If you are able to elevate your feet during work hours, you may return sooner. If your job requires lifting, you should wait 6 weeks to return.

Exercise: May be gradually resumed in 6 weeks.

Sun Protection: If your scars are exposed while outdoors, you should protect them with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least one year to prevent permanent discoloration.

Presentable in a bathing suit: 8-10 weeks.

Final Result: Final results are seen in approximately 6 months to 1 year after scar maturation.

Special Care: ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING!!!!!!!! No smoking is prohibited 4 weeks prior to and at least 4 weeks after surgery to allow for proper healing and best results.

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