Thigh lift surgery recovery can be expedited if the patient diligently follows the post-op directions of the cosmetic surgeon, attends follow up appointments, and ensures that the incisions are not exposed to contamination.
Patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities in this region of the Empire State of the South have an opportunity to receive thigh lift from successful and sensational plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey.
Immediate Post-Operative Phase
Following the completion of thigh lift surgery, the incisions will be wrapped in bandages and the patient will likely have temporary drain tubes to prevent fluid accumulation. The cosmetic surgeon will require the patient to put on a compression garment for the first few days to hold the incisions in place.
The patient will initially not be permitted to sit to avoid excess pressure on the incisions. Once the anesthesia effect wears off, the patient will be given prescription pain meds to ease any discomfort. When the patient is in a position to walk around comfortably, they will be allowed to leave the surgical venue with a responsible driver.
First Week
In the first one or two days, the patient will require assistance with daily routine tasks such as cooking or going to the washroom. Ice therapy should be applied initially to improve the swelling around the thighs. The patient should rest the body in such a position that the thigh tissue is not stretched. Patients often use extra pillows to take pressure off the legs.
Two days after thigh lift, the patient may carefully shower after removing the compression garment and bandages. In the first week, they should stay home, but perform short walks and light activities at home to maintain the blood flow in the incision sites. At the end of the first week, the surgeon may remove sutures and drains if the incisions have sufficiently healed.
Next Few Weeks
In the second week, many patients may be able to return to work if they can carefully sit on their thighs with the help of pillows. Scarring will be more prominent at this stage, but will progressively fade over the following months. The patient should continue to wear the compression garment at all times, except while bathing.
The surgeon may recommend the patient to stop using the compression garment after about one month. Swelling and bruising would have significantly resolved by this time. If the patient still experiences pain and inflammation, it could be sign of a complication and the surgeon should be informed.
Next Few Months
The patient may be able to return to their regular exercise regimen in about six to eight weeks after getting clearance from the surgeon. At this time, they may also be able to lift about five pounds at a time. The scars should have faded in about two to three months, and may continue to improve for several more months.
Recovery process will be completely over in about six months to a year, and the patient can enjoy fully established new thigh contours. Dedicated and exceptional plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and other cities and communities in this part of the southeast for thigh lift surgery.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: