Thigh lift is a lower body contouring procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to create firmer and more attractive upper legs. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of thigh lift, including its potential risks and complications. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides thigh lift to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities in The Empire of the South.
While thigh lift is generally a very safe surgery, the patient should still be aware of the following potential risks:
Scarring
Some degree of scarring is inevitable in thigh lift, but a skillful cosmetic surgeon can create incisions in discreet locations. In such cases, the scars can be easily concealed by underwear or bathing suits.
Poor Healing
In a few cases, the incisions from thigh lift may reopen in the first few weeks after the procedure. The surgeon can perform an in-office procedure to clean and close the wounds.
Seroma
Blood and fluid accumulation under the skin in incision areas may occur, worsening the inflammation and increasing the infection risks. Drain tubes in the incision sites can prevent this occurrence.
Hematoma
Following thigh lift surgery, small blood clots may form sometimes, creating hard spots close to the incisions. In rare cases, these clots may require treatment, but they will usually dissolve on their own.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
This is an extremely rare complication where a large blood clot can move to the lungs, heart or brain. This can be potential life threatening. Preventive anticoagulant medications can help minimize this risk.
Infection
A cosmetic surgery such as thigh lift will invariably carry some risk of infection. A sterile surgical environment is vital to avoid this risk, and after the surgery, the patient should protect the incisions against contamination.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is expected after thigh lift surgery, but excessive or prolonged bleeding can be hazardous to health. If bleeding persists, the surgeon may have to modify the incisions, or in an extreme situation, refer the patient for blood transfusion.
Necrosis
In a rare case, while modifying the thigh tissue, the surgeon may cut off the blood supply to the fat cells, causing their destruction. Skin irregularities and discomfort may be caused due to these dead cells. Significant necrosis may require surgical removal.
Persistent Sagging
When excess skin and fat from the thighs is removed, it usually resolves the sagging of the thighs. In rare cases, even when the thigh tissue is reduced, it may still sag. A revision surgery may have to be performed to address this concern.
Asymmetry
Poor surgical planning or unexpected medical conditions may cause the thighs to become asymmetrical after the thigh lift procedure. If the asymmetry is significant, a revision surgery may have to be performed.
Numbness
A temporary loss of sensation in the incision sites will commonly occur after a thigh lift. Most patients will regain the normal sensation with time, but in a few cases, the numbness may become extended or even permanent.
Accomplished and tremendous plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and other towns and neighborhoods across this geographical landscape 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: