There are many reasons why people want to get thigh lift surgery, but most of them have to do with improving the appearance of the inner and outer thighs. This surgery can help patients who have excess skin and fat in their inner or outer thighs, or both.
As you get older, your body changes. One of the most common areas that women notice this change in is their thighs. The skin on their thighs becomes loose and sometimes hangs down over the knees. This can cause a bulge at the top of the thigh that looks unflattering and unattractive.
Thigh lifts are a great way to improve the appearance of your thighs by lifting up the skin and tightening it to give you smooth, youthful-looking legs.
If you’re thinking about getting a thigh lift, it’s important to know what to expect before and after your procedure. Here are some tips for preparing for your thigh lift:
Stop smoking
Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery. Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow and constrict, which can lead to surgical complications. If you smoke and need to stop, talk to your doctor about options, including nicotine replacement therapy or prescription drugs that help with cravings.
Make sure your health is in check.
If you have any health conditions that would prevent you from undergoing surgery, like heart disease or diabetes, talk to your doctor about whether you should still consider the procedure. You also need to make sure that you don’t have any issues with weight gain or loss — if you do, it can affect the results of your surgery.
Start taking vitamins and supplements to promote healing.
Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc are all good choices that can help your body recover from surgery more quickly. Calcium helps your bones heal more rapidly as well. You’ll need to take these supplements before your surgery because they’re not allowed during it. Your doctor might also recommend other medications or supplements based on your medical history and personal needs.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol can make you more prone to bruising and swelling. It also slows down your blood circulation, leading to longer recovery time. You should avoid alcohol for at least two weeks before and after the surgery.
Lose some weight before the surgery.
The best candidates for a thigh lift are women who have already lost some weight but still have loose skin around their hips and thighs. This will reduce postoperative swelling and scarring, which makes the results look more natural.
Plan ahead for transportation.
If you’re having a thigh lift and you live alone, or you don’t have access to a car, arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. You may be able to return to work within two weeks after the procedure, but it’s important to give yourself time to heal before driving again.
Set up your home for success!
Your recovery will be much easier if you have everything ready before surgery. Make sure that your home is stocked with all of the supplies needed to take care of yourself during recovery. This includes any special equipment or devices prescribed by your doctor, such as compression stockings or wraps for swelling or edema. You may also need other items like an extra pillow for sitting or lying down, pain medications and ice packs for soreness or swelling.
Stay active as much as you can before surgery.
This will help prevent blood clots and will also keep your muscles in shape. If possible, try walking or doing some exercises that focus on your legs, such as squats or lunges. This may be difficult if you’ve had recent weight loss surgery—just do what you can!
Limit sun exposure.
You may be advised to avoid the sun and tanning beds for 6 months after surgery. This will help minimize your risk of developing pigmentation changes or keloid scarring.
Start exercising before surgery.
There are many benefits of exercising regularly. It can improve your circulation, help you lose weight and tone your muscles. Exercise is also great for fighting stress, since it releases endorphins that make you feel good. If you’re thinking about having a thigh lift, it may be a good idea to start working out before surgery to improve circulation in your legs and prevent blood clots in your legs after the procedure. It will also help build up muscle around the thighs so they look more toned when the fat is removed during surgery.
Prepare for pain after the surgery.
It is important to prepare yourself for the discomfort and pain that you will experience after the surgery. The pain is usually mild but it can be severe in some cases. You may have to take some time off from work and other activities until your body gets used to this change. It is not uncommon to feel some swelling and bruising as well as redness in the area. You may also notice a few bruises on your legs and hips, which can be quite uncomfortable during the first few weeks of recovery.
Drink plenty of water.
Your body needs water to prevent dehydration during and after surgery. If you are having a general anesthetic, be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your procedure.
Make sure you’re a good candidate for thigh lift
Talk to your doctor about the procedure and how it will affect your lifestyle and body. Make sure the procedure is right for you by asking questions about what to expect before and after surgery so that you can make an informed decision.
Choose the right surgeon.
Your doctor should have extensive experience performing this type of surgery. He or she should also be able to show you before-and-after photos of patients who have had similar procedures performed by him or her.
Learn how to care for incision site.
You’ll have a small surgical incision on the inner thigh or outer hip. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples and covered with a dressing (bandage). You will need to keep the area clean and dry, and keep it elevated above your heart level as much as possible.
Consider what you want to accomplish.
A thigh lift can help restore balance to your thighs and buttocks by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and medial areas of your thighs. It also improves the contour of your inner thighs, improves the appearance of cellulite or skin dimpling, lifts sagging skin and tightens the muscles in the buttocks region.
Avoid blood-thinning medications.
Don’t take blood-thinning medications in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin at least two weeks prior to surgery. This is because these medications can increase bleeding during and after the procedure, which can lead to excessive bruising, swelling or bleeding. If you need medication for other reasons during this time, your doctor may prescribe another type of medication that won’t interfere with your thigh lift.
