FAQ: Thigh Lift

This surgery will lift and tighten the skin around the thigh (inner/outer portion) and reduce the appearance of wrinkles/cellulite caused by excess fat and skin

The patient’s skin may have rippling, bagginess or experience pigment changes and asymmetry. Another possible but unlikely risk/complications is fluid retention/loss, shock, infections, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, and permanent numbness.

You may use topical cream or laser treatments that will tighten the skin or tries to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, a healthy lifestyle and commitment to exercise could benefit the patient or control garments

Liposculpture

An incision will be made at different sites of the thigh, where loose skin will be removed and sutured back together in order to tighten the skin. Additionally, small amount of fat and soft tissue will be removed and the muscles of the thigh will be tightened. This will overall reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin

Depending on the amount of excess skin and cellulite you have. It is an invasive surgery and will require general anesthesia.

Yes

Your thighs will be a little bit slimmer but the change will not be drastic. You will have tighter skin than before, less cellulite and an improvement in the texture/firmness of your skin. The degree of these results will vary from patient to patient.

Please refer to my website or feel free to ask me during consultation

It should not affect movement or flexibility on the long run, however during the recovery period, the level of activity should be low

It should last for a long time, as long as patients maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise, however as the patient ages, the body will accumulate fat more easily and their skin will loose its firmness

Additional surgery is usually not needed as long as the patient does not gain excessive weight over the period of time

You can discuss cost during the initial consultation after the examination it will be determine whether additional works needs to be done.

The incisions will be made at the inner thigh or the posterior portion of the thigh. It is not possible to do this surgery without making a long incision

The surgery could take around 1-3 hours depending on the size and work needed to be done on the patient

The loose skin cannot be removed without leaving scars but there will be an attempt to hide these scars

Yes

The swelling usually subsides after 2-3 weeks

It will take around a year to have full recovery but only a couple of months to look presentable

In the short run, you will feel temporary pain, swelling, soreness, numbness, bruising and tiredness. All of these side effects will subside after a month of recovery

It will be moderate but you will be given pain medication to help manage with this

You will be given mild narcotic during the first few days after surgery follow by extra strength Tylenol after a few days.

I do not usually use drain after the procedure. However, if there may be a lot of drainage after the procedure, a small drain may be placed.

You will be given a special garment that needs to be wrapped around your thighs. Other than that, it is suggested that patients wear loose and comfortable clothing

Majority of my patients are outpatients. You will be able to leave the hospital when you are ready

After 2-3 weeks, patients are able to return back to their normal routine

You may drive once you stop taking narcotic pain medication and feel able to drive.

Most patients return to work around 2-3 weeks after the surgery but if your work requires a lot of sitting, a cushion/pillow is suggested to help reduce any discomfort

I usually like the procedure to be done under general anesthesia.

You will meet with the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery in the preoperative area. You may arrange to speak to an anesthesiologist by telephone prior to your surgery date.

Yes, your medication list will be reviewed during your consultation and your pre operative appointments. Please notify your surgeon of any changes or new medications at your preoperative appointment.

In general, all medication that may cause bleeding or prolong bleeding time may need to be stopped or alter. One should not stop any medication without consulting with your family physician and the specialist that put you on these drugs.

History and physical, EKG, CBC, and metabolic panel for patients over 55 years of age. Thyroid panel for patients with thyroid disorders.

Stop eating and drinking at least 6 hours before the start of your surgery or by midnight the night before surgery.

Arrive one and an half hour before your scheduled surgery.

You can get the information on our website or call my office for direction.

Yes. You will need an adult to drive you home and stay with you 24 hours after surgery.

• Arrange for personal items you might need during your hospital stay]
• Arrange for help driving, heavy lifting, and caring for pets for the first few days.
• Arrange for someone to take care of responsibilities at home and work
• Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital
• Arrange for someone to stay with you the first night after surgery
• Call your doctor if you think of other questions
• Notify your doctor if you get sick within 10 days of your surgery (even minor illnesses like a cold)
• Do not eat 6 hours before surgery.
• Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery. Do not smoke at least 6 weeks prior to surgery
• Make sure you have the doctor’s contact information
  This can be found on the website or by calling my office

Make sure you have directions to the hospital/office for visitors
This can be found on my website

Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Usually in the recovery room, within an hour of your surgery ending.

Usually in the recovery room, once you are awake.

If you are healthy and has no risk factors, medication to prevent blood clots are usually not necessary.

You will receive IV antibiotic immediately prior to surgery start and additional doses if needed in the recovery room. The antibiotic dosing follows the national surgical site infection protocol.

• Make sure your identity has been confirmed with name and date of birth
  Your driver’s license or identity such as OHIP number will need to be verified at your appointment and at the surgery center.
• Make sure you have confirmed the surgery you are having
  Review the surgery specifics at your preoperative appointment and again the day of surgery.
• Make sure the correct site of your surgery has been marked
  You will be marked while you are awake in the preoperative area. Communicate with your surgeon.
• Make sure the correct side of your surgery has been marked
• Confirm any allergies and side-effects you might have
• Make sure you understand and have signed the informed consent forms

The antibiotics are stopped within 48 hours of surgery.

Discuss with your surgeon.

For the majority of gynecomastia patients, no drains or tubes are necessary.

You may eat and drink after surgery as soon as you feel well and not nauseated. Start with a soft, bland diet.

You need to have instructions reviewed with a responsible adult.

You will receive narcotic pain pill prescription to fill prior to surgery. You may receive IV pain medication if you need.

Tell the doctor or nurse which pharmacy you prefer. Non-narcotic medications such as Compazine may be sent electronically but narcotic pain medications must be printed and hand delivered to the pharmacy.

Yes, you will receive a list of medications to avoid prior to surgery and initially after surgery. Do not take NSAIDS, ibuprofen, or aspirin until your doctor approves.

You may shower after the first postoperative visit. Use a gentle shampoo to wash your hair such as baby shampoo. Pat dry and apply polysporin ointment if you like. Please wash your hand prior to touching your wound.

Yes, the postoperative instructions will be reviewed at your preoperative appointment. After the initial bandage is removed, apply polysporin or vitamin E to your incisions twice daily.

You can take your first shower the day after surgery.

You will follow up a day or two after surgery. Following this weekly appointment until you are fully recovered.

Your bandages will be removed at your first follow-up appointment.

When do I need to come back for a follow-up appointment?
Your sutures will be removed about 7 to 10 days after your surgery.

You should avoid bending over or heavy lifting for two weeks.

For most clients, you may return to work after one week. If you need to do heavy lifting the time requirement may be longer.

You may drive once you stop taking narcotic pain medication and you feel capable of driving.

You may resume sexual activity at two to three weeks.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes. If you cannot reach the doctor immediately, call 911.

Yes

Yes