Thigh lift
This procedure corrects the slackening of the skin on the inside of the thighs. This slackening of the skin can occur due to loss of elasticity with age, but also after excessive weight loss, where the excess skin no longer disappears. Due to excess skin, this can cause problems with, for example exercising (e.g. irritation due to chafing).
During this procedure under general anaesthetic, a horizontal incision is made in the groin crease with, if necessary, a vertical extension above the inside of the knee. The excess skin and fat tissue is removed. Additional subcutaneous fat tissue can be removed by means of liposuction.
Wound drains can be left for a few days to drain the remaining wound fluid. These will be cared for daily by the home nurse until they can be removed.
Preparation
- You must be fasting for this procedure under general anaesthetic.
- Timely smoking cessation is very important to prevent wound healing problems.
- When taking blood thinners, you should stop them in time. Be sure to discuss this with the surgeon during the consultation.
Postoperative course
- You should wear an elastic compression stocking for 6 weeks to optimize the result. In this way, the skin will contract better and seroma formation (extra moisture production) will be reduced.
- You are not allowed to make any strenuous (sporting) efforts for 6 weeks.
- It is very important to mobilize as soon as possible after the procedure (within the pain limits), in order to prevent thrombosis, among other things.
Possible complications
As with any surgery, this procedure carries a risk of bleeding, infection or impaired wound healing. Despite the use of a compression stocking, there is still a risk of seroma formation that sometimes needs to be punctured. In addition, the scars on the thighs have the tendency to widen during healing.