Post- Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
AFTER CARE
Immediately After Surgery (First 48 Hours)
After thigh lift (thighplasty) surgery, it is normal to experience several temporary effects as your body begins the healing process. During the first 48 hours, your main focus should be on rest, proper limb positioning, and gentle movement.
- You will have bandages and a compression garment applied around your thighs to minimize swelling and support your new contour. The garment should remain in place continuously, except when showering or as instructed by your surgical team.
- Small surgical drains may be inserted to prevent fluid accumulation. These are typically removed within a few days once output decreases.
- Swelling is expected and will gradually increase during the first 48 hours. This is normal and will subside over the next 2–3 weeks.
To help control swelling:
- Keep your legs slightly elevated on pillows while resting.
- Avoid excessive walking, stretching, or bending the thighs.
- Continue wearing the compression garment as directed.
- Mild pain, bruising, and tightness are common and managed with medication.
- Light movement is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent clots.
- Keep your legs slightly apart to avoid tension on incisions.
Goal: Maintain comfort, control swelling, and protect incisions.
Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline
Week 1 (Days 1–7)
- Rest with light walking every 2–3 hours indoors.
- Avoid stretching the thighs; keep legs slightly bent.
- Use pillows under the knees for support.
- No massage this week; compression garment only.
- Wear garment 22–24 hours a day (remove only for hygiene).
- Keep incisions dry and clean gently.
- Avoid sitting with thighs apart.
- No driving, lifting, or exercise.
Week 2 (Days 8–14)
- Increase daily walking, but avoid stairs and stretching.
- Start Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) 2–3× weekly.
- Continue compression garment full-time.
- Monitor wound healing; sutures may be removed.
- Avoid sun exposure on thighs.
Weeks 3–4
- Begin light activities and longer walking.
- Continue massage 2–3× per week.
- Start scar care: silicone gel or sheets daily.
- Gentle scar massage if advised.
- Wear garment most of the day; remove briefly as needed.
Weeks 5–6
- Resume light exercise like treadmill or slow cycling.
- Return to work if non-physical.
- Continue scar care and use sunscreen on exposed areas.
- Wear compression garment during the day only.
Weeks 7–8
- Resume normal activities and light resistance workouts.
- Avoid high tension on inner thighs.
- Continue moisturizing and scar massage.
- Discontinue garment if swelling resolved.
After 2–3 Months
- Return to gym, jogging, or swimming once cleared by Dr. Khazbak.
- Continue scar therapy and sun protection.
- Scars mature up to 12 months post-surgery.
Recovery & Lifestyle Tips
- Continue wearing the compression garment as directed.
- Keep legs slightly elevated while resting.
- Avoid sauna, steam rooms, or soaking.
- Protect scars from sun exposure; use sunscreen.
- Use silicone gel or sheets for scar care as advised.
- Increase walking gradually; avoid wide leg movements until cleared.
When to Contact Dr. Ahmed Khazbak
Contact us right away if you have:
- Sudden increase in pain or one-sided thigh swelling.
- Redness, heat, or pus from incision site.
- Fever > 38°C.
- Hard lump or visible asymmetry in thigh area.
- Drain output that becomes bloody, smelly, or excessive.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This plan represents general recovery guidelines after thighplasty (thigh lift) surgery. Healing speed, garment use, massage timing, and return to activity vary by individual case and Dr. Ahmed Khazbak’s preference. Always follow Dr. Ahmed Khazbak’s personalised instructions.