Thigh Lift Questions
My thigh lift is scheduled for July 29 with Dr. Farzad Nahai of Paces Plastic Surgery.
I've had surgeries before..a tummy tuck, a breast lift and an arm lift..
I've heard that the healing with a thigh lift is brutal.
Anyone have any experiences and advice on this?
I have a very large amount of loose skin on my thighs..my highest weight was 280 pounds..I carried most of my weight in my thighs so they are BAD!
They will be doing a bi-lateral thigh lift..he said I will have scars on the inside of my leg from the knee to the groin..as well as scars in the crease of the groin..
He said I would need to wear a compression garment ( he suggested capri length Spanx) and that I would have swelling for up to a month and some pain for about 2 weeks..
I forgot to ask if I had to have drains at home?
I'm hoping you all can share your experiences!
Patty
I've had surgeries before..a tummy tuck, a breast lift and an arm lift..
I've heard that the healing with a thigh lift is brutal.
Anyone have any experiences and advice on this?
I have a very large amount of loose skin on my thighs..my highest weight was 280 pounds..I carried most of my weight in my thighs so they are BAD!
They will be doing a bi-lateral thigh lift..he said I will have scars on the inside of my leg from the knee to the groin..as well as scars in the crease of the groin..
He said I would need to wear a compression garment ( he suggested capri length Spanx) and that I would have swelling for up to a month and some pain for about 2 weeks..
I forgot to ask if I had to have drains at home?
I'm hoping you all can share your experiences!
Patty
The thigh lift is painful but not BRUTAL by any means. None of my surgeries were. I had more discomfort and a burning sensation on my incision line once in a while more than anything. The pain pills helped ease the pain for sure. If he doesn't provide the garment then you can order some from www.marenagroup.com. I had ace bandages on my legs for the first couple of weeks, maybe less. I think the ace bandages allowed me to control the compression because the swelling was a lot the first few days. This is what I wore when I switched to the garment and it worked great for me.
http://marenagroup.com/garmentstore/product/tabid/199/p-86-1st-stage-girdle-with-medium-legs.aspx
Here's another one that I've used to:
www.contourmd.com/26_Mid_Calf_Girdle_6in_Waist_by_Contour_p/ 26-mc6p.htm
Go through some of my latest posts and you will find lots of info about my thigh lift and advise I got from others too.
Good luck!
Melissa
http://marenagroup.com/garmentstore/product/tabid/199/p-86-1st-stage-girdle-with-medium-legs.aspx
Here's another one that I've used to:
www.contourmd.com/26_Mid_Calf_Girdle_6in_Waist_by_Contour_p/ 26-mc6p.htm
Go through some of my latest posts and you will find lots of info about my thigh lift and advise I got from others too.
Good luck!
Melissa
Duodenal Switch - July 2006
Baylor Residency Program - Houston, TX - June 2009/March 2010
Baylor Residency Program - Houston, TX - June 2009/March 2010
The thigh lift is a big surgery becaue the incisions are so long, but it is very manageable if you use good compression, take your pain meds and rest. I suggest a compression garment that zippers on the sides. They are much easier to get in and out of. You don't want to be wrestling with a pull up type of garment.
I did not have drains with my thigh lift but some surgeons use them. You'll have to ask your surgeon. The biggest thing you want to remember is to move slowly and try not to make big stretches with your legs. If you have a high bed you might need a step stool. I found I was more comfortable in my recliner. I also used a toilet seat riser but many do fine without them. I picked one up at Walmart. I also suggest a shower stool for those first few showers. The swelling really varies too. I did not have much swelling at all but I was faithful about wearing my compression garments.
Best of luck to you!
Edited to add: The compressin garment should have an open crotch as well. Makes going to the restroom much easier. You can actually pee standing up using a dixie cup with the bottom cut out or you can order a Freshette.
I did not have drains with my thigh lift but some surgeons use them. You'll have to ask your surgeon. The biggest thing you want to remember is to move slowly and try not to make big stretches with your legs. If you have a high bed you might need a step stool. I found I was more comfortable in my recliner. I also used a toilet seat riser but many do fine without them. I picked one up at Walmart. I also suggest a shower stool for those first few showers. The swelling really varies too. I did not have much swelling at all but I was faithful about wearing my compression garments.
Best of luck to you!
Edited to add: The compressin garment should have an open crotch as well. Makes going to the restroom much easier. You can actually pee standing up using a dixie cup with the bottom cut out or you can order a Freshette.
Renee
I
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on 5/13/10 7:56 am - West Central FL☼RIDA , FL
on 5/13/10 7:56 am - West Central FL☼RIDA , FL
Hi!
I too carried most of my weight in my legs (and butt).
I just had my Inner Thighplasty (Mar 25th)....long incision from groin to knee.
It was not as painful as I expected. My legs look a million times better.
The swelling is the only issue/problem I'm having. In my opinion a Spanx garment is not going to do anything for you. You need a surgical compression garment. I've been using one and because my swelling was so bad between weeks 2-6 I also wore medical compression hose under the garment. I think my swelling was much worse for me because I had no drains (all the fluid stayed in). I'm now at week 7 and still have some swelling but I think I'm starting to turn the corner. I also just started lymphatic drainage massages which I believe will help.
Other than the swelling it was really was not too bad. I think my Butt lift was much more painful. Just prepare yourself for the possibility of swelling and you should be fine.
Hope that helps....let me know if you have questions.
Best wishes!!!
TTFN
Ruth
I too carried most of my weight in my legs (and butt).
I just had my Inner Thighplasty (Mar 25th)....long incision from groin to knee.
It was not as painful as I expected. My legs look a million times better.
The swelling is the only issue/problem I'm having. In my opinion a Spanx garment is not going to do anything for you. You need a surgical compression garment. I've been using one and because my swelling was so bad between weeks 2-6 I also wore medical compression hose under the garment. I think my swelling was much worse for me because I had no drains (all the fluid stayed in). I'm now at week 7 and still have some swelling but I think I'm starting to turn the corner. I also just started lymphatic drainage massages which I believe will help.
Other than the swelling it was really was not too bad. I think my Butt lift was much more painful. Just prepare yourself for the possibility of swelling and you should be fine.
Hope that helps....let me know if you have questions.
Best wishes!!!
TTFN
Ruth
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