Question:
Will My Leg Pain From Plastic Surgery Ever Go Away?

Hello, I had a lower body lift and my inner thighs done. I have a scar all the way down to my knee. It's been two and a half weeks and I'm still in alot of pain in my legs. I have 3 drains left and most of my staples. I see him tomorrow so I'm all that will be gone. Anyone else have this done?? Thanks, Kelly*    — Kelly* P. (posted on March 13, 2005)

March 13, 2005
Kelly, it sounds like we had the same operation. I had my inner thigh lift with the incision that goes along the inside of my leg from groin to knee. I had a good seven drains. This was by far the worse surgery I ever had pain wise. It was also the one with the most complications. Just trust that each day it gets better. My advice to you is to take your pain pills on time. Don't wait until you feel the pain before you take them. Another thing is sleep. The pain meds should make you sleepy as its probably a narcotic. I took percocet and because it made me itch, I took benadryl on top of it and received a double whammy. Rest is a good thing and sleep helps you to escape the pain! Just make sure you have someone there to help you anytime you get out of the bed. Best of luck!
   — Lisa N M.

March 13, 2005
I am having the inner thigh lift next month. My doctor said it is the most painful procedure he does and that the recovery is hard. He did say that many people can return to work in 2-3 weeks tho, so I am hoping for fast healing.
   — **willow**

March 14, 2005
I had a pannilectumy (spelled wrong probably) with a mini upper thigh lift on Thursday morning. Although I am not in much pain I do have one drain left. I was supposed to have 2 drains, but one of the nurses at the hospital accidentally snatched it so my surgoen had to pull it out. Now I have one. He said that its going to take longer to drain completely now and I have to be extra careful. Well, I went home Saturday afternoon to a husband and 4 small boys. I wish I could stay in the hospital until the drain is out because it sooooo hard to protect it with it just hanging there. I have it somewhat clipped to my "binder" that I am also wearing around my stomach, but it has already been yanked once by my 2 yr old. We noticed last night that in the tube of my drain was some clots also. In a scare I had my husband call my surgeon ASAP. He said it was because the "bulb" part was clogged and the blood that was sitting in the tube was starting to collagulate. He said that blood doesnt stay liquid if its just sitting. ANyway pretty much it was nothing to worry about and to just "milk" it through until it clears. Well that took us AWHILE then it was all alright. This morning yet again. Has ANY of this happened to anyone out there or does anyone have any ideas? Please advise. Thanks for all the input.
   — mdolphin