Thigh lift Risks and complications

Infection

The risk of infection is an important consideration with thigh lift surgery because of the positioning of the scars. Antibiotics are prescribed after the surgery and will need to be taken for the first week typically.

Antibiotics however do not eliminate the risk of infection and if you feel there may be a starting infection around the thigh it is important to notify your surgeon promptly so that the treatment protocol can be adjusted accordingly.

Pain

Pain after the thigh lift surgical intervention tends to be moderate and on discharge, moderate and strong oral pain medications are provided. Long term of chronic pain is a possibility after any surgery, in relation to poor response of the nerves that are affected by the surgery. This may require the intervention of a pain specialist.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are a consideration with all general anaesthetic intervention that take longer and mobilising together with compression anti-embolism stockings is very important. In addition, medication that thins the blood will also be prescribed.

Fluid accumulation

Seroma formation is the risk of clear fluid accumulating under the wounds and this can happen with all dissections that are more extensive, including the thigh lift surgery. The combination of liposuction and skin reduction in the current protocols for thigh lift surgery has decreased significantly this occurrence.

Scars

The scars after thigh lift surgery can become lumpy or even keloid although this is uncommon. It is important to use tapes to the scars on the inner aspect of the thighs in the early stages after surgery to improve their texture. If the scars show a tendency to become thick and lumpy, you need to bring this to the attention of the surgeon so that treatment can be instituted.

Asymmetry

Asymmetry is inevitable when treating the two sides of the body. Since there are starting differences between the right and left thighs, surgery can sometimes improve on them but will never be able to eliminate asymmetry.

Wound breakdown

Wound breakdown is a possibility with thigh lift surgery and may require more prolonged dressings. This is primarily in keeping with infection or in smokers and it is one of the reason why smoking should be avoided at all costs after the surgery and for a couple of weeks before.

Scar hypertrophy or keloid

Scars in the inner aspect of the thigh are frequently thin and supple but can sometimes become red, thick and raised – hypertrophic or keloid. This would require treatment to reduce the size of the scars and associated symptoms.