Swelling and bruising are normal side effects of the thigh lift procedure; however, they can happen in various degrees. Swelling usually peaks in the first 48 hours and then will decreases gradually, 50 percent of the swelling will be gone by the end of the first few weeks, while the majority of the swelling will need 6 to 8 weeks to disappear. Therefore, swelling is almost not perceptible within 6 months of thigh lift surgery. Bruising will also be severe the day after surgery but will be better with time. However, it may take about two weeks to vanish.
Patients are able to shower the day after thigh lift surgery, however, they are not allowed to take a bath, use a hot tub, or even go swimming for at least two weeks from the procedure. You should expect to spend the first two days post-surgery lying in bed or sitting in a chair, you can also go for a light walk around the house or inside it from room to room.
Climbing stairs is considered a difficult activity in the first few days after surgery, but it will be more comfortable within the next few days. By the end of the first week, you will probably be ready to leave your house and take short trips. Mild stretching exercises can be resumed after two weeks from thigh lift surgery, while intense activities such as jogging, aerobics, sit-ups, and sex should not be resumed before 6 weeks from surgery.
How to reduce swelling after a thigh lift?
In order to reduce swelling and get the best recovery experience after a thigh lift surgery, you need to follow these tips:
- Reduce your movement as much as possible during the first few days or as your surgeon orders. You must walk or perform light exercises in order to reduce blood clot risk after thigh lift surgery.
- Take medications and apply ointments as directed by your doctor.
- Wear a compression garment as much as possible. Most people wear the compression garment for three to four weeks after thigh lift surgery.
- Try to follow a low-sodium diet since it helps to reduce the swelling; you should also include plenty of fiber-rich foods, which will help your body to avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Be careful when you resume your normal activities, if the swelling around your incisions starts to increase, you need to limit your activity level and visit your doctor
- You must avoid high-impact or strenuous activities such as running or heavy lifting for about least six weeks after surgery.
- Keep your scars away from the sun for the first three months; the sun could cause skin irritation and possible discoloration.
Your surgeon will also provide you with other specific after-care instructions special for your case. This includes aftercare instructions of your new incisions and drains, in addition to taking medications and applying for ointments orders. Whatever your surgeon’s instructions are, you must follow them in order to ensure the best recovery experience and the smallest possible swelling.
How long does swelling go down after thigh lift?
Although recovery time after a thigh lift surgery is different from one patient to patient, we can tell you that swelling and bruising will usually peak in the first 48 hours, and then will decrease gradually. About 50 percent of the swelling will be gone by the end of the first few weeks, while the majority of the swelling may need 6 to 8 weeks to disappear.
In general. patients will be able to walk around the house more comfortably after the first week or so, they may need about 3 to 4 weeks to return to work, the majority of your swelling and bruising should have revolved around this time.
Applying ice packs to your thighs will help to reduce the swelling and numb the pain too since reducing the swelling reduces the pain after your surgery. Apply the ice packs on your thighs for 20 minutes every time, then rest your thigh for the next 10 minutes. In other words, you need to apply the ice packs on your thighs for 20 minutes every half hour. Use a small amount of water with the ice at all times since your skin is sensitive to touching and severe temperatures. However, you do not need to apply the ice packs while you are sleeping at night.
Recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure, most patients experience minimal pain after taking painkillers medications. Rest as much as possible and avoid leg movement, most of the bruising and swelling will be gone within a month and you can then return to your normal activities.
References:
https://ssa.care/blog/five-tips-to-minimize-swelling-after-lower-body-lift-surgery
