Avoiding Pulling Incisions After Lower Body or Inner Thigh Lift

I'm researching about lower body lift including an inner thigh lift and I'm concerned about how the patient is supposed to avoid pulling on these areas during the recovery. I would think even going to the bathroom would be problematic even if the patient was otherwise lying in bed recovering.

Also, I live on the third floor, and stairs are not recommended, either! How are these situations managed without pulling the incisions? I'm concerned about ripping open the stitches.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Dlite in California

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What you can do after lower body lift or thigh lift

It's true you want to avoid activity that puts tension on your incision lines after surgery. The more tension you place on your incisions, the more likely you are to have a widened scar or wound healing problems. Some tension is unavoidable, but you will need to make some changes in the initial postoperative period. You will have drains in place, and will have dressings or garments that you will need help with. You are correct in recognizing it will be difficult to go to the bathroom... more

Lower body lift

There is going to be a pulling on these incisions, you worry about it. We worry about it. You have to be very careful, and you need help for almost two weeks. Sit on the toilet straight, no bending. Urination in the shower and shower after have to use the bathroom use surgical scrub soap. For inner thigh lift, avoid spreading the legs open.

Pulling on incisions

In performing a lower body lift, the way I do it is that the back is not flexed in any extreme way, but the front is closed with some flexion. Patients may feel pulling in a seated positoin , and may be better off flat or slightly flexed at the waist like in a beach chair position.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Consider staging the surgery.

Hello, I prefer to do lower body lifts in stages (extended tummy tuck first and later buttock lift) and with this design I have not had an incision pull apart in the twelve years I have been doing them. Different docs will have different opinions on this one for sure. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

Recovery after body lift

Good question regarding recovery after a body lift or thigh lift. Your surgeon will discuss timing of surgery and choice of surgery to minimize the impact of the sutures and surgery on postoperative activity. In my practice, I recommend a more conservative approach as a more rapid recovery and resumption of activity usually leads to healthier patients and more salient results.

Postoperative limitations following lower body lift and inner thigh lift

Pulling on incisions are a concern following lower body lifts and inner thigh lifts. To some degree, tension on the wounds are unavoidable and so the goal is to limit this with assistive devices such as abductor wedges, toilet seat risers, walkers, etc. Certainly, loose clothing will also be less likely to irritate or pull on the wounds. A third floor residence is an imposing situation and you may want to consider alternative living arrangements such as an extended care facility or... more