Thigh lift wound infection. Does it need surgical debridment or it will close? (Photo)

Question

I’m 26 days post operation, my wound got infected and it spread out in the whole thigh , I’m using wet to dry dressing but I feel it’s not helping at all and it needs surgical help ? What do you think

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so sorry you are going through this.  The short answer question is that your wound will close eventually, and it appears very clean.  There are some plastic surgeons who are therapeutic activists and some that are not.  Since I am a therapeutic activist, if you were my patient, I would bring the wound together at several points either by use of sutures, staples, or other traction mechanisms leaving gaps open to allow any bacteria to escape.  This allows your wound healing cells (fibroblas) to come together and give strength to the closing wound.  This speeds the process.  I believe fibroblas are better tightrope walkers than broad jumpers; i.e. things close faster.  This process can be more painful and it also has a slightly higher risk of re-infection.At this point, it is appropriate to stay in close contact with your personal plastic surgeon.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding the possibility of a thigh lift wound infection, whether your thigh needs surgical debridement, or if your thigh lift wounds will heal on their own.

First, I’m so sorry you're experiencing complications. Even in the hands of experienced plastic surgeons, thigh lifts (thighplasty or thigh reduction) are notoriously challenging. The area is high-friction, high-moisture, and highly mobile—all of which make wound healing more difficult. Unfortunately, wound opening, or dehiscence, is a common complication with thigh lifts.

From what you described, your surgeon seems to be treating your incisions appropriately. Wet-to-dry dressings are a standard and time-tested method for managing open wounds like this. Dressings may be soaked in sterile saline or Dakin’s solution. In this kind of setting, surgical closure—whether with sutures, staples, glue, or tape—is usually not recommended. Instead, the best course of action is to allow the wound to heal by secondary intention, which means it heals from the inside out.

In some cases, a wound VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) can be considered to help draw the wound together and remove excess fluid. Wound VACs need to be changed every 48–72 hours and can significantly speed healing. However, wet-to-dry dressings alone can also be effective.

There are a few additional things you can do to help optimize your healing: avoid all nicotine and alcohol, and consider adding nutritional supplements like vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments—once a day or every other day—can also help accelerate healing.

While these kinds of setbacks are frustrating, rest assured that nearly all wounds from thighplasty dehiscence do heal well over time. Fortunately, scars from wound healing like this often do not require revision surgery. It’s important to stick with your plastic surgeon’s recommendations and give your body the time it needs.

If you continue to experience issues, or you’re unsure about your current care plan, please consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss body contouring. They should have experience with all types of thigh lifts—including vertical, medial, spiral, crescent, and liposuction-assisted techniques. Ask to see at least 150 before-and-after photos, and review their reputation thoroughly.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
(Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thigh lift wound infection. Does it need surgical debridment or it will close? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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Thigh lift wound infection. Does it need surgical debridment or it will close? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.