Tightness after sitting! 4 weeks post thigh lift.

Question

Hi! I am 4 weeks post thigh lift via groin & buttocks. Some Liposuction was also done on my legs. Still have some discomfort in my legs but my biggest problem is tightness & some numbness that happens after I sit for a little while. My legs feel super tight!!! Inner thigh area and behind legs (under buttocks) It goes away after I walk or move around.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Hello, your description of experiencing tightness/swelling/numbness 4 wks post thigh lift/lipo is very normal and to be expected at this time. Every week that you heal, you will feel "more normal." The skin tight feeling and sensation changes will improve with time. It is always encouraged to be assessed by your surgeon with any new concerns during your post operative period.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about the tightness you're feeling four weeks after a groin and buttock (crescent) thigh lift with liposuction.

What you're experiencing — tightness, numbness, and stiffness after sitting — is actually very common during the early stages of recovery. At four weeks post-op, your body is still healing from extensive internal work, including tissue excision, liposuction, and deep suturing to the pelvic periosteum. The sensation of tightness, particularly in the inner thigh and under the buttocks, is often due to a combination of swelling, scar tissue formation, nerve irritation, and the natural contracture of healing tissues.

When sitting for a prolonged time, the incision areas and surrounding tissues can become compressed, leading to temporary tightness or stiffness. Once you stand or begin walking, blood flow increases, and the tissue warms up and stretches slightly — which is why movement helps alleviate the sensation.

Numbness is also a normal and expected part of healing. During thigh lifts, some small sensory nerves are inevitably cut or stretched, especially around the groin and upper thigh. Sensation typically returns slowly over several months, although in some cases, a small area may remain permanently numb.

To help ease the tightness:

Stay gently active throughout the day with light walking to keep circulation moving.

Avoid sitting for long periods — get up and move every 30–60 minutes.

Stretching and lymphatic massage (only if cleared by your surgeon) can help improve mobility and reduce swelling.

Continue wearing your compression garment as instructed, since it supports healing tissue and minimizes swelling.

What you’re feeling is a normal part of the healing timeline, and most patients notice significant improvement in tightness by the 8–12 week mark, with further gains over the next 3–6 months.

If the tightness becomes painful, worsens, or is accompanied by new swelling or redness, it’s important to follow up with your plastic surgeon to rule out complications such as fluid collections or nerve entrapment. But based on your description, it sounds like you are healing well and just need more time and patience as your body continues to recover.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Experiencing tightness after a thigh lift surgery is a common and expected sensation. Thigh lift surgery, also known as thighplasty, involves removing excess skin and fat from the thighs to achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance. This procedure typically results in some degree of tightness, discomfort, and swelling during the initial recovery period.Here are some tips to help manage tightness and discomfort 4 weeks post-thigh lift surgery:1.) Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions: Always adhere to your surgeon's post-operative care instructions. They will provide specific guidance on how to care for your incisions, when to resume physical activity, and any medications or compression garments you should use.2.) Pain Medication: Take any prescribed pain medication as directed by your surgeon to manage discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended, but check with your surgeon first.3.) Rest and Elevation: Give your body time to heal by resting and elevating your legs when possible. This helps reduce swelling and promotes circulation.4.) Compression Garments: Continue wearing compression garments as recommended by your surgeon. These garments help reduce swelling, support the surgical area, and may alleviate some tightness.5.) Gentle Movement: Gradually introduce gentle movement and light walking into your routine to prevent blood clots and promote circulation. Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon.6.) Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support the healing process.7.) Massage: Gentle lymphatic massage may help reduce swelling and improve circulation. Consult your surgeon before starting any massage therapy.8.) Scar Care: Follow your surgeon's instructions for scar care. This may include using scar creams or silicone sheets to minimize scarring.9.) Patience: Understand that post-operative tightness and discomfort are part of the healing process. Over time, these sensations should gradually diminish. It can take several months for the full results of a thigh lift to become apparent.If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as severe pain, excessive swelling, fever, or signs of infection, contact your surgeon immediately. They can provide guidance and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. Remember that everyone's healing process is different, so be patient and focus on taking good care of yourself during your recovery.

Tightness after sitting! 4 weeks post thigh lift.

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