Having thigh lift in December, question about recovery: I always been told walk after surgery.

Question

I'm going to be staying over night a hospital because Dr feels because I've had bariatric surgery I'm more prone to infection or wound separatean because he said malnutrition which I don't think I'm malnurced and neither does my bariatric surgeon. went to preop last week my direction for recovery is first 2 wks to baby legs keep legs together always closed not to be moving around a lot not to do a lot of walking is this right? I always been told walk after surgery so you don't get blood clots

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Gene0022,
Thank you for your question regarding post-operative activity after a thigh lift. Every plastic surgeon performs procedures slightly differently. In addition, every plastic surgeon has their own postoperative treatment regime. It is very important that you follow your plastic surgeon’s specific instructions. For the past 20 years, I have been performing thigh lifts for in massive weight loss patients. In my experience, it is better to be on strict bed rest with very limited activity for the first one to two weeks after thigh lift surgery. You must realize that the incision is very long and can break open easily. Any movement can potentially open the thigh lift incision. After massive weight loss, most patients require an incision from the groin to the knee. To minimize blood clots, I place my patients on a blood thinner for at least one to two weeks after a thigh lift. This minimizes the chances of developing a blood clot. Yes, you have been told in the past to move around the minimize blood clots and this is true. However, if you move around too much after a thigh lift, your thigh lift incision will open. After a thigh lift, it is better to remain on bed rest and let the thigh lift incision heal. Talk to your plastic surgeon and ask about being on blood thinners for at least one to two weeks after surgery. Thank you for your question regarding the post-operative care, treatment, and activity level after a vertical medial thigh lift. When considering a thigh lift, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. Travel if you need to, to find such an experienced plastic surgeon. Good luck! If you have any more questions regarding the thigh lift or post-operative activity after a thigh lift please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question gene0022. It is important for you to ambulated early and often in the postoperative period to avoid blood clots. I wrap each thigh individually with an Ace bandage to decrease swelling and to avoid shearing of the incisions. I recommend you clarify your postop instructions with your surgeon so you are both on the same page. Best of luck.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, gene0022.
Ideally, you should be able to walk around your room within 24 hours after your thigh lift surgery to avoid blood clots and enhance blood circulation. 
However, you should avoid doing strenuous activities and always make sure that you keep rested for the first two weeks.
I suggest you clarify the instructions with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon, since two weeks is a long time to avoid walking.
Good luck on your upcoming thigh lift!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Thigh lifts require liposuction and skin removal. The postoperative care should involve complete wrapping of the legs individually to keep them separated so that they can't shear against each other. otherwise you should walk early to avoid leg clotts. While resting try to keep them separated especially at the groin level to avoid too much moisture which can lead to maceration. Finally, did you know that you can now get a thigh tuck without cutting?

Having thigh lift in December, question about recovery: I always been told walk after surgery.

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Having thigh lift in December, question about recovery: I always been told walk after surgery.

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