Hello, and thank you for your question regarding numbness in your thighs after a body lift. I appreciate you sharing your history and concerns. Yes, numbness in the thighs after a body lift is completely normal and is a common post-surgical occurrence. During a lower body lift, the skin and soft tissues are elevated, repositioned, and sutured into a tighter, more lifted position. In this process, small sensory nerves are stretched, disrupted, or temporarily stunned, leading to numbness in the affected areas. The outer thighs are particularly prone to numbness because the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to this area, can be stretched or affected during surgery. Most plastic surgeons will reassure patients that this numbness is expected and usually improves over time. In terms of how long it takes for sensation to return, this varies by patient. Some people regain full sensation within a few months, while for others, it may take up to a year or longer. In rare cases, some areas may remain permanently numb, but this does not typically affect function or mobility. To help encourage nerve recovery, you can try: Gentle massage of the area to stimulate blood flow Vitamin B12 supplements, which can aid in nerve repair Nerve regeneration treatments, such as red light therapy or electrical nerve stimulation, under the guidance of your surgeon Patience, as nerves heal at a very slow rate (about 1mm per day) Overall, your numbness should gradually improve, but it may take several months to a year. If you notice worsening numbness, tingling, or pain, or if the numbness is accompanied by severe swelling or weakness, I recommend following up with your surgeon to rule out other potential concerns. I hope this helps answer your question. Best of luck with your recovery! Sincerely, Dr. Katzen