What is the recovery from thigh liposuction like?

Thank you for your question.Generally speaking, most patients recover from a liposuction procedure fairly quickly and are back to their normal daily routine within 48-72 hours.  With that being said, every patients pain/discomfort tolerance is different and most surgeons provide patients with some pain medication for the first few days.  I make sure that my patients know to expect some discomfort for the first 2-3 days and some bruising that my linger for upwards of 7-10 days.  I do recommend that my patients refrain from any exercising and/or heavy lifting for the first 4 weeks after surgery, and I also recommend that they wear a light weight and seamless compression garment during this time.  Every surgeon has their own post-operative protocols and may employ a slightly different liposuction technique (tumescent, smart, etc...), so I would recommend discussing the 'what to expect' with your operating surgeon in advance of your procedure.I hope you find this helpful and I wish you all of the best!

Thank you for your question. Generally, the first 2-3 days post operative discomfort is expected and is typically managed with pain medications. I usually advise my patients that within 1-2 weeks they can resume daily living activities. I would recommend speaking with your board certified plastic surgeon for further individualized advice.

Thigh liposuction recovery depends on how much work is done, and can range from 1 week to 1 month in my experience. 

Although things will be quite tender after thigh liposuction, you should be able to drive in a day or two if you are not taking narcotics. Motrin is a good substitute to take perhaps prior to driving, and then you can consider narcotics when you get back. You should not need narcotics for more than about five days.

Thank you for your inquiry. After a thigh lift procedure patients are encouraged to walk following their surgery. Compression garments are to be worn at all times and elevating your legs at rest is recommended. Although walking is encouraged, standing or sitting for prolonged periods with the legs in dependant position should be avoided to minimize swelling. Regular exercise and activities can normally be resumed after 4-6 weeks. Within this period you want to avoid excessive standing or heavy lifting. Light exercises are permitted 2 weeks post surgery.  Results of a thigh lift procedure can be seen immediately however it can take 6-12 months for the swelling to completely resolve. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon for this procedure. Best wishes. James Lee

Hello and thank you for your question. Generally speaking liposuction of the thigh is not painful compared to other procedures.  You may be swollen for 1-2 weeks after surgery.   I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Curiousplastygrl.   Most people describe the pain after Liposuction as similar soreness after a hard workout.  Nonetheless, I prescribe pain meds and when necessary, anti inflammatory meds.  Recovery is not bad, and you should be able to return to work in 1-2 days.  Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Thanks for the question and congrats on making a life changing decision. I spend a lot of time explaining to my lower extremity patients that recovery is delayed in these cases. For instance I just did a 5 liter lipo on bilateral thighs and the lady is a month out and still swollen and very tender. That being said we are doing radio frequency sessions and massage to help move things along but I told her it may take up to 6 months to really see results. Key is constant follow up with a secondary plan to help healing- ideally radiofrequency treatments and lymphatic massage. A thigh lift will take a similar amount of time. With gravity effecting the lower extremity more than the upper there is just more brusiing, swelling, pain and delay in healing. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into and make sure your doc has a thorough plan!

Dear Patient, the pain level and overall recovery will depend on how much Liposuction you are having done, how many hours of surgery will this take?  This is an excellent question to ask the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be performing your procedure.  Usually for my patients, if its one area of liposuction it should be a fairly tolerable pain level, and taken care by the prescribed pain medications.  Overall recovery for one area of Liposuction is usually anywhere from seven ten days.  Again, I highly recommend you to ask your surgeon on the details of post-op care.  Hope this helps:)

Thank you for your inquiry. Thigh liposuction has a relatively quick recovery period. Usually the discomfort, more than pain, is obvious during the first few days after the procedure. Once the bruising heals in 2-3 weeks, you may encounter some hardness which can take a few months to disappear. Good Luck!