When is it safe to ride a motorcycle again after a thigh lift?

Question

I had a thigh lift on September 25, 2018 and am wondering if it's possible to still do damage to the scars. My surgeon gave the all clear at 6 wks post op, but when I sit on the bike and lean I feel discomfort on the upper L thigh, where the most skin was removed. I am wearing paper tape and Spanx for a full yr before switching to scar tape, which would indicates the scars can still be affected? Should I be concerned about the discomfort or is it more likely just sensitive/damaged nerves?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding whether it's possible to ride a motorcycle again after a thigh lift. From your history, it sounds like you're about four and a half months post-op. Even though your surgeon gave you the all-clear at six weeks, it's not unusual to still feel sensitivity or discomfort, especially in areas where the most skin was removed. This is often due to healing nerves or lingering inflammation in the surgical area.

The fact that you're still using paper tape and compression garments like Spanx shows you're taking your healing seriously. These tools help minimize tension on the scar and improve the final result, but yes, they also indicate your body is still healing. While riding a motorcycle may be technically safe at this point, the discomfort you're feeling could be your body’s way of saying it’s not fully ready for that kind of stress. Stretching or pressure in the groin or inner thigh area can still affect the scar’s appearance, especially if it's repeated frequently.

So, while it's not necessarily dangerous to ride, listen to your body. If the discomfort persists or worsens, it may be a sign to take more time off the bike or modify your riding posture. Always follow up with your surgeon if you're unsure or if symptoms change. I hope I’ve answered your question about when it’s safe to ride a motorcycle after a thigh lift.

If you have more questions about medial thigh lifts, spiral thigh lifts, vertical thighplasty, or any form of thigh reduction, please consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who performs these procedures regularly. Make sure they have done at least 150 thigh lifts and have before and after pictures to show their work. Look at patient reviews on RealSelf and don't hesitate to travel for the right expertise.

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 Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. I will suggest discussing any post op instructions directly with your surgeon. Every surgeon has their own post op protocol.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos.  Your thigh lift scars look excellent!   This is a testament to good care, your diligence in scar management as well as the biology of your skin.  After 6 weeks, the scars have reached their maximal strength and activities like bike and motorcycle riding will not hurt them.  You may still feel discomfort with pressure but that is normal.  Tape and scar treatments work beyond 6 weeks because the scar is continuing to remodel for up to 12-18 months.  The pressure effect of the tape as well as its tension offloading properties are definitely helping and I would encourage you to continue with your regimen.  Best of luck!

Michael S. Lofgren, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.You are certainly far enough out from your surgery to not worry about causing any damage to your scars or thigh lift when doing activities such as motorcycling.  While the scars will continue to mature over the next several months, the strength of the scar has reached its maximum. 
 While you may still experience some discomfort with certain activities you will not cause any injury to the tissue.  In addition to your compressive garments and tape, I would suggest you massage the scars as well.  Otherwise everything looks great.  If you continue to have concerns or issues make sure you follow-up with your surgeon.  Best wishes.

When is it safe to ride a motorcycle again after a thigh lift?

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