I just had a medial thigh lift 5 weeks ago. Is it normal for my thighs to bulge out like this after thigh lift? (photo)

Question

When I sit down my thighs look even bigger now and bulge out where the incision stops. Im just wondering if this is normal or gonna go away at any point? It doesn’t look normal.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding swelling five weeks after a thigh lift. Swelling after a thigh lift is normal. Swelling even five weeks after a thigh lift is still normal. Increased activity and lack of compression can also contribute to swelling after a thigh lift. I would consult with your plastic surgeon. If you were my patient, I would suggest continued compression from your ankles to above your hips for at least another two or three weeks. This will help to minimize thigh swelling and also help flatten the scar. Also, you may need a diuretic or fluid pill. Most thigh swelling disappears after a thigh lift. It is extremely rare that patients are left with permanent swelling after a thigh lit. Thank you for your question regarding swelling after a thigh lift. When considering a thigh lift, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of thigh lifts throughout their career. If you cannot find a local plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, you may want to consider traveling out of state. Good luck! If you have any questions regarding swelling after a thigh lift, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos, give it at least 8 weeks to settle, you are still swollen, you might want to wrapped them just to give the a little compression, continue to consult with your PS.

Daniel Thomas, MD · Answer

At five weeks after surgery, swelling would still be expected, especially in the lower (gravity dependent) area. The extent of this swelling could also have been increased if a garment you were wearing after surgery stopped just above this point. Another factor to consider is that the leg contour while sitting down is not the best way to determine shape because this position can magnify or distort a very good result. It appears you are healing fine right now, but stay in touch with your plastic surgeon to ensure all continues to go well. Best regards.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is still early postop and yes you can have swelling as seen in the photos at this stage. This will settle with time.

Brian Kubiak, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At this point in your recovery I would expect you to still have swelling at the surgical site.  This is likely contributing to the bulging that you are having.  It can take up to 6 months for the swelling to resolve after a thigh lift.  Therefore, this bulging will likely improve with time.  There are several ways to improve the swelling including compression and massage.  Make sure to follow-up closely with your operating surgeon.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

I would give it around 3 months with some really good compression garments (see link). After that time you may consider liposuction in the area of concern.  Pre operative pictures would also be helpful.

I just had a medial thigh lift 5 weeks ago. Is it normal for my thighs to bulge out like this after thigh lift? (photo)

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