12 days post thighplasty, my swelling has increased after having my legs up, is this an issue?

Question

Yesterday I sat at the table preparing dinner kinda tilted back with my legs up. since then I feel like my thigh Is a bit more swollen near incision particularly on the right side and feels a little more tender then left. I still have my drains & stitches. I had my 10 day follow up appt all looked good. I was putting to much fluid out to remove drains and to swollen to take stitches out. I go back Thursday morning. Sitting could I have done something or just irritated it???

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point as long as you have your drains in I’m not worried about the swelling unless you have associated redness, increased tenderness and fevers.  If your drains are producing clear fluid, you should be fine.  Apply more compression if you can and try to keep you extremities elevated as much as possible. Good luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding swelling 12 days after a thighplasty. Based on what you described, it’s not uncommon to experience temporary increased swelling, especially if you've been sitting for a prolonged period with your legs elevated in an unusual position. At just under two weeks post-op, your tissues are still very sensitive and reactive, and minor changes in posture or activity can cause fluid to shift or collect differently—particularly on one side.

Since your drains are still in place and you’ve been putting out too much fluid to have them removed, it’s a good sign your body is still actively managing post-surgical swelling. The tenderness and one-sided swelling you noticed are likely related to positional pressure or mild irritation, rather than a major complication. However, since you’re still draining and healing, be sure to avoid putting prolonged pressure on one area, and continue following your surgeon’s activity guidelines closely. When you return for your next visit, your plastic surgeon will be able to assess whether this change is within the normal healing range or if anything further needs to be done.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question about increased swelling after sitting with your legs up following a thigh lift. If you have additional questions regarding recovery after a medial thighplasty or other post-weight loss body contouring procedures, please consult an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Make sure your chosen surgeon has performed at least 150 thigh lifts, has strong patient reviews, and offers detailed before-and-after pictures so you can feel confident in your care.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
(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.)

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It sounds like your drains are doing their jobs. It seems like you probably have normal swelling at the incision site. If the skin becomes red or the drainage starts to look cloudy, you should contact your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your thigh lift, nicolboiseau!
It’s only been 12 days since your thigh lift - barely two weeks - so swelling is normal and expected. Plus, you still have your drains, which are removing excess fluid from your thighs.
I don’t think there’s anything to worry about right now. Continue following the instructions of your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeons, and call him when you experience any unusual tenderness on the incision site.
Best of luck!

12 days post thighplasty, my swelling has increased after having my legs up, is this an issue?

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