I am about to undergo a mini short scar (T or L scar) thigh lift, and the doctor suggested I sleep one night at the hospital.

From a wound healing standpoint, you are correct in stating that there really won't be any significant increase in tensile strength (i.e. the force that actually holds your car together) for quite some time following surgery. It would not be safe to delay walking for that long as this would increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT i.e. blood clots) in your legs. Staying in the hospital can decrease your risk of DVT by utilizing sequential compression devices (SCD's). It will also minimize risk of dehiscence by allowing you to ambulate with assistance while you are in the hospital.

Each week that passes after surgery your incisions become stronger. For the first few weeks after surgery your incisions are fragile and need to be treated as such. Your surgeon will be able to advise what is best for you based on your history and planned procedure.

Thank you for your question regarding the healing process after a mini short scar (T or L scar) thigh lift. I'm sorry to hear about your previous experience with sutures opening after your last surgery. It's understandable that you have concerns about this happening again.

In general, the initial phase of wound healing, where the sutures begin to close and the wound edges start to knit together, takes about 7 to 10 days. During this time, it's crucial to minimize any strain on the sutures to prevent them from opening. This is why your doctor suggested you stay one night at the hospital – to ensure you are monitored closely and given the best care during this critical period.

After this initial closure, the wound will continue to strengthen over the next few weeks. While sutures need at least a month to heal significantly and around six weeks to be completely secure, the first 7 to 10 days are vital for the initial closure. During this period, limiting your activities and following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions meticulously is essential to avoid complications.

I highly recommend discussing your concerns and previous experiences with your plastic surgeon. They can provide you with detailed guidance on how to care for your sutures post-surgery and what specific measures you should take to avoid any issues. Ensuring you have a clear plan for your recovery will help you achieve the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications.

Wishing you a smooth and successful recovery.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS Plastic Surgeon