Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) Pre & Post-Op Instructions
Pre-Operative Instructions
- • Please advise the doctor if you are taking any blood thinning medication (e.g. Warfarin, Disprin, Aspirin, etc.)
- • This will need to be discontinued prior to surgery as per doctor's instructions.
- • Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of bleeding complications in all forms of surgery – please ensure your blood pressure is well controlled prior to your surgical date.
- DO NOT take any of the following medications prior to surgery:
- – Anti-inflammatories (e.g. Brufen, Ibuprofen, Myprodol, Voltaren, etc.).
- – Homeopathic medications (e.g. Arnica, Rescue Remedy, St John's Wort).
- – Vitamin E (oral or topical).
- • Prepare your skin for 3 weeks before surgery with Dermalac Lotion and Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil from Environ.
- • Take a bath or shower with antibacterial soap (or Bioscrub) on the morning of your admission.
- • Do not apply any body lotion.
- • Regardless of whether you are having a general anesthetic or conscious sedation – you should not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to surgery.
- • If you are a smoker – NO SMOKING for 3 months prior to surgery.
- • Bring comfortable cotton underwear.
Post-Operative Instructions
- • You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery and help you for 1 to 2 days.
- • You will need plenty of rest.
- • Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fruit and fiber to your diet.
- • Be sure to increase your fluid intake.
- • Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
- • Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
- • If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
- • Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increase the risk of complications.
Activities
- • Start walking as soon as possible – this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- • Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications.
- • Discuss your time off from work with your surgeon; this varies according to the surgery.
- • Resume sexual activity as comfort permits, usually 4 to 6 weeks post-operatively.
- • Avoid strenuous exercise and activities for 6 weeks.
Incision Care
- • You may shower only after your post-operative appointment (usually 4 days postoperatively).
- • Avoid exposing your scars to the sun for at least 12 months.
- • Always use sunblock – regardless of the weather – if you plan to go outdoors or not.
- • Apply Micropore to the incision lines for 3 months – change every 7 to 10 days.
- • Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection or oozing.
- • Support garments should be worn as directed by your surgeon.
- • No soaking in the bath while sutures or drains are in place.
What To Expect
- • Discomfort will be maximal in the first 3 days, improving each day thereafter.
- • You may experience temporary pain, soreness, numbness, and swelling.
- • You may tire easily for several weeks.
- • Bruising and swelling will gradually subside over several weeks.
Follow Up Care
- • Drains will be removed when drainage is minimal.
- • Sutures will be removed as directed by your surgeon.
- • Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring your recovery.
When To Call
- • If you have increased swelling or bruising.
- • If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
- • If you have increased redness along the incision.
- • If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- • If you have any side effects to medications, such as rash, nausea, headache, and vomiting.
- • If you have an oral temperature over 37°C.
- • If you have any drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
- • If you have bleeding from the incisions that does not stop with light pressure.
Emergency Contact
078 867 61372
