Thigh Lift Surgery – An Excellent Tool After Extreme Weight Loss
{flickr|100|campaign}
Losing a large amount of weight can be a time of triumph in your life. You are healthy and have a renewed sense of energy and confidence, but need help with the excess skin that result with large amounts of fat loss. If you are experiencing sagging or extra skin in the thigh region, thigh lift surgery may be the best option for you.
Prior to losing fat, your skin was stretched to accommodate the fat cells. Now that the majority of the unwanted fat is gone, your skin is likely very loose and may have folds that make you uncomfortable and clothing unflattering. This extra skin can even cause rashes and itching.
Thigh lift surgery is an attractive option for many patients, because it solves the problem with minimal scarring and is relatively permanent, provided you do not gain the weight back. Your surgeon will make every possible effort to minimize the size of the incision they need to make in order to complete the treatment.
Most practices provide general anesthetic and the procedure is finished within an hour or two. You will be able to go home the same day, although it is recommended you have a friend or family member to drive you home and be present during your first night of recovery should you need any assistance or have an emergency.
Recovery And Risks
Downtime is usually minimal and you should be able to return to work within a week or two, although it is advisable to wait longer if you have a job that requires a high level of physical activity. You will need to wear a special compression bandage over the area for up to two months; this helps to shape the area and encourage healing.
As with any surgery requiring incision, there is always a risk of infection at the site of the stitches. It is also possible that you will experience swelling and bruising during the first few days of healing. You will likely experience pain and discomfort in the legs, but this should also go away within a few days.
Your doctor will likely provide you with a prescription for pain relief. If you experience excessive swelling and fluid retention or blood clots, your surgeon can correct the problem by draining the fluid or removing the clots.
The procedure is generally very safe and has a high success rate in patients who meet the health pre-requisites. You should carefully consider your options and the risks if you have an existing serious health problem, such as heart disease, blood clotting issues, diabetes, or are a smoker. These traits can all present risks that your surgeon should be aware of before the procedure.
