A thigh lift is a relatively safe lower body contouring cosmetic surgery procedure, and most complications that occur can be easily addressed. But similar to any surgical procedure, the thigh lift also has certain associated risks.
The surgeon should discuss the possibility of complications as well as any negative facets of this surgery with the patient ahead of their thigh lift to enable them to make an enlightened decision. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Potential Risks
Thigh lift surgery risks may include:
Scarring
Thigh lifts will cause scars. But thigh lift scars are typically located in a relatively discreet location. Thigh lift scars can easily be hidden by underwear or bathing suits in many cases.
Dehiscence
Sometimes the incisions from thigh lift plastic surgery may reopen in the initial few weeks after the procedure. This may be alarming, but it is a relatively commonly occurring complication. The cosmetic surgeon should be able to clean and seal the incisions in their office.
Seroma
There may be an accumulation of blood and fluid in the incision areas, worsening swelling, and increasing the risk of infection development. The placement of drains in the incisions should prevent this occurrence. But if seroma develops, the surgeon can undertake a simple procedure to drain the fluid out of the tissue.
Hematoma
Tiny blood clots can develop after surgery, causing hard spots near the incisions. These usually dissolve by themselves. However, the cosmetic surgeon can evaluate them to assess if they need treatment.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
In rare cases, the patient may develop a substantial blood clot in the leg. This clot may move to the brain, heart, or lungs, causing potentially fatal harm.
Infection
Any procedure necessitating incisions carries some inherent risk of infection. In case the surgical supplies are not entirely sterile or the patient does not properly sanitize the incisions when changing their bandages, emptying their drains, or bathing, their tissue may become infected. Most plastic surgeons prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to mitigate this risk.
Bleeding
Some amount of bleeding is normal after thigh lift surgery. However, excessive, prolonged bleeding could pose a risk to the patient’s general health. Anticoagulant medications can increase the risk of excessive bleeding, as can ibuprofen and aspirin.
Necrosis
When modifying the thigh tissue, the surgeon may cut off the blood and nutrient supply to the fat cells, killing them. These dead cells can develop skin aberrations and may lead to discomfort.
Continued Sagging
The removal of excess fat, skin, and tissue usually resolves the sagginess in the thighs, but it may not always be the case. In this case, the patient will have less thigh tissue. However, it will still be sagging. To resolve this issue, the patient may require revision surgery or alternative treatments.
Asymmetry
The cosmetic surgeon will ensure that the thighs are even, proportional, and symmetrical. But unforeseen medical issues or poor planning may cause the thighs to appear asymmetrical after the procedure. While a slight amount of asymmetry is expected, drastically asymmetrical thighs may necessitate revision thighplasty.
Sensation Loss
It is common to experience mild temporary sensation loss in the thighs after a thigh lift. However, prolonged loss of sensitivity is uncommon. While some patients who experience this complication slowly regain sensation, others never do.
Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.