THE PROCESS OF PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
During your initial consultation, Dr Farhadieh will review your past medical and surgical history. These include your regular medications, smoking history and allergic reactions. Any previous weight-reduction surgery, including bariatric surgery, and your weight stability over the last 12 months will also be noted. Special attention will be paid to your nutritional state, as wound healing problems are common and often occur secondary to metabolic state induced by weight-reduction surgery. Incidence of sugar intolerance and diabetes is also high in this patient group and may further undermine wound healing. Any history of high blood pressure, thyroid problems or bleeding abnormalities will be recorded. Preoperative pictures are taken as part of your confidential medical records.
Dr Farhadieh will ask you to point out exactly which areas concern you and what you feel might be the ideal outcome. He will discuss the surgical options for you at length, explaining the benefits as well as the risks. Prior to surgery any blood-thinning medications should be ceased where possible. If you are a smoker, you should stop 3–6 weeks prior to surgery and for at least 3–6 weeks after surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AND AFTER YOUR SURGERY
Thigh lifts, like body lifts and abdominoplasties, are carried out under general anaesthetic and in a hospital setting. You should expect overnight admission after surgery. Our anaesthetist will discuss the anaesthetic benefits and risks to you. On the day of surgery you will have your thighs marked prior to surgery, according to the amount of redundant tissues to be removed and your requirements. Any final questions will be answered. The incisions are hidden from the line of direct sight when wearing underwear or swimwear garments in the groin crease, extending and hidden under the buttocks fold. Where they extend along the length of the thigh – when a greater thigh lift is indicated – they are placed away from the direct line of vision. They usually heal and fade out over time.
Major complications are infrequent, however anyone considering undertaking any surgery should seek advice from their surgeon regarding the benefits and risks of surgery. These will be discussed at length with you during consultation.
The supportive garments are worn for at least 6 weeks postoperatively. After discharge you will be seen in our clinic at a follow-up appointment and thereafter at regular intervals.
Dr Farhadieh believes that mutual trust and understanding between patient and surgeon form the cornerstone of a successful outcome. We are committed to being there for every step of your journey, during the preoperative and postoperative period. We are always available to see you, to offer help, advice and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this procedure is best carried out under general anaesthetic. It’s a day procedure and involves infiltration of local anaesthetic into the areas, this helps to address some of the discomfort associated with the surgery.
The operation will take 2–3 hours. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated into the surgical sites to reduce any postoperative discomfort. After surgery you will be taken to the recovery room and thereafter to the wards. Compression garments will support your thighs and help to reduce postoperative swelling and bruising. Early ambulation is an important part of the postoperative care.
Any surgical drains are removed on the first day after surgery. There is some discomfort associated with surgery. Although most patients report a tightness rather than pain due to excellent pain control regime we utilise which includes local anaesthetic for the immediate postoperative period as well as powerful analgesics.
Depending on the extent of the procedure liposculpture and liposuction may be required for optimal aesthetic outcome.
Most of the swelling will settle in the first 7-10 days. You will be able to return to work after this time and resume most normal activities. The wounds should not be put under duress in the first few weeks to allow the skin at the incision sights to regain its strength.
Depending on the amount of redundant tissues, thigh lift surgery can be minimal or extensive. The incisions are camouflaged along normal skin creases and where natural shadows fall.
Where more extensive incisions required, they can be hidden in the inner aspect of thighs. Although there will always be a scar at any incision site, with good design and artistry the scars will not only fade but will be barely noticeable to the untrained eye.
Dr Farhadieh believes that the doctor-patient rapport is amongst the most sacred and privileged relationships. Our practice is based on compassion, honesty, transparency and above all, patient welfare.
We pride ourselves on making sure that you feel supported through each stage of the journey. We will be available during all stages of your journey and will schedule short, medium and long term follow ups as part of our overall practice.
