Overview
This guide explains how to care for yourself after a thigh lift procedure to support safe healing, reduce complications, and achieve the best possible result. Please follow these instructions carefully and contact My Imperial Care if you notice anything unusual.
Hospital stay and discharge
Most patients are discharged according to the surgeon’s medical assessment once they are stable after surgery.
Binder / compression garment
- An abdominal binder is usually provided at your postoperative visit about one week after surgery.
- The purpose of the binder is to help contour your skin.
- It should be worn continuously for 4–6 weeks, except during showers.
- The first time you remove the garment, have someone with you in case of dizziness.
Tension and sleeping position
- Sleep and rest bent at the waist, with your back elevated using pillows and your knees supported.
- Use multiple pillows to remain comfortable.
- Maintain this position for at least one week.
- Walk slightly bent forward to reduce tension on the incisions.
Skin monitoring
- Check the skin twice daily.
- Contact us immediately if the skin becomes dark purple, grey, or black.
- Skin discoloration may indicate a circulation problem and must be assessed promptly.
Steri-strips and incision care
- Steri-strips support the incisions during early healing and help prevent scar widening.
- Leave steri-strips in place until they fall off naturally.
- You may gently wash over them with antibacterial soap.
- Do not trim or pull sutures.
- Suture ends are needed for removal after 5–7 days.
Bleeding
- Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are common and expected.
- You may change the gauze as needed at home.
- If bleeding is more than light staining, apply firm pressure for 20–30 minutes.
- If heavy bleeding occurs, contact us immediately.
Drainage tubes
- You may have one or more small drainage tubes coming from your incisions.
- Our team and your surgeon will monitor and care for the drains.
- The drains are usually removed before you return home.
Showering and bathing
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery.
- Water does not harm healing incisions.
- Avoid baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, oceans, and lakes until incisions are fully healed and scabs have disappeared.
- You may use antibacterial soap gently over the area.
Pain and medication
- Pain is expected after surgery.
- Follow all instructions provided with your pain medication.
- Do not drive for 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking strong pain medication.
Activity
- Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (2–3 kg) for the first 2–3 days.
- Avoid activities that cause pain.
- If it hurts, do not do it.
- Do not resume weight lifting, aerobic exercise, or high-impact sports for 4 weeks.
Diet
Follow a low-carbohydrate diet (maximum 30 grams per day) for the first 2–3 weeks.
This helps your body excrete excess fluid and swelling and allows results to become more visible sooner.
Infection warning signs
- Foul-smelling drainage
- Yellow or green discharge
- Fever above 38.3°C (101°F) with chills
- Redness and warmth around the incision
Hematomas
- Hematomas are collections of blood and fluid under the skin.
- They are rare but must be reported immediately.
- Signs include significant swelling that appears to be increasing.
- If this occurs, contact us immediately.
Numbness and sensation changes
- Numbness or tingling in treated areas is common.
- This may take weeks to several months to fully resolve.
Smoking warning
Smoking significantly increases the risk of skin loss and delayed wound healing.
Do not smoke while your body is healing.
Contact – My Imperial Care
If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, contact us:
Email: support@myimperial.care
WhatsApp: +90 541 859 04 15