Thighplasty

After weightreduction the elasticity of the skin might be insufficient to redrape the skin over the new volume of the body. This is often seen in the face, on the neck, arms, abdomen and thighs.
The same sagging of the skin can occur with ageing.
Sagging skin on the arms and on the thighs is often considered unaesthetic and embarrassing and skin redundancy can only be corrected by excision. The skinredundancy is commonly located at the inner sides of the thighs, in some cases all way around.

Principle: The skin is mobilised off the muscles and redraped upward like a stocking and shortened.

Anaesthetic: General anaesthetic.

Technique: If skinredundancy on the inner sides of the thighs is to be corrected, the incisions are placed high up in the buttock-thigh-fold going close to the major labium and somewhat upwards parallel to them. If the skin is very flaccid, a vertical incision down to the knees might be necessary. If the whole circumference of the thighs need stretching, the incisions go circular as well. The skin is mobilised and shortened. A circular compressing bandage is applied.

Operating time: 2 - 5 hours.

What happens afterwards?

• Antibiotics are prescribed.
• Annoying postoperative care because of the site of operation.
• Uncomfortable feeling of tension, especially at change of position.
• 3 - 4 days of fatigue are common.
• You should not sit normally during the fist 10 days ( semisitting, lying and standing position is recommended)
• You should shower daily.
• The stitches are removed around 10th to 12th days.
• Irritation around the scars is common.
• Physical activities must be avoided for 56 weeks.

Complications

Referred unwanted biologic events can occur with a certain low frequency and must be regarded as calculated risks. Other risks not mentioned can also occur. For patients this must be considered before a decision for plastic surgery is made.

Bleeding: All operations can cause postoperative bleeding. These risks increase by the intake of analgesics and Vitamin E. These should be avoided 2 weeks prior to the planned operation.

Infection: All operations can cause infections, which in case it happens will be treated with antibiotics. The placement of the wounds in surgical "unclean" areas increases the risk of infection.

Scars: The forces of gravity and the continuous movements of the area cause a constant tension on the scars. The scars can be broadened.

Nerve injury: Some of the sensory nerves to the skin on both arm and thigh will be cut and transient or permanent numbness is unavoidable.

Smoking: Smoking does compromise bloodcirculation and healing. Smoking should be abandoned prior to a planned operation