Lower Body Lift Recovery Process.
Surgical drains are placed to remove fluid which accumulates within the incisions. The amount of fluid is measured by the patient on a daily basis.
Once the output falls low enough arrangements are made for removal of the drain in an office outpatient setting. Drains typically remain in place two to three weeks, but may be left longer.
Sutures in the incision closure may require removal. This typically occurs around two weeks after surgery, and this, too, is done in an office as an outpatient treatment.
Compression garments may be placed on the patient to control swelling, to support the suspended tissues, and to smooth and flatten the skin. Placement can occur at the time of surgery, or later, at the surgeon’s discretion.
Activity is determined by the progress of the healing of the incision. Patients are encouraged to walk the day after surgery. Once the drains are removed, movement is easier.
As a patient you would be admitted to the hospital after surgery. You may stay a couple of days to learn care of their drains and feel comfortable in walking and moving.
Once comfortable with oral pain medications, you would be discharged.
Usually resumption of normal activities can occur four to six weeks after surgery.
Lower Body Lift Surgery Risks/Complications/Patient Safety.
- Seromas (collections of fluid below the skin) may require the use of drains.
- Delayed healing from small separations in the incision closure in areas of high tension and stretch.
- Numbness in areas adjacent to the incision.
- Slight asymmetries may occur in spite of efforts to balance skin and fat removal.
- Bleeding may lead to bruising, but it is very rare to require transfusions.
- Blood clots to the lung (pulmonary emboli) are rare. Sequential compression devices (SCD’s) on the calves during surgery has significantly lessened the incidence in body contouring procedures.
- Surgical operating time and duration may last six hours or more for the body lift. Measures are taken to warm the patient carefully during surgery. Medical conditions are addressed preoperatively to ensure the safety of the patient for such durations.
