Aesthetic Surgery

THIGH DERMOLIPECTOMY

1) Does the surgery leave a very visible scar?
The scar from a thigh dermolipectomy is a slanting line located in the groin (inguinocrural skin fold), and extending back to the subgluteal crease (under the buttock). Its extent depends on the amount of excess skin to be corrected. The scar is expected to remain well hidden by the usual swimming suits.

a- IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD: Up to the 30th day; during this phase the scar has an excellent aspect and is not very visible.
b- INTERMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD: From the 30th day to the 6th month. During this period, there will be a natural thickening of the scar and a change in its color, that goes from "red" to "brown", and gradually clears up. This period, the less favorable in the scar evolution, is the one that generates more concerns for the patients.
Since it is not possible to speed up the natural healing process, patients are advised not to worry about it, because the late phase will take care of reducing the remains of the scar. In this phase, it is important not to expose the scar to sunlight, to avoid its irreversible darkening.
c- PERÍODO TARDIO: From the 6th to the 12th month. During this period, the scar becomes lighter and less consistent, reaching its final appearance. Any assessment of the definitive result of the surgery should only be made after this period.

Due to the thigh skin weight, which causes traction on the scar, it often widens somewhat during the healing process.

2) How long will it take for me to achieve the definitive result?
During the first months after surgery, the root of the thigh is relatively insensitive, and may have repeated periods of "swelling" that resolve spontaneously.
As months pass and the lymphatic drainage starts, the definitive result is gradually achieved. No outcome should be considered definitive before 6-12 months postoperatively.

3) Does thigh dermolipectomy correct the localized excess fat?
This depends on your biotype and on the volume of localized fat. In this respect, the thickness of your body's adipose panicle (the fat under the skin) is also very important. On a case by case basis, a localized liposculpture may be performed, together with the dermolipectomy, or prior to it.

4) Does this surgery bear any risk?
Thigh dermolipectomy rarely brings serious complications, provided it is performed according to the appropriate technical criteria. These include an adequate preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure, and considerations on the convenience of performing this surgery concomitantly with other procedures. However, in order to minimize risks, the surgeon's pre- and postoperative orientation should be followed.

5) Which kind of anesthesia is used in this surgery?
Anesthesia may be peridural or general.

6) How long is the surgical procedure?
On average, 3 to 4 hours.

7) Will I be prescribed antibiotics?
Yes, during a period of 7 to 10 days.

8) QHow lond is the hospital stay?
From one to two days (normal outcome).

9) Are dressings used?
Yes. Dressings will be changed periodically.

10) When are the stitches removed?
If there are stitches to be removed, this will happen after 7 to 15 days.

11) When will I be able to take a regular bath?
Usually two days after the surgical procedure.

12) What is the postoperative evolution?
You should not forget that, until the expected result is achieved, this surgical procedure typically goes through different phases. Sometimes patients become concerned and "wish to achieve the final result before the expected time". Please be patient, because your body will take care of resolving all the small, transient disturbances that invariably call the attention of some of your friends, who will certainly not refrain from saying: "//ARE YOU SURE THIS IS REALLY GOING TO DISAPPEAR?//"- You should not hesitate to communicate to us all your concerns. We will give you all the necessary explanations and help you calm down. Remark: Some patients become rather anxious during this phase, due to some transient abnormalities (swelling, altered sensitivity, healing transition phase, etc.). This is a transitory condition and usually reflects the desire to achieve the final result as soon as possible. Please remember that no outcome should be considered definitive before 6 to 12 months. In the case of extremely obese patients, "a reasonable amount of yellowish fluid" may be eliminated, after the 8th day, through one or more points of the surgical scar. This phenomenon is called lipolysis, and it is nothing but the result of the liquefying of the residual fat close to the area of the scar and its consequent elimination; it does not represent a complication.