BEFORE: For Thigh Lifts, set up your space so recovery is easy: loose shorts, clean compression garments, ice packs, and pillows for leg support. Share all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, since some can increase bruising. Only stop anything if your surgeon tells you to. Arrange help for errands and meals, because you may move slowly at first. You may also be asked to pause nicotine, since it can slow healing. If you live in Grand Rapids, MI, plan breathable clothing and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day to reduce sweat and friction near healing incisions.

DURING: On procedure day, your team confirms the plan and keeps you comfortable with the chosen anesthesia. The surgeon removes extra skin in the targeted area and reshapes the tissue so the thigh contour looks smooth and balanced. If liposuction is included, it is used to blend fullness and improve the transition into nearby areas. Incisions are closed in layers to reduce tension, which can help scars heal better. Dressings and compression are applied to limit swelling. Some patients go home with small drains to reduce fluid buildup. Before discharge, you’ll get clear instructions on walking, hygiene, pain control, and follow-up visits.

AFTER: Expect swelling, bruising, and a tight feeling early on, with steady improvement over the next weeks. Short walks help circulation, but you’ll avoid heavy workouts, deep squats, and long strides until cleared. Compression helps reduce swelling and supports the new shape, so wearing it as directed matters. Keep the incision area clean and dry, and reduce rubbing by choosing soft, breathable clothing. Scars usually look pink at first and fade slowly over months; sun protection helps. Call your surgeon right away for fever, worsening redness, one-sided swelling, sudden pain, or drainage. As swelling drops, the thighs look smoother and more defined.