I feel it is important that anyone having surgery with me is aware of the possible negative sides of surgery and understands the small but real risks. The following paragraphs cover what happens when things occasionally don’t go as expected.
Like all surgery there are risks of complications whoever does your surgery. It is important you are aware that many of the problems you may get after your surgery, if they are treated promptly, have no obvious effect on the final outcome.
It is unlikely your legs are symmetrical before surgery and there may be a small degree of asymmetry after the operation. (If it is a big difference then a surgical correction can be discussed). All operations have a risk of bleeding. In thigh lift surgery there is a very small risk that a blood transfusion may be required (much less than 1%) or that there may be bleeding leading to a collection of blood (haematoma), which needs to be removed under an anaesthetic (less than 2%). Infection is unusual and antibiotics are given around the time of surgery to reduce the risk. Some people form bad scars (about 2%) and these can be troubling for a while although often respond to treatment over several months. There is a small risk of seroma (fluid collection under the skin) this is normally treated by removing the fluid with a syringe and needle in clinic, occasionally further surgery can be required. There may be some numbness of the skin, this will normally get better over a period of time but there is a small risk of small areas of permanent numbness. All operations can result in longterm discomfort.
Risks particular to thigh lift surgery are problems with wound healing and / or infection because of the position of the wound. In the main dressing and / or tablet antibiotics are all that would be required. Readmission and a return to theatre are always possibilities although very rare.
All operation have a small risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), chest infection and Pulmonary embolism. Death following elective surgery is exceptionally rare (1:250,000 in fit and well people)
As this is a surgical procedure to deal with appearance no guarantee can be given to the final appearance, but if we agree it is an unsatisfactory result correction will be offered at no additional cost.