Anesthesia: General.

Location of operation: Office or hospital.

Length of surgery: 2-3 hours.

Length of stay: Outpatient.

Discomfort: Moderate. Anticipate 2-7 days of prescription pain medication.

Swelling: Will peak in 3 days. As thigh swelling improves, you may notice swelling in your knees and ankles. Swelling should improve within 2-6 weeks. Keep your legs elevated to expedite this process.

Bruising: Improves in 5-10 days. If liposuction is not also performed, there may be no bruising.

Bandages: Removed in 2-4 days.

Stitches: Most plastic surgeons use absorbable stitches that are buried under the skin and never require removal. Nonabsorbable stitches will be visible outside the skin and will be removed in 7-10 days.

Drains: If drains are placed, they will be removed in 1-3 days.

Presentable in a bathing suit: 2 weeks.

Work: You may return to sedentary work in 1-2 weeks, if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication. If you are able to keep your feet elevated at work, you may return sooner.

Driving: May be resumed in 1-2 weeks, if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.

Exercise: May be gradually resumed in 4 weeks.

Final result: Is seen after your scars have matured, approximately 6 months.