Body Lift Surgery Guide
Please read these instructions carefully before your thigh lift (thighplasty) surgery at Evita Clinic. Proper preparation helps improve surgical safety, protect the groin and inner thigh incisions, reduce avoidable complications, and support a smoother recovery.
Most Important Notes
- Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least 6 hours before surgery.
- GLP-1 Medications: Stop once-weekly medications such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® at least 7 days before surgery. Stop daily GLP-1 medications from the day before surgery.
- Smoking and Nicotine: Stop smoking, vaping, and all nicotine products at least 1 week before surgery and avoid them for at least 2 weeks afterward.
- Maintain a Stable Weight: Avoid both weight gain and aggressive weight loss immediately before surgery. Do not use crash diets, prolonged fasting, dehydration, or extreme calorie restriction.
- Protect the Groin Incision: During early recovery, avoid wide steps, deep squats, aggressive stretching, and movements that spread the legs widely.
- Compression Garment: Be prepared to wear your compression garment for at least 1 month and possibly longer depending on swelling and healing progress.
- Postoperative Monitoring: A companion is not required. After surgery, a dedicated nurse will monitor you closely, assist you with initial walking, and confirm that you are stable before discharge.
- Follow-Up Visit: You must return to Evita Clinic the day after surgery for your first postoperative examination.
- Medical Information: Inform Evita Clinic about all medical conditions, allergies, medications, birth control, hormone therapy, vitamins, supplements, and previous anesthesia-related reactions.
- Bring Your Passport: Bring your passport or another valid identification document on the day of surgery.
Understanding Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery removes excess skin and tissue from the thighs to improve contour, reduce sagging, and decrease skin folds.
Depending on your condition, the procedure may include liposuction, removal of excess skin, tightening of the underlying tissues, and an incision extending along the groin, inner thigh, or toward the knee.
The position and length of the scar depend on the amount and location of excess skin. A medial thigh lift usually places the incision near the groin crease, while an extended thigh lift may require a longer vertical incision along the inner thigh.
Thigh lift surgery is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss operation. The most predictable results are achieved when your weight is reasonably stable.
Before Surgery Checklist
Maintain a Stable Weight and Good Nutrition
Try to maintain a reasonably stable weight before surgery. Significant weight gain or continued major weight loss may change the amount of loose skin and affect the planned surgical design.
Aggressive weight loss immediately before surgery is also not recommended. Crash dieting, prolonged fasting, dehydration, and severe calorie restriction may reduce your energy, protein intake, hydration, and overall physical condition during recovery.
- Do not intentionally gain weight before surgery.
- Avoid crash diets and very-low-calorie diets.
- Avoid prolonged fasting or deliberate dehydration.
- Eat regular, balanced meals.
- Include adequate protein in your daily diet.
- Maintain normal hydration until the required fasting period begins.
- Do not begin an extreme exercise or weight-loss program immediately before surgery.
If you are still actively losing a substantial amount of weight, it may be better to reach a stable and maintainable weight before proceeding with thigh lift surgery.
Birth Control and Hormone Therapy
Inform Evita Clinic if you use birth control pills, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, estrogen therapy, testosterone, fertility medication, or any other hormone treatment.
Most patients do not automatically need to stop birth control or hormone medication before surgery.
However, estrogen-containing medication may increase blood-clot risk when additional risk factors are present, particularly because walking and lower-body movement may be temporarily reduced after thigh lift surgery.
Evita Clinic will determine whether your medication should be continued or temporarily stopped based on your surgical plan and individual blood-clot risk.
Do not stop prescribed birth control or hormone medication on your own.
Aspirin and Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers
Unless specifically approved by Evita Clinic, avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers for at least 2 weeks before surgery. These medications may increase bleeding and bruising.
- Aspirin
- Advil® or Motrin® (ibuprofen)
- Naprosyn® or Aleve® (naproxen)
- Excedrin® products containing aspirin
- Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
If aspirin was prescribed for a heart, vascular, or neurological condition, do not stop it without approval from the prescribing physician.
Vitamins, Herbal Products, and Supplements
Inform Evita Clinic about all vitamins, herbal medicines, weight-loss products, bodybuilding products, and dietary supplements.
Some supplements may increase bleeding, affect blood pressure or blood glucose, or interact with medications used during IV sedation.
- Vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Garlic extract
- Fish oil or high-dose omega-3
- St. John’s wort
- Weight-loss supplements
- Pre-workout or bodybuilding supplements
- Other herbal products
Stop non-essential supplements according to the instructions provided by Evita Clinic. Do not assume that a product is safe simply because it is described as natural.
Stop Smoking and Nicotine
Stop smoking and using all nicotine products at least 1 week before surgery and avoid them for at least 2 weeks afterward.
Nicotine reduces blood flow to healing skin and may increase the risk of delayed healing, wound opening, infection, skin discoloration, and wider scars.
- Cigarettes
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping
- Heated tobacco products
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine pouches
- Other nicotine-containing products
Inform Evita Clinic if you have been unable to stop nicotine before surgery. Your operation may need to be postponed for safety.
Once-Weekly GLP-1 Medications
Inform Evita Clinic if you use a GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medication for weight loss or diabetes.
These medications may slow stomach emptying. Food or liquid may remain in the stomach even after fasting, which may increase the risk of regurgitation or aspiration during IV sedation.
Stop once-weekly GLP-1 injections at least 7 full days before surgery.
Common once-weekly medications include:
- Wegovy® (semaglutide)
- Ozempic® (semaglutide)
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
- Other similar once-weekly medications
There must be at least 7 days between your last weekly injection and your scheduled surgery.
If you accidentally use a weekly injection within 7 days of surgery, contact Evita Clinic immediately. Your surgery may need to be delayed or rescheduled.
Daily GLP-1 Medications
Stop daily GLP-1 medications from the day before surgery and do not take them on the morning of surgery.
Common daily medications include:
- Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)
- Saxenda® (liraglutide)
- Victoza® (liraglutide)
- Other similar daily GLP-1 medications
If the medication is being used to treat diabetes, inform both Evita Clinic and the physician who prescribed it before changing your medication schedule.
Your diabetes treatment may need to be adjusted temporarily to prevent excessively high or low blood glucose levels.
GLP-1 Dose Escalation and Digestive Symptoms
Contact Evita Clinic before surgery if any of the following applies:
- You recently started a GLP-1 medication.
- Your dose was recently increased.
- You are still in the dose-escalation phase.
- You have nausea or vomiting.
- You have abdominal pain or significant bloating.
- You have severe or persistent constipation.
- You feel that food remains in your stomach for an unusually long time.
- You used a weekly injection within 7 days of surgery.
Elective surgery may need to be postponed until the dose-escalation period has passed and significant gastrointestinal symptoms have resolved.
Fasting for 6 hours does not automatically eliminate the risk when stomach emptying is significantly delayed.
Prescription Blood-Thinning Medications
Inform Evita Clinic as early as possible if you take an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.
- Plavix® (clopidogrel)
- Warfarin or Coumadin®
- Xarelto® (rivaroxaban)
- Eliquis® (apixaban)
- Pradaxa® (dabigatran)
- Other prescription blood-thinning medications
These medications may need to be temporarily stopped before surgery, but the correct timing varies according to the medication, dose, kidney function, medical indication, and prescribing physician’s instructions.
Never stop a prescription blood thinner on your own.
Additional blood testing or written clearance from the prescribing physician may be required.
Blood-Clot and Circulation Risk Assessment
Thigh lift surgery involves the lower extremities, and walking may be temporarily reduced during early recovery. Inform Evita Clinic if you have any condition that may affect venous or lymphatic circulation.
- Previous deep vein thrombosis
- Previous pulmonary embolism
- Known clotting disorder
- Family history of blood clots at a young age
- Varicose veins
- Chronic leg swelling or lymphedema
- Previous vein surgery or venous treatment
- Current estrogen-containing birth control or hormone therapy
- Current smoking or nicotine use
- Significant obesity
- Recent major surgery or prolonged immobility
- Active cancer treatment
- Long-distance travel immediately before or after surgery
Your surgeon may recommend additional testing, medication adjustments, mechanical compression, compression stockings, or another preventive plan according to your individual risk.
Medical Conditions, Allergies, and Previous Reactions
Inform Evita Clinic about all current and previous medical conditions, even if they appear unrelated to thigh surgery.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes or abnormal blood glucose
- Heart disease or abnormal heart rhythm
- Asthma or other respiratory disease
- Sleep apnea or heavy snoring
- Varicose veins or lymphedema
- Bleeding or clotting disorders
- Anemia
- Liver, kidney, or thyroid disease
- Seizure disorder
- History of fainting
- Previous thigh, groin, hip, pelvic, or lymph-node surgery
- Previous anesthesia or sedation complications
Also inform us about:
- Antibiotic allergies
- Pain medication allergies
- Anti-inflammatory medication allergies
- Soybean allergy
- Latex or adhesive allergy
- Previous severe nausea or vomiting after anesthesia
- Any other previous medication reaction
Accurate medical information helps us select appropriate medications, determine the safe surgical extent, and reduce avoidable complications.
Pregnancy and Menstrual Period
Inform Evita Clinic if you may be pregnant, are actively trying to become pregnant, or have had an unexpected change in your menstrual cycle.
Thigh lift surgery cannot proceed during pregnancy. A pregnancy test may be required when pregnancy is possible.
Surgery can usually be performed during menstruation. However, because the incision is close to the groin and perineal area, menstruation may make hygiene, compression garment use, swelling, and postoperative discomfort more difficult.
Inform us if your menstrual period is expected around the operation date, particularly if you have heavy bleeding, severe menstrual symptoms, dizziness, or known anemia.
Skin Conditions in the Groin and Inner Thigh Area
Inform Evita Clinic if you have any active skin problem in the groin, perineal, buttock, or inner thigh area.
- Rash or skin irritation
- Fungal infection
- Eczema or dermatitis
- Open wound or skin ulcer
- Folliculitis or infected hair follicles
- Boils or abscesses
- Excessive sweating or persistent moisture
- Unusual discharge or signs of infection
Active infection or significant skin irritation may require treatment before surgery and may result in postponement.
Existing Tattoos May Be Affected
Inform Dr. Jeon if you have tattoos on the inner thighs, groin, buttocks, or another area included in the surgical plan.
Skin containing part of a tattoo may need to be removed. The tattoo may therefore be partially removed, distorted, narrowed, divided, or repositioned after surgery.
This may be unavoidable when the tattoo is located within excess skin that must be removed to achieve the planned contour.
Plan Your Recovery and Work Schedule
Thigh lift surgery temporarily affects walking, climbing stairs, sitting down, getting out of bed, driving, and movements that spread the legs.
Plan additional recovery time if your work requires:
- Prolonged standing or walking
- Frequent stair climbing
- Squatting or kneeling
- Wide steps or repeated bending
- Heavy lifting or carrying
- Healthcare, caregiving, restaurant, warehouse, or manual work
- Lower-body exercise, dance, or sports
Office work may be easier to resume than physically demanding work, but prolonged sitting may also increase swelling and groin discomfort. The appropriate return-to-work timing depends on your surgical extent and healing progress.
Plan Your Stay in Korea
Thigh lift surgery requires postoperative examinations, drain management, dressing care, and monitoring of the groin and inner thigh incisions.
- You must return to Evita Clinic the day after surgery.
- Drains are commonly removed approximately 2–3 days after surgery.
- The exact removal timing depends on the amount and character of the drainage.
- Additional visits may be scheduled for wound care and postoperative treatment.
- A stay of approximately 10–14 days is generally recommended.
- A longer stay may be recommended after an extended or combined operation.
Avoid scheduling demanding sightseeing, long walks, heavy luggage handling, or long-distance travel immediately after surgery.
Prepare Your Accommodation
A companion is not required. After surgery, a dedicated nurse will monitor you in the recovery area, assist you with initial walking, and confirm that you are stable before discharge.
Prepare your accommodation so that you can rest without unnecessary walking, bending, or stair climbing.
- Choose accommodation with an elevator whenever possible.
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Prepare simple meals, drinking water, and necessary medications.
- Prepare pillows to elevate and support your legs.
- Avoid low beds, low chairs, and deep sofas.
- Avoid carrying heavy luggage after surgery.
- Use luggage with wheels whenever possible.
Groin Hair Removal
Carefully trim or remove hair from the groin and upper inner thigh area approximately 2–3 days before surgery.
Do not shave on the day of surgery. Fresh cuts, razor irritation, or folliculitis may increase the risk of infection.
Shower and Prepare
Shower normally and keep the groin, inner thighs, and surrounding skin clean.
Do not apply body lotion, oil, powder, self-tanning products, deodorant, or other cosmetic products to the surgical area on the morning of surgery.
Prepare loose clothing that can be put on without excessive bending or spreading of the legs.
Prepare Comfortable Footwear
After surgery, bending forward and putting on shoes may be uncomfortable. Prepare shoes that are stable and easy to put on and remove.
Recommended:
- Slip-on athletic shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Low, stable shoes with non-slip soles
Avoid:
- High heels
- Heavy boots
- Rubber boots
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Loose slippers that may increase the risk of falling
Begin Fasting
Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before surgery.
This includes:
- Food
- Water
- Coffee or tea
- Juice or other beverages
- Milk
- Protein drinks
- Candy
- Chewing gum
If you accidentally eat or drink during the fasting period, inform Evita Clinic immediately. Your surgery may need to be delayed or rescheduled.
On the Day of Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything during the required fasting period.
- Do not take a daily GLP-1 medication.
- Tell our medical staff immediately if you used a weekly GLP-1 injection within 7 days of surgery.
- Tell our medical staff if you currently have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, significant bloating, or severe constipation.
- Bring your passport or another valid identification document.
- Remove all jewelry, watches, and body piercings.
- Remove contact lenses before surgery.
- Remove makeup and nail polish as instructed.
- Leave at least one fingernail completely uncovered for monitoring.
- Do not apply lotion, oil, powder, deodorant, or cosmetic products to the groin or thighs.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing that is easy to put on after surgery.
- Wear stable, comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and remove.
- Avoid high heels, tight shoes, heavy boots, and footwear that may increase the risk of falling.
- Do not bring valuable jewelry or unnecessary valuables.
- Do not drive yourself to or from the clinic.
- Arrange a taxi or another appropriate method of transportation after discharge.
- Arrive at the scheduled appointment time provided by our coordinator.
- If you take medication for high blood pressure, inform Evita Clinic in advance. In most cases, it may be taken with a small sip of water, but follow the individual instructions provided to you.
- Bring essential prescribed medications that may be needed during your stay at the clinic.
- After surgery, a dedicated nurse will monitor your recovery, assist you with initial walking, and confirm that you are stable before discharge.
What to Expect After Surgery
- Thigh lift surgery at Evita Clinic is usually performed using tumescent local anesthesia and IV sedation.
- The procedure usually takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the amount of skin removal, liposuction, and the length of the incision.
- You will be monitored closely in the recovery area for several hours after surgery.
- A dedicated nurse will assist you with medication, hydration, initial walking, dressing, and preparation for discharge.
- Surgical drains may be placed to remove fluid during early recovery.
- Drains are commonly removed approximately 2–3 days after surgery, depending on the drainage amount and your wound condition.
- You will wear a compression garment as instructed.
- Swelling, bruising, tightness, temporary numbness, and discomfort in the groin and inner thighs are expected during early recovery.
- Light walking is encouraged to support circulation, but excessive walking and prolonged standing should be avoided.
- Avoid wide steps, deep squats, aggressive stretching, and positions that spread the legs widely.
- Elevate and support your legs with pillows whenever possible while resting.
- You must return to Evita Clinic the following day for your first postoperative examination.
Important Note
Thigh lift surgery creates an incision in an area that is exposed to movement, moisture, friction, and tension. The groin portion of the incision requires especially careful protection.
Proper preparation includes maintaining a stable weight, eating adequate protein, stopping nicotine, following medication instructions, and arranging your work, travel, and accommodation to avoid excessive walking and wide leg movements.
A companion is not mandatory. Evita Clinic provides dedicated nursing observation during postoperative recovery and confirms that you are stable and able to walk safely before discharge.
Every patient has a different medical history, circulation status, surgical plan, scar pattern, and recovery process. Follow the individual instructions provided by Evita Clinic even if they differ from general information found online.
Questions?
Contact Evita Clinic before surgery if you are unsure about a medication, GLP-1 treatment, blood thinner, hormone therapy, supplement, fasting instruction, menstrual period, groin skin condition, circulation problem, travel schedule, or activity restriction.