To help you prepare for the postoperative period, we've summarized the most important points here. Your doctor will, of course, provide you with more information and clear instructions, so you know exactly what to expect after the surgery.

† Your legs will be bandaged with a pressure bandage on the first day. You may wear compression garments the day after surgery. We recommend wearing them day and night for six weeks. These garments help reduce swelling and put less tension on the surgical wound. You must purchase the garments yourself.

† You may not take a bath, swim or go to the sauna for up to two weeks after the operation.After two weeks, the wounds are assessed at the outpatient clinic.

† The first few weeks after the operation, the surgical area will be swollen and blue, which may cause a pulling sensation on the wounds.On average, it takes 6 weeks for the swelling to go away.

† At first the skin around the scar may be numbThis generally causes few complaints and often diminishes over the years.

† If you are in pain, you may take 2 tablets of 500mg paracetamol up to 4 times a day.If this isn't enough, you can contact our outpatient clinic. You'll often be given something extra to take home.

† During the first few days after the operation, you should keep your legs elevated as much as possible to prevent fluid from accumulating in your lower legs.For example, you can do this by resting your legs on a pillow at home.

† You may not do any heavy physical work for the first 6 weeksOnce everything has healed peacefully, you can resume all your activities, including sports. If you're unsure about whether you can do something, always consult your clinic for advice.

We are of course also available for all your questions in the period after your operation. Because we are a subsidiary of OLVG you have 24/7 access to care when complications arise. With us, you get the benefits of a small-scale clinic, but also the benefits of a large hospital.

In some cases, a leg lift is reimbursed by the health insurer. To qualify for reimbursement, you must meet various requirements. The College of Health Insurance sets these requirements. At the moment, the basic criteria are:

• Your BMI is less than 35
• Your weight has been stable for at least 12 months
• Any bariatric surgery was at least 18 months ago
• Grade 3 on the Pittsburgh scale

If you don't meet these criteria, applying for reimbursement is unfortunately pointless. Even if you do meet them, there's no guarantee of reimbursement. Sometimes your health insurer will ask you to provide additional information and photos. This allows them to assess the severity of your symptoms. They will notify you of their decision.

Has your health insurer rejected an application for reimbursement? You can then file an objection with your health insurer yourself. If the insurer wants information from us, they will request it from us themselves. If you do not qualify for reimbursement, you can choose to pay for the operation yourself. You will receive a quote from your plastic surgeon during your personal consultation.

With any surgery like this, there's always a risk of complications. The quality of the skin, the duration and extent of the surgery, and any existing conditions all influence these complications. Possible risks and complications include:

• A post-operative hemorrhage
• Seroma
• Opening of the wound
• An infection
• Hypertrophic scars
• Color difference
• Thrombosis, pulmonary embolism

If any unexpected complications arise, please always contact us immediately. Because we are a subsidiary of OLVG, we are available 24/7 in case of complications.