What is a Thigh Lift?
The thigh lift procedure reshapes the thighs by eliminating excess skin and fat from either the inner or outer thighs. This procedure is often performed after substantial weight loss or for individuals for whom exercise and dieting have not reduced the excess tissue in their upper thighs. Excess flabby skin on the thighs can cause discomfort and make it difficult to wear certain pieces of clothing or take part in certain activities. This procedure can help to eliminate this excess skin and fat for a more comfortable daily life.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
Individuals who have experienced massive weight loss, or are unhappy with the loose, saggy skin on their thighs can often benefit from a thigh lift. Many people choose to undergo this procedure in order for clothing and swimwear to fit better, and for their body to appear more proportionate. A consultation is needed to best determine if this procedure is right for you.
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Thigh Lift Procedure
The thigh lift procedure may differ for each individual, as each patient has different amounts of excess skin and fat and different aesthetic goals. There are two types of thigh lifts that can be performed, including the inner thigh lift and the outer thigh lift. Regardless of the technique used, deep sutures will be placed within the underlying tissues to help and support the newly shaped thighs.
Inner Thigh Lift
An incision is created in the groin area, and excess fat and skin will be removed along the inner thigh. Liposuction is sometimes performed as well, depending on the desired results. The area from the groin down to the knee is recontoured to create a slimmer thigh.
Outer Thigh Lift
This is a more complex procedure that involves recontouring both the outer thighs and buttocks. Scarring is more excessive, and more tissue is removed. Incisions will extend from the groin and around the hip. In some cases, an incision will also be made on the buttock.
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Thigh Lift Recovery
Following your thigh lift, bruising, swelling, and soreness may occur. Drains may be placed to collect any excess fluid or blood. During the first two weeks, activities should be kept light, and a compression garment should be worn for the first month to minimize swelling. Driving and exercise are usually resumed after the first three weeks. Your plastic surgeon will supply you with instructions on how to care for your surgical sites and what to look for that may be potential signs of complications. Patients who maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle should be able to enjoy their results for years to come.
To learn more about the thigh lift procedure, contact Tucson Plastic Surgery today. We will be happy to assist you in scheduling your consultation appointment with one of our plastic surgeons, which is your first step toward slimmer, more proportionate thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get lipo on your inner thighs?
Liposuction can be performed on virtually any area of the body where you experience stubborn fat. The best candidates for liposuction of the inner thighs are patients who have good quality skin and localized fat to a specific area that they would like removed. Liposuction can also be combined with a surgical thigh lift procedure as well to improve the contour.
How are thigh lifts done?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure which involves removing excess skin and fat. Depending on the area of concern, an incision is placed in the medial or outer thigh. A medial thigh incision will remove medial thigh skin excess, whereas an outer thigh incision will remove outer thigh skin excess.
Does a lower body lift include thighs?
A lower body lift is a surgical procedure which requires extensive incisions to remove significant excess skin. Patients who have experienced drastic weight loss, frequently deal with excess skin around their middle section, and are looking to remove it surgically. A lower body lift targets the excess skin of the abdomen, buttock, and outer thighs. While a surgical lower body lift, can improve the contour of the outer thigh, it is often not powerful enough to address the medial thigh skin excess. These areas are best addressed with a surgical thigh lift.
Does insurance cover skin removal after weight loss?
Some insurance plans cover surgical skin removal after medical weight loss. We encourage each patient to check with their insurance carrier regarding their specific benefits.
How can I reduce my thigh fat?
The best method to decrease unwanted thigh fat is to first ensure you are at your ideal body weight and addressing excess weight with weight loss. If you have already reached your ideal weight, and you still have localized areas of stubborn thigh fat, then you may consider liposuction as a surgical option to remove your thigh fat.
How dangerous is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift has risks like other cosmetic body contouring surgical procedures. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 2-3 hours to perform. To ensure a safe outcome during thigh lift surgery, you should seek the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in this procedure.
How do you get rid of loose skin on your thighs?
Frequently after significant weight loss, the skin becomes loose and saggy, and is unable to contract back after the underlying fat is gone. As a result, a surgical skin tightening procedure or a surgical “thigh lift” may be required to remove the excess saggy thigh skin and improve the thigh contour.
How much does a thigh lift Cost?
The cost of a thigh lift can vary based on factors such as surgeons fees, anesthesia, appointments, recovery materials, facilities, and more. Youll receive a full estimate of your thigh lift cost during your consultation.
How do you prepare for a thigh lift?
Youll be given specific instructions to follow several weeks prior to your surgery date. This will include a preoperative appointment with your patient care coordinator who will review various information such as activity restrictions specific for your surgery, information for filing your prescriptions, when to stop certain medications, compression garments to wear after surgery and how to set up your home space for your recovery.
How long is recovery from a thigh lift?
It can take 2-3 weeks to recover from a thigh lift depending on your specific surgery and extent of incisions. You should plan to return to work after about 2-3 weeks, but you may need longer if you work a labor-intensive job.
What are the different types of thigh lifts?
The two most common types of thigh lift are the inner thigh lift and the outer thigh lift. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will help you determine which one suits your goals best during your consultation.
