Thigh Lift
A thigh lift reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin in the upper and middle thigh. The goal is smoother skin and better contours.
The most common person requesting thigh lifts is one who has lost a large amount of weight. The best candidates for a thigh lift have excess skin along the inner, middle and/or outer thigh. Thigh lift candidates should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations.
Thigh lift is a major procedure that may not be appropriate for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured. Smokers are always at greater risk for any surgery.
The Procedure:
The incisions will depending on the area of the thigh being treated and the degree of correction indicated for the patient. One common technique used for thigh lift places incisions in the groin crease beginning in the front and wrapping the inner thigh around to the buttocks crease. The underlying tissue is reshaped and tightened and excess skin is removed. Liposuction is often used to help with the shaping. The remaining skin is then pulled up, re-draped and sutured in a new location. The goal is to keep the incisions in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of swimwear and clothing. Despite this goal, the incisions may be extensive and the scars take a long time to fade.
You will be placed in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the surgical site at the end of the procedure. One or more small drain tubes may be placed under the skin to drain excess fluid.
A thigh lift is accompanied by general anesthesia and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Extensive procedures may require a short inpatient stay.
Expected Side Effects:
- Temporary bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Numbness
- Prolonged healing of incisions
Risks:
We do everything we can to decrease the risks of surgery. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with any surgery. Some of the risks specific to thigh lift are:
- Asymmetry
- Rippling of skin
- Color changes in skin
- Skin injury
- Infection
- Open wounds
Learn More About the Procedure
Click below to learn what to do before and after the procedure.
Questions:
Our goal is for you to be informed. If you have a question, please call our office at 850.474.8333.