Thigh Lift
Introduction:
A thigh lift is a procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from either the inner or outer thighs. If you are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a moderate weight, a thigh lift can help you regain the youthful thigh contours you desire.
Considerations:
Pros
– Clothing and swimwear will fit better.
– Your body will appear more shapely and proportional.
– Your thighs will be firmer and more youthful, with a curvaceous appearance.
Cons
– There may be visible or poor scarring.
– Where fat has been removed by liposuction, the skin may appear deflated.
Am I a good candidate for a Thigh Lift?
– The effects of aging have led to sagging, cellulite and loose skin on your thighs.
– You have succeeded in a weight reduction program and you now desire shapely thighs that reflect your more proportional, toned figure.
– Clothes do not fit properly because of your heavy thighs.
– Your thighs make you feel self-conscious and you want to restore your self-assurance regarding your body.
If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.
About Your Procedure:
How is a thigh lift procedure performed??
Medial (inner) thigh lift: An incision is made in the groin area, and any excess fat and skin are excised along the inner aspect of the thigh. Liposuction may be but is not always included in this procedure, depending on your individual requirements. The area from the groin to the knee is recontoured and the procedure is repeated for the other thigh. If a more substantial wedge of tissue is removed, the procedure is called a thighplasty.
Lateral (outer) thigh lift:This is a more complex procedure, usually involving recontouring of the buttocks as well as the outer thighs and removal of more tissue. Scarring is more extensive, and the skin will be less elastic after the surgery, so weight should be maintained.
What will my thigh lift incisions and scars be like?
Medial thigh lift: The incisions are made in the groin area. For patients requiring more substantial removal of excess skin, a longitudinal incision may be made along the inner thigh.
Lateral thigh lift: Depending on the requirements of a lateral thigh lift, the incisions will extend from the groin, around the hip, and possibly a buttock fold incision will be included. The surgeon will attempt to place the incisions where the scars can be hidden by clothing.
Preparing For Your Procedure:
In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:
– Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
– Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
– Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
– Your surgeon will ascertain that you have maintained a stable weight for a significant period of time, since regaining weight can jeopardize the effects of the thigh lift.
Aftercare And Recovery
Immediately after your thigh lift
Although your new smooth contours will be visible immediately after surgery, there will be a period of bruising, swelling and soreness. If your pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your physician. Contact your surgeon to find out if your pain, bruising and swelling is normal or a sign of a problem.
Recovery time frame after a thigh lift
The first two weeks
– During the first ten to 14 days you should only engage in light activities.
– This is a critical period for healing and you should be watchful for any signs of infection or nonhealing and report these to your doctor immediately.
– The pull of gravity and the actions of walking, sitting, and bending put stress on the sutured areas, so you should make careful and deliberate movements.
– It will be helpful if you have someone staying with you for the first few days of your recovery.
Weeks two to eight
– You may need to wear a compression garment for the first month to optimize contouring of the thighs.
– Swelling should subside in three to five weeks.
– You may resume driving and walking for exercise after the first two to three weeks, when these activities do not cause pain.
– Avoid heavy lifting and jogging for six to eight weeks.
How Long Will My Results Last?
If you maintain a stable weight, healthy lifestyle, and fitness program, your results will be long-lasting.
Limitations And Risks:
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
– Adverse reaction to anesthesia
– Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
– Infection and bleeding
– Changes in sensation
– Scarring
– Allergic reactions
– Damage to underlying structures
– Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures