What is a thigh lift
Thigh lift is a surgical procedure that is performed to eliminate loose and excessive, or hanging, skin surrounding your thighs and buttocks (Buttock Lift). As a result, skin is firmed up and appearance and texture are improved.
Excessive skin in the thigh and buttock area may be a product of prolonged weight loss. A thigh lift is one way of removing the dimpled appearance of the thigh that cellulite brings. This irregular dimpling of the skin that usually appears on the thighs, hips, and waists of women and men alike is due to loss of elasticity of skin and bulging of underlying superficial fat pockets.
Effects of a thigh lift
Aside from cosmetic benefits, a thigh lift also relieves rashes on the undersurface of thighs caused by moisture. Thigh Lift beautifies weight loss and gives you smooth, firm, and shapely thighs that you can strut in a sexy bathing suit.
Thigh lifts are successful in most candidates with minimum chances of complications. With maintained weight, a thigh lift will give you a well-contoured and shapely figure. But the natural changes brought about by aging are inevitable.
Candidates for thigh lift
Anyone who has experienced a loss of skin elasticity of the thigh, hip, or buttock areas may be a candidate for thighplasty. This procedure is also best if your skin in the thigh area has a saggy, flabby and/or dimpled appearance.
The purpose of the thigh lift is to produce tighter, more attractive thigh and buttock skin with improved contours, as well as reduce irregularities in skin surface. If you are conscious of your lower body, a thigh lift may just be the answer.
Your Consultation
Your surgeon will evaluate your condition, assess your health, and discuss with you the suitability of the thigh lift during your pre-operative consultation. You will be informed of the specific risks of this procedure as well as its benefits.
The thigh lift Procedure
The Thigh Lift is performed using general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. No prior hospitalization is required.
Below are the different types of thigh lift procedures:
Inner Thigh Lift (Medial Thigh Lift)
Smaller incisions are done extending from the inner groin crease in the region of the buttock crease.
Outer Thigh Lift
Outer Thigh Lift requires more extensive incisions. The procedure involves a combination of the thigh and buttock lifts with a much longer incision that begins in the buttock crease, extends around the groin, up over the side of the abdomen, over the flank and across the back.
The thigh lift procedure involves shaving off the extra skin high up on the side of the thigh and buttocks and removing excess fat beneath it.
Liposuction
Circumferential liposuction of the thigh, also known as a thigh liposculpture, is another attractive and effective way to eliminating extra fat on your thighs. But it will not get rid of the hanging, sagging skin on your thighs. Thigh lift is usually performed in combination with Circumferential Liposuction/Liposculpture.
Recovery
Your thighs will be positioned in a compression garment or dressing to minimize swelling and help in the natural shrinking of the skin, following a thigh lift procedure. Occasions of bruising, swelling, and pain might occur but will subside in about a month after thigh lift surgery. You will be advised not to do any strenuous activities for the next 4 to 6 weeks after having the procedure. Also, sitting for long periods of time will be prohibited because this will increase tension on the stitches. You will be able to continue your daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks following thigh lift surgery.
Risks
Major complications after having done thigh lift surgery are rare. However, there is some likelihood that some minor post-operative complications may take place, which do not affect the outcome of the thigh lift procedure. Some of the potential complications include bruising, swelling, pain, bleeding, infection at the incision site, delayed healing of scars, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the types of Thigh Lift procedure?
A: Thigh Lift procedure has two kinds: Inner Thigh Lift (Medial Thigh Lift) and Outer Thigh Lift (Lateral Thigh Lift). With the Inner Thigh Lift process, the incision is made in the inner thigh hidden in the groin crease. On the other hand, Outer Thigh Lift, which also includes a Buttock Lift, has the incision made extending from the groin all the way to the back.
Q: What can I expect from a Thigh Lift?
A: When undergoing Thigh Lift, your expectations need to be realistic and will be addressed by your surgeon. Most often, patients are pleased with the outcome and find that they have smaller and firmer thighs.
Q: How do I prepare for the Thigh Lift procedure?
A: There is no need for hospitalization with this procedure as it is only performed on an outpatient basis. However, general anesthesia is used to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the procedure. Your physician will ask you to sign a consent form to perform the procedure. It is imperative that you wear loose clothing when going in for a thigh lift. Have someone to bring you home after the procedure and to help you around the house for the next few days.
Q: How long does a Thigh Lift take?
A: Normally, it takes about three hours for the whole procedure and it is done under general anesthesia. Patients may have the option to spend their first night in an overnight facility or go home the same day.
Q: What can I expect during my recovery period?
A: Patients may expect bruising and swelling, as well as a tight feeling in the thighs. In general, stitches are removed within a week after surgery, although deeper sutures may take 2 to 3 weeks. Patients are advised to wear a support garment for a few weeks to reduce swelling and will need to take antibiotics to prevent infection. Swelling will subside after three weeks or so. Also, patients are prohibited to do strenuous activities for a month or so.
Q: How long is the recovery time from Thigh Lift surgery?
A: Recovery period varies, depending on the patient. Usually, patients are able to go back to work 2 or 3 weeks after surgery. Four to five post-operative office visits are required.