Losing excess pounds and getting down to a healthy weight is a wonderful achievement. Unfortunately, loose, saggy skin and residual fat often remain as an unsightly reminder of your former figure. When your upper legs have folds of skin and tissue that are uncomfortable in addition to embarrassing, a thigh lift can reshape the thighs to improve the appearance of the entire lower body.
Dr. Otto Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in thigh lifts for men and women in Chicago and neighboring suburbs who have lost a significant amount of weight, or who notice that the skin and tissue of their inner or outer thighs has grown more lax with age. Dr. Placik also offers a variety of other body contouring procedures that can help improve your post-weight loss figure as well.
Please contact us online or call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices for more information on thigh lifts, including prices.
Dr. Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon in Chicago and an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University where he also completed residencies in general and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Read more >>Whether you’ve reached your weight loss goals after bariatric surgery or through your own weight loss plan, you should feel proud and confident about your success. However, it can be disheartening when what you hoped would be a noticeably slimmer figure is disguised by heavy folds of skin and tissue. Additionally, chaffing and discomfort can be a problem for many patients with excess thigh skin, which can rub together when walking and limit certain movements and activities. For these patients, a thigh lift can be a great way to bring their body transformation full-circle and finally enjoy the body they worked so hard for.
A thigh lift improves leg contours by tightening and smoothing out the skin on the inner thigh, outer thigh or both. Although many patients’ main motivation for surgery is to improve the cosmetic appearance of the legs, a thigh lift carries the added benefit of removing problems associated with irritation or chaffing when walking, and allows for the ability to wear a wider variety of clothing styles. When a significant amount of weight is lost, extra skin is likely not limited to just the thigh area, so many patients choose to include other post-weight loss procedures such as an arm lift or tummy tuck with their thigh lift.
During the procedure, Dr. Placik makes an incision just below the pubic region to remove extra folds of skin and fat deposits that interfere with the leg having a smooth, toned, natural-looking contour. These and any other necessary incisions are strategically located around the natural folds of the buttocks and hips in order to get the best result and ensure that scars are discreetly placed as possible. For more extensive degrees of weight loss a vertical scar down the inner aspects of the thigh may be necessary. While all attempts will be made to minimize scars, patients should be prepared to accept a visible scar.
A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia, and you may need to spend a night or two in the hospital, depending on the complexity of your procedure. After surgery, you’ll experience some degree of pain and soreness that should be able to be managed with prescription medication. There will be swelling and bruising, which will slowly dissipate within a month after your procedure. Although Dr. Placik will advise you on specific post-operative care instructions before your procedure, you should plan on avoiding strenuous physical activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks post-op.
The best candidates for a thigh lift don’t smoke, are in good health overall and are at or near their target weight. In order for thigh lift results to last, patients should be dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and ongoing weight management. Patients should also have realistic expectations before having a thigh lift and understand what the procedure can and can’t do.
With any surgery, scarring is inevitable. However, Dr. Placik purposely positions incisions in areas where scarring will be the least noticeable. However, scars from a thigh lift may drift and may not be hidden by swimwear and underwear, but their appearance will continue to fade and improve in the months following surgery.
For the right patient, liposuction can be a great way to enhance the results of a thigh lift. Liposuction gives Dr. Placik the ability to sculpt and shape the thigh and surrounding areas to create a smoother transition and enhance the newly toned and contoured leg shape.
The cost of a thigh lift will depend on the complexity of your particular procedure and whether or not you elect to include other body contouring as part of your surgery. The total expenses will cover the costs associated with Dr. Placik’s surgical fee, the anesthesiologist and the use of the surgical center. Dr. Placik and his staff strive to provide value to each patient for their services and can advise you on flexible cosmetic surgery financing options to make your thigh lift affordable.
Major complications with a thigh lift are rare, but include the possibility of excessive swelling that takes longer than normal to subside. Asymmetry between the two legs is another potential risk, as well as the side effects that associated with any surgery such as negative reaction to anesthesia, infection or blood clots. However, most men and women feel that the positive outcome far outweighs the minor risks of complications associated with a thigh lift.
Major complications with a thigh lift are rare, but include the possibility of excessive swelling that takes longer than normal to subside. Asymmetry between the two legs is another potential risk, as well as the side effects that associated with any surgery such as negative reaction to anesthesia, infection or blood clots. However, most men and women feel that the positive outcome far outweighs the minor risks of complications associated with a thigh lift.
To meet with double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Otto J. Placik, you can request a consultation online or call our Arlington Heights office at 847-398-1660 or our Chicago office at 312-787-5313 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you look your very best.
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