What Is Thigh Lift Surgery?

Thigh skin and tissue change over time and are affected by age, genetics, and weight fluctuations. Each of these factors makes the thighs look less than ideal, which frustrates many patients.

If you have aspects of your thighs that you want to change, you may want to learn more about thigh lift surgery. Below is more information so you can make an informed decision.

Thigh Lift Overview

A thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure that reshapes your inner and outer thighs by taking away extra fat and skin from the upper legs. This surgery provides a more desirable contour for your lower body, and enhances muscle definition, and smoothes the skin.

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, a thigh lift also can eliminate some cellulite and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

Many patients like to combine a thigh lift with other procedures, such as a Chicago tummy tuck, Chicago liposuction, or Chicago Brazilian butt lift.

Thigh Lift Procedure

Thigh lift surgery is customized to the needs and anatomy of the patient. Many thigh lifts are done with an incision that starts in the groin and goes down where it goes around the back of the thigh.

Another technique puts the incision on the inseam, from your groin to the knee before the surgeon removes extra skin and tissue.

Depending on your anatomy, a small incision for an inner thigh lift may be possible. This allows for a less prominent incision in the groin region.

For the patient who wants more definition in the outer thighs, an incision that starts in the groin and goes around the hips to the back may be a better option.

If you have extra fat in the thighs and hips, your surgeon may recommend liposuction before thigh skin is removed, so you have a better contour when the procedure is complete.

Your surgeon also may remove sagging, extra skin before putting in deep sutures, which are embedded in the tissues deep below the skin. Once he places the deep sutures, the surgeon will use skin adhesive and more sutures to close your incisions.

Ideal Candidates For A Thigh Lift

Do you dislike how your thighs look due to aging skin, sagging, or cellulite? Then you could be a strong candidate for a thigh lift. But you need to be in good overall health and close to your ideal weight. Your surgeon will review your medical history and look at how much fat and loose skin you have on the thighs.

Also, good candidates for this procedure have extra, soft skin on the inner and outer thigh, which can happen after losing a lot of weight. Skin laxity in the thighs can be an issue for patients who have had dramatic weight loss.

Removing the extra sagging skin from the upper legs can dramatically impact how the thighs look.

Thigh Lift Surgery Considerations

When you think about having plastic surgery, it’s critical to think about the risks and benefits.

Generally, the benefits of having thigh surgery include rapid results with less loose skin and cellulite on the thighs. Patients also report having a higher sense of self-esteem and the ability to wear clothing that they couldn’t before.

On the downside, thigh surgery can leave scars, and it’s possible that you could have asymmetrical results; in some cases, revision surgery may be needed.

Also, thigh surgery is a significant procedure, and you can expect considerable swelling and bruising for a few weeks. You will probably need to take at least 10 days off work for your recovery. But most patients require several weeks to recover fully, and vigorous exercise must wait for six to eight weeks.

The good news is this procedure offers outstanding results when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Thigh Surgery Side Effects

As noted above, bruising and swelling are common after a thigh lift, but there is a possibility of more serious issues:

• Poor incision healing
• Wound separation
• Persistent pain
• Excessive scarring
• Skin discoloration

Most patients don’t have serious side effects or complications, but it’s essential to carefully follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions for the best results. Also, it’s vital to quit smoking at least a month before and after surgery to allow your body to heal.

Also, please remember to attend your follow-up appointments so your surgeon can see how your incisions are healing.

Book Your Thigh Lift Procedure Today

Interested in a thigh lift in Chicago? Dr. Placik will review your options in your free consultation, as well as go over your surgical goals. He’ll decide if you’re a good candidate for a thigh lift.

References

• Thigh Lift Procedure Steps. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/procedure
• Thigh Lift Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://aedit.com/procedure/thigh-lift-surgery