A thigh lift can greatly enhance and improve the shape of the thigh and buttocks area. A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that provides a safe and effective means to achieve a patient's aesthetic goals. Often after significant weight loss or as a result of the natural aging process, a person may develop baggy or loose skin and/or excess fat in the thigh area. A patient may also be concerned about wrinkles, folds, excess fat, and cellulite in the upper thigh area. A thigh lift can address these issues in order to provide a firmer and more youthful appearance and contour of the thigh and buttocks region.
A good candidate for a thigh lift procedure is a patient who is in good physical and emotional health. For many patients, dieting and exercise efforts have either caused, or failed to remedy, their aesthetic concerns in the thigh area. When a patient has succeeded in losing a significant amount of weight, they may be faced with saggy of excess skin in certain areas of the body. A thigh lift can be complimentary to weight loss, allowing a patient to achieve the look they desire. It is important for a thigh lift patient to have a realistic idea of what this body contouring procedure can- and cannot- do for them.
During a thigh lift procedure the patient will usually be placed under a general anesthesia that overnight stay in the hospital after a thigh lift, though in some will allow them to sleep through the entire surgery. A thigh lift may target the skin and fat of the inner thigh or the outer thigh and buttocks area. This procedure may be done alone or in conjunction with an abdominoplasty or liposuction to achieve a patient's desired look. The thigh lift procedure itself typically takes about two hours. A patient typically benefits from an overnight stay in the hospital after a thigh lift, though in some cases the patient can return home a few hours after the procedure.
When a thigh lift targets the inner thigh, an inconspicuous incision is made in the bikini area to access the extra skin and fat of the area. When the tight lift targets the outer thigh and buttocks region, the incision may extend up the groin to the back and will later be hidden by a bikini. A crescent of skin will be excised from the area and the skin will be made tight and sewn to prevent later sagging. If fat removal is necessary, thigh lift surgery may also include liposuction. Drains are typically placed in the treatment area to facilitate recovery and healing.
After a thigh lift, it is common for a patient to experience some degree of swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms are temporary and can often be mitigated with pain medications and proper rest. A thigh lift patient's activities will also be restricted for a short period after surgery. A patient will usually be able to return to work after two weeks and may resume exercise after four. After a thigh lift, it is crucial for a patient to comply with all after-surgery care instructions provided by their experienced plastic surgeon.
While the cost of a thigh lift is not typically covered by medical insurance, most surgeons will provide payment options that allow a patient to feasibly cover the expense of thigh lift surgery. If you would like to learn more about thigh lift surgery, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in your area.