Dex Code

Thigh Lift

What is a thigh lift?

Tone and Refine Your Legs

A thigh lift is a plastic surgery that helps in achieving firmer and younger-looking upper legs. Also known as thighplasty, a thigh lift is helpful to patients who have loose skin caused by weight loss. It can also help refine and tone the legs to achieve a thinner appearance.

The thighs and the hips are some of the most common areas in the body that have large enzyme lipase content and thus store fat more quickly than other parts. These areas are also most likely to be the most resistant to exercise and diet.

What are the different types of thigh lift?

Thigh lift surgery comes in different types depending on the areas that need to be treated. You may consult Dr. Randall Barnett at the Alpine Plastic Surgery Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT to help you choose the right type of thigh lift.

The types of thigh lift include:

  • Inner thigh lift. This type of thigh lift targets the inner thighs and is indicated for people who find it hard to eliminate excess fat in this area even through proper diet and exercise. During this procedure, the incision is made at the area where the thigh and the pubic area meet. Skin and at times fat are then removed, tightening the remaining skin to meet the desired contour of the thighs.
  • Bilateral thigh lift. This procedure involves tightening the skin of the leg in its front and outside areas. The incision in this type of thigh lift is made at the topmost part of the leg where the lower edge of the underwear is located. Like any other thigh lift procedure, some skin may be removed and pulled up to tighten the area. It can enhance the left and right sides of the leg, too. People who have undergone extreme weight loss will most likely benefit from this procedure.
  • Medial thigh lift. In this type of thigh lift, excess skin and fat found on the area above the inner thigh are removed. After extreme weight loss, you may undergo this procedure to get your legs back to shape as your excess skin is removed. The incision in this procedure is done in the groin, going to the back of the buttock crease. The remaining skin is then tightened to achieve the desired outcome.

Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?

You are suitable for this procedure if you have:

  • Excess skin folds
  • Unwanted fat in the thighs, upper legs, hips, and belly
  • Uneven body contours
  • Gained excessive weight, especially during pregnancy, and have lost that weight

On the other hand, it is best to reconsider a thigh lift surgery if you are not willing to take the risks of the surgery and do not have realistic post-surgical expectations.

What are the side effects of thigh lift surgery?

After the treatment, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and numbness around the treated area. Some patients may develop complications, such as infection, fluid build-up, bleeding, and reopening of wounds.

What happens during a thigh lift?

The surgeon makes an incision on the inner and upper thigh in order to remove the excess skin and fat in the area. Liposuction may be done before, during, and right after the surgery.

A thigh lift surgery may be done in an outpatient center or in your doctor’s clinic. Most likely, you will be allowed to go home right after the procedure. Furthermore, the surgery usually lasts up to four hours.

What should I expect after thigh lift surgery?

You may be advised to wear a support garment for a few weeks after surgery. The garment will prevent the accumulation of fluid. After a week or two, stitches may be removed. In order to prevent infection, your doctor may prescribe you with antibiotics.

You will experience some swelling around the area that was treated although it typically disappears in three weeks. In rare cases, the swelling could persist up to several months. Most thigh lift patients are able to resume working after four to six weeks. However, it is best to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for about a month after thigh lift surgery.

Will thigh lift bring visible scars?

A thigh lift procedure will leave scars, but the scars are not totally visible since they are found in inconspicuous locations such as areas covered by underwear and bikinis. Furthermore, the scars fade over time or with the use of scar-healing products. However, most thigh lift patients believe that the presence of scars do not outweigh the benefits the procedure brings.