Gravity and aging can be very taxing to the body, particularly the thighs. After weight loss, the thighs can be very resistant to exercise and dieting, causing excess skin, wrinkles, and fat to collect. A thigh lift surgery can be the right course of action to tone, tighten, and firm the skin that has lost its elasticity. This procedure can bring confidence back and create more attractive, contoured upper legs and may be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as liposuction or a brazilian butt lift.
Thigh Lift Procedures
Designed to remove excess and sagging skin due to weight loss, age, or pregnancy, thigh lifts will help make the skin tighter, and combined with liposuction, will help remove stubborn fat cells. The surgeon will choose the best option for anesthesia, however intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are usually administered. Incisions are placed in strategic locations where clothing will hide the scarring well, even in bikinis. Thigh lifts can be broken down into three separate procedures:
Inner Thigh Lift
An inner thigh lift is primarily for people who struggle with excess fat and skin on the inner thighs due to extreme weight loss or aging. An incision is made where the thigh and pubic area meet, allowing scarring to be easily hidden by underwear and low-rise clothing. Excess skin and fat will be removed, and tightening the remainder of the skin will improve shape of the inner thighs.
Bilateral Thigh Lift
Bilateral thigh lifts are used to address the front and outside of the thighs. An incision will be made in the groin area where the upper thigh meets the pubic area, and may extend around the hip. Excess skin from both the right and left side of the leg is then lifted and trimmed, tightening the skin. This technique also allows for greater amounts of skin removal, which is why it is very helpful for those with large amounts of excess skin from extreme weight loss. This procedure can be coupled with a lower body lift for even more spectacular results.
Medial Thigh Lift
A medial thigh lift requires incisions made from the groin to the crease of the buttocks to reduce excess fat and skin on the upper portion of the inner thigh. The incision may extend around the hip. Excess skin and fat will be removed, while lifting the skin and tightening the thigh, improving overall contour.
Thigh Lift Recovery
Recovery time from a thigh lift will normally be around 3-4 weeks, while it can take up to 6 weeks to be fully healed. The longer the incision, the longer heal-time required. Taking caution not to disrupt the incisions, the first 48 hours are best spent in bed with a caretaker. Two days after the surgery, you may shower carefully removing bandages and compression garments. Minimal, short walks are recommended to keep blood circulating to aid in recovery, but anything more should be avoided as it may re-injure the incisions. While on pain medication, driving should not be performed. Patients can return to desk work typically in the third week with careful sitting. Extraneous activities should be avoided for six weeks or more.
Thigh Lift Faq
Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?
Ideal candidates have realistic expectations for the procedure, are in good medical health, can commit to proper recovery time, have relatively stable weight, and experience sagging skin on thighs due to weight loss or age.
What is the difference between thigh liposuction and a thigh lift?
Liposuction is primarily used when skin elasticity is in relatively good condition and there is an excess of stubborn fat cells. A thigh lift is primarily used when skin elasticity is in relatively poor condition and there is an excess of sagging skin.
How much does a thigh lift procedure cost?
Pricing varies based on body and skin types along with combined procedures performed. Please call or schedule a consultation for more information.
