What exactly is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift (thighplasty) is an invasive cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the thigh area.

This procedure is used to treat the issue of skin sagging in the thigh region of the body caused by obesity or advancing age

Perhaps the most common reason for a thigh lift is to help reshape and smooth the thigh area after losing weight. Some people also opt for the procedure to gain more shapeliness and to feel more comfortable wearing swimsuits, shorts, and jeans.

Why and when we need a Thigh Lift ?

This procedure is intended to treat loosening and sagging skin in the thigh region of the body as a result of excessive weight gain and loss, as well as age.
The skin loses its elasticity with age, as well as its tightness with weight gain and loss, and the subcutaneous adipose tissue thins, all of which lead the leg skin to droop downward, especially in the inner thigh. Skin folds that are falling tend to gather in the mid-thigh and, on rare occasions, towards the knee.

What are the  types of thigh lifts?

Thigh lifts remove excess skin and fat, but there are different types that are achieved via different incisions. Your provider will help you choose the best surgery to meet your individual needs. Below are the different types of thigh lifts to consider.

Inner (medial) thigh lift

A medial thigh lift is the most common form of this cosmetic surgery. It addresses sagging skin in your inner thighs via an incision from your groin down toward your knee or toward the back of your thigh area.

Mini thigh lift

Depending on your individual needs, your surgeon may determine that you qualify for a mini thigh lift. This procedure requires fewer incisions than other types of thigh lifts, only involving an incision in your groin area. It works well if you’re wanting to focus on the upper-inner part of your thigh only.

Outer (bilateral) thigh lift

An outer thigh lift addresses the outside portions of your thighs. The procedure involves an incision that starts in you groin area, then extends outward to your hip and lower back area.

Vertical thigh lift

If you’re looking to address a lot of excess skin in all areas of your thighs, you may consider a vertical thigh lift. It requires larger incisions that extend down to your knees. However, due to a higher risk for complicationsTrusted Source, your surgeon may not recommend this type of thigh lift.

Lift with liposuction

In some cases, the thigh area may have poor skin elasticity. Your surgeon may recommend liposuction in addition to thigh lift surgery to help remove excess fat cells and prevent sagging skin.

How is a thigh lift done?

Excess skin folds and fattening on the top and inner sides of the thighs are removed during thigh lift surgery. Extra skin is excised from thin patients with small excess skin folds, and the skin is stretched and sutured, producing a flat scar on the inside sides of the groin. It is used in conjunction with liposuction in individuals with a lot of extra skin folds and fattening.

How long does a thigh lift procedure last?

It changes depending on the patient's physical state. Thigh lift surgery takes roughly 2-3 hours on average.

Is it unpleasant to get a thigh lift?

Thigh lift surgery does not cause excruciating discomfort. Any aches and pains that arise during the first few days may be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Anesthesia Types

A general anesthetic is used for thigh lift surgery.

Who is eligible for thigh lift surgery?

Thigh lift surgery may be performed on anybody who has moderate to severe laxity, looseness, or extra skin in their legs.

This operation does not need any prior preparation. Stop smoking, drinking, and taking blood thinners at least one week before the surgery, just as you would before any other procedure.

If you have a cold or another illness, the procedure may have to be postponed.

What to Think About After Surgery

You may begin walking one week following surgery, but you must refrain from intensive sports and physical activity for four weeks.

To have a quick recovery, it's best if you don't smoke.

The Recovering Process

After surgery, you will not experience any acute discomfort. You may have minor aches and pains that may be managed with medications.

You can get up the next day and just have to remain in the hospital for one night.

On the second or third day following surgery, you may take a bath.

Following thigh lift surgery, you may have slight bruising and swelling on the inner surface of your legs, which should subside within a few weeks.

After approximately a week, you should be able to return to work.

How much does a Thigh lift surgery cost?

It can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including:

Country

Experience of the surgeon

Type of surgery

Location of the procedure (office, surgery center, hospital)

Type of anesthesia used

*A low-cost Thigh lift surgery performed by an inexperienced surgeon who delivers poor results is not a good combination.

What are the risks of thigh lift surgery?

Before committing to a thigh lift, you’ll need to determine whether the results you’re looking to achieve are worth the risk of side effects. While serious complications aren’t as common, you should discuss the following risks with your surgeon:

• bleeding
• scarring
• infections
• skin discoloration
• asymmetry
• loss of skin elasticity
• fluid accumulation
• deep vein thrombosis
• heart or lung complications

Your risk for complications may increase if you smoke, get limited physical activity, or consume a diet high in processed foods.

Thigh lift frequently asked questions -

Is Liposhaping insufficient to contour the inner thigh?

Liposhaping is the removal and injection of fat to reshape the body. It will not be enough to treat skin that has lost its elasticity and sagged on its own.

Is liposuction possible with this procedure?

In the event of patients with a lot of fat in their thighs, the surgery might be split into two sessions. The procedure is finished after excess fat is removed by liposuction and the drooping skin is reshaped by thigh lift surgery.

Is there going to be a scar after thigh lift surgery?

Suture marks are hidden in body folds, such as the groin, so they don't show through underwear. Over time, these markings disappear and become less obvious.

Isn't it feasible to use drugs and creams to prevent thigh or another sagging?

Special lotions or drugs may tighten the skin to some extent, but they cannot eliminate drooping.

Is it true that thigh lift surgery produces long-term results?

Except in the following situations, the outcomes of thigh lift surgery are permanent:

Skin sagging pockets will continue to emerge if you continue to lose weight.

If you're inclined to gain and lose weight fast, your already thinning skin will be subjected to more stretching, resulting in stretch marks and huge scars.

Is there a maximum age for this procedure?

This procedure is available to adults of all ages who are in good health, have consistent weight reduction, and have reasonable expectations from a body remodeling procedure.

Is it safe for me to participate in sports following surgery?

You may begin sports around one month following surgery.

After surgery, does the leg sag again?

If you gain and lose a lot of weight without adopting a healthy lifestyle, your leg skin is prone to sag again.

When will I be able to return to work following my surgery?

One week following surgery, you may return to work.

Is it possible to get a thigh lift without surgery?

Without surgery, a lasting thigh lift is not feasible.

Many equipment or items on the market claim to be able to do this. However, a couple of them may be useful mainly for those with modest laxity and no history of rapid weight gain and decrease.