Thigh Lift

What is a Thigh Lift and who is a candidate for the procedure?

A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the contour of the thighs and buttocks by lifting and tightening loose skin in the area. This procedure may be recommended to patients who have excess, loose and sagging skin in the thighs due to a large amount of weight loss or previous liposuction procedures. The best candidates for thighplasty are in good general health without any chronic conditions, do not smoke and have realistic expectations for the procedure.

How is a Thigh Lift performed and what is the recovery like?

Prior to the surgery, the surgeon performs a complete medical evaluation. At this time, the patient is provided with instructions to follow prior to and after the procedure. These instructions may include guidelines for eating, drinking and smoking. The surgeon will also talk to the patient about which medications are advantageous prior to surgery and which should be avoided. Another important topic is patient expectations which may affect the outcome of the surgery.  Realistic expectations will increase the odds of a successful procedure and a thorough discussion regarding what to expect during post-operative recovery and months after the procedure is important.

A thigh lift is usually performed under general anesthesia. The area is marked prior to surgery while the patient is in a standing position. The procedure generally takes approximately two hours, depending on the patient and what is needed. Deep sutures are used to close any incisions, which will dissolve within four months. It is important for a patient to have someone helping them get home after the surgery and if possible, to help for a couple of days afterward.

Patients are usually advised to take seven to ten days off work for recovery time. During this period, patients must remain in either a reclining or standing position, since sitting is not allowed during the recovery process. Some bruising and swelling may occur after the surgery, and could last up to one month. The majority of patients recover well after a thigh lift, with most returning to all normal activities within two months.

What are the risks involved with a Thigh Lift?

As with any type of surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with thighplasty. These risks might include infection or swelling at the site of the incision, fluid accumulation and blood clots, changes in the sensation of the skin such as numbness, pain and poor wound healing. Some of these risks can be compounded by smoking too close to the date of surgery, since smoking can decrease the blood supply to the body's tissues.

One way to reduce risks after any surgical procedure is to strictly follow the surgeon's post-operative directions. A list of instructions is generally sent home with the patient after surgery with specific guidelines to follow to ensure a full recovery.