Thigh lift surgery reduces excess fat and loose skin to help contour the thighs. It is a cosmetic surgery commonly known as a thighplasty surgical procedure. A thigh lift can also create smoother skin and tighter more firm appearance in the lower body. Extreme weight loss can be one reason for excess skin around the legs. Although healthy eating and working out are important, they will not be able to tighten your thighs completely.
Am I a Good Candidate for Thigh Lift Surgery?
If you want a more youthful-looking and more proportionate body image and you want to tighten loose skin, a thigh lift may be right for you. Patients who have had extreme weight loss and are looking for tighter skin to show off their new legs may also want to have a thigh lift body contouring procedure done. If you are concerned about the thigh area and desire a slimmer appearance to the upper legs, then a thighplasty plastic surgery could be right for you. If you have experienced a significant weight loss but are now at a stable weight, then you are a good candidate for body contouring surgery.
What to Expect During Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia at a surgery center by our board-certified plastic surgeon, who will make incisions to remove skin, and contour your legs. There are several techniques for a thigh lift procedure. The most common thigh lift procedure involves placing an incisions on the medial aspect or inner thigh in the groin crease. This medial thigh lift or inner thigh lift will reduce the amount of fat and skin in this area which helps prevent chafing or rubbing of the inner thighs.
Another technique used for a thigh lift is placing incisions in the groin, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh underneath the buttocks. Incisions are also used to remove excess skin from the groin down to the knee. The least common type of thigh lift procedure is an outer thigh lift. It is less common because the scar is more noticeable.
These types of thigh lifts can be combined with liposuction to help with body contouring. Typically liposuction can be performed on the outer thighs to help with shaping the legs. Loss of weight and skin elasticity can lead to cellulite and excess tissue around the thighs. Every person is different and our plastic surgeon will decide what technique is right for you at your initial consultation. The length of the procedure is typically about 2-4 hours long.
Some patients want to combine surgeries to achieve the best results for body contouring. Most patients have experienced massive weight loss either through diet and exercise or with gastric bypass surgery. The most common combined surgeries are a Tummy Tuck, lower body lift, breast augmentation and Mommy Makeover. The most common procedure done with a thigh lift is liposuction.
Combining liposuction and removing the remaining skin with a thigh lift will help achieve a more pleasing result.
Post-Operative Thigh Lift
After your thigh lift surgery you will need to wear a compression garment 24/7. Our office will instruct you on how to wear a compression garment during your post-operative visit. You may shower but please do not submerge in any body’s of water such as swimming pool, hot tub and bath tub etc. You most likely will not have any drains.
There may be small incisions in different areas of your thigh, it is normal for this to drain. Ideally, lymphatic massages would help with the increase of fluid. Avoid foods high in sodium during recovery to avoid fluid retention. No strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks post surgery. No driving while on narcotic medications. You can alternate between Tylenol and Motrin for pain.
We recommend for you to sleep with pillows underneath your legs for comfort. You may not be able to extend your leg fully the first 1-2 weeks post surgery. You will notice bruising, swelling and numbness in different parts of the thighs.
How Long is Recovery Time After a Thigh Lift?
Recovery time can take around two to three weeks, but you may be able to return to work in two or three days. It is always a good idea to rest after surgery and give your body time to recover and heal. Most of your incisions can be hidden with clothes until they fully heal. Sutures placed are done under the skin and will dissolve on their own. Rarely are drains necessary with a thigh lift surgery.
Pain medication will be prescribed and taken on a schedule after surgery to help with your comfort. You will want to refrain from strenuous activity during the healing process until your surgeon approves it which is typically about 6 weeks. This will make sure your recovery is smooth and all incisions are healing properly.
You will need to wear a compression garment after surgery to help reduce swelling and achieve the best reshaping results. For the best results we recommend wearing the compression garment for 6-8 weeks postoperatively.
What to Expect After a Thigh Lift
As our body ages, it is natural to lose some of the elasticity. However, most of your improvement from surgery should remain. Patients who are good candidates tend to have phenomenal results and feel confident in clothes and shorts again.
Will There Be Scarring After a Thigh Lift?
Some scars will be present but with proper care of the area and with use of scar cream and post procedural cream, the scars should fade and gradually become less noticeable.
In some cases a scarless thigh lift can be performed if minimal excess fat needs to be removed on the inner thighs or outer thighs using liposuction. Then using the very small incisions hidden in the groin crease, a technique to tighten the loose skin is performed using a system called J-Plasma or BodyTite which improves the skin elasticity.
How Much Does Thigh Lift Surgery Cost?
Typically pricing for an outpatient procedure is determined by the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia cost and facility fees. The average cost is about $6000-$8000 for thigh lift plastic surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Texas Liposuction Specialty Clinic in Houston today to schedule a consultation for your Liposuction with Dr. Payne.