As we age, our thighs and hips gradually change shape by drooping and sagging. This can have harmful effects on one’s self image and sense of attractiveness. In the past, nothing could be done to correct this unfortunate circumstance. Modern science, however, has found a way to reverse nature’s aging process through cosmetic surgery. Thigh lift surgery includes a medial and/or lateral thigh lift. These procedures can help an individual regain the confidence and youthful appearance aging has taken away.

Are you a candidate?

The best candidates for thigh lift surgery have poor skin tone in the buttock area and thighs. This is characterized by loose or excess skin, stretch marks, and cellulite. Patients who suffer from poor skin quality cannot benefit from liposuction and can only improve the appearance of their thighs through thigh lift surgery. Ideal candidates are also in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can do for them.

What is the procedure?

A thigh lift works well for patients who have a large amount of loose thigh skin. The operation removes this excess skin, resulting in an optimal position with tighter skin and texture. The incisions in the skin can usually be placed so that they are hidden beneath a swimsuit.

Can you have thigh lift and other procedures simultaneously?

A medial and or lateral thigh lift can be employed based on your needs. Liposuction can also be used to sculpt the lower body region into a desired shape in conjunction with this surgery. During a thigh lift, excess skin is removed and the thighs are raised to a higher position and tightened.

What will the recovery period be like after surgery?

Although some swelling will occur, you will immediately be able to notice your enhanced contours after your thigh lift. Over time the swelling will recede and you will be left with a reshaped body that is sculpted to your desires. During your initial consultation your cosmetic surgeon will provide additional information regarding what you should expect immediately after thigh lift surgery.

After surgery, you will be fitted with a body garment that aides in the healing process and helps your skin adapt to its new contours. You should be able to return to work approximately one to two weeks after surgery; you may resume strenuous activity in approximately six to eight weeks. During the recovery process from thigh lift surgery, it is important to be mobile to guarantee good circulation and promote healing. Most patients are very pleased with the long-term results of their thigh lift surgeries.

Will incisions be visible?

The location of thigh lift incisions can vary depending on each patient’s needs. For many people, scars left from incisions can be easily hidden beneath a swimsuit.

Are the effects permanent?

The length of time your results will last is largely dependent on your lifestyle and health habits. By maintaining a proper diet and level of exercise, thigh lift results can easily last ten years or more. Weight gain and aging may have adverse effects on the improvements provided by thigh lift surgery. To ensure a permanently enhanced shape it is essential to make Healthy Lifestyle choices.

What are the risks of thigh lift?

Any form of surgery has an amount of uncertainty and risk involved. thigh lift surgery is no exception. Complications may include adverse reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma) which may need to be drained, nerve damage, poor wound healing and unsatisfactory scars.

At our facility, calf compression devices are used for all thigh lift surgery. Calf compression devices are pressure cuffs that fit over each lower leg from the ankle to the knee and compress every one to two minutes to circulate the blood. This reduces the pooling of blood in the lower extremities and further reduce the possibility of blood clots or emboli. Smokers must stop smoking well in advance of surgery because smoking seriously decreases blood circulation in the skin, which increases the risk of complications and poor healing.

How do you prepare for surgery?

It is important to be honest about your expectations and goals while speaking with your cosmetic surgeon. As you plan the thigh lift surgery together, you will discuss the size, shape, and skin characteristics that you and your doctor hope to obtain through the operation. Your health history will be evaluated and the procedure will be planned and explained so that your surgeon can operate safely and provide you with the results you desire. Your surgeon will provide guidelines with instructions on eating, drinking, the use of certain vitamins or medications, and not smoking. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will still be feeling the effects of anesthesia.

Where is the procedure performed?

thigh lift surgery can be performed in either an office-based surgical center or a hospital, depending on your needs. Some patients require an additional hospital stay of several days following surgery. The location and extent of the procedure vary with each patient.

What will the recovery period be like?

After surgery, you will experience some swelling and soreness/pain around the surgical area. The uncomfortable part of recovery generally lasts 7 to 10 days in which pain is controlled with oral medications. Compression garments are generally worn for three to six weeks. Routine activities may resume at two weeks and exercise started at eight weeks after surgery.