Thigh lift surgery removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, improving their proportion to the rest of the lower body. This procedure can be performed on the inner thigh, the outer thigh, or both. After thigh lift surgery, patients enjoy increased self-confidence and slimmer thighs that look better than ever.
Thigh lift surgery may be done several ways, with each approach differing in its incision type. The most common types are inner thigh lift, vertical thigh lift, and outer thigh lift.
An inner thigh lift is the most popular approach; it is performed through incisions in the fold of the groin. Through this incision, skin and tissue are lifted and tightened. An inner thigh lift is ideal for individuals whose thighs contain moderate amounts of fat and loose skin.
As its name suggests, a vertical thigh lift utilizes a vertical incision spanning from the fold of the groin to the inner knee. A block of skin is then removed from the inner thigh. Individuals with large amounts of fat and loose skin will greatly benefit from a vertical thigh lift. In some patients who have lost a lot of weight, a vertical and inner thigh lift may be necessary to achieve their ideal thigh shape. If this is the case, then drains will likely be used during the post-procedure process.
The incision of an outer thigh lift begins at the groin and goes around the hip. Excess fat and skin are then removed from the area, and remaining skin is pulled over the buttocks and thighs.
If you are considering thigh lift surgery, you will meet with a plastic surgeon to determine whether you qualify. During the consultation, your body will be examined and your medical history will be reviewed. Your plastic surgeon will explain the thigh lift procedure in great detail, including the risks and potential results. If you qualify for thigh lift surgery, you will be scheduled for surgery and preoperative instructions will be provided; be sure to follow these instructions closely.
Thigh lift surgery is performed with either general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are made into the thigh and skin is removed, lifted and tightened. After the thigh has been properly recontoured, incisions are closed with sutures. Depending, liposuction may also be performed at the time of the surgery. Thigh lift surgery takes roughly three hours to perform, but this can vary based on the amount of skin excess and incision patterns.
Candidates for thigh lift surgery are nonsmokers with a stable weight. They keep a regular diet and exercise routine but have excess skin on their inner thighs. Patients considering thigh lift surgery must be doing so for their own personal goals and must have realistic expectations about the procedure.
Patients typically return home the same day as their thigh lift procedure. For the first few days after surgery, you may experience discomfort, which can be managed with medication. You can shower two days after thigh lift surgery. For the first five weeks after surgery, swelling may persist. Your plastic surgeon will let you know when you can safely resume work and other regular activities.
As with all surgical procedures, complications may occur following thigh lift surgery. These risks may include pain, skin loss, complications from the anesthesia, poor results, blood clots, infection, wound healing difficulties, prolonged swelling, or bleeding. To minimize the occurrence of complications and to ensure the success of your procedure, always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon and ask to see before and after medial thigh lift results.
To learn more about thigh lift surgery, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. Our offices serve Queens, NY, Long Island, NY, Bergen County, NJ, and all surrounding areas.
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