What is a thigh lift?
Thigh lift surgery reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin, and in some cases, excess fat tissue resulting in smoother, more even skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs in relation to the torso.
If weight loss and exercising have not helped you achieve your goals for a lower body area that is more firm, youthful-looking and proportionate to the rest of your body, a thigh lift may be just right for you.
Thigh lifts are not focused strictly on the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat if the skin has satisfactory elasticity. A combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be recommended in cases where skin elasticity is poor (in older candidates mostly).
Who are the best candidates for thigh lift?
- Individuals who are not overweight and whose body weight is relatively stable.
- Individuals with excess skin and fat tissue along the inner thigh.
- Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair the healing process or can increase risk of surgery.
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations for what thigh lift surgery can offer.
- Men and women who exercise regularly and have healthy eating habits
The information you will give to your surgeon will determine to a great extent the safety and positive outcome of the procedure. You should discuss with your surgeon about the reasons why you want to undergo the operation and what your expectations are. Make sure to tell your surgeon if you have any health problems, if you have any allergies, if you are under any medication and for what condition. It is important for him to know if you are a smoker (heavy or not), if you consume alcohol, if you make excessive use of medication or other substances, if you take any food supplements, homeopathic or not. Finally make sure to tell your surgeon if you had any, and what type, of surgery in the past.
Your surgeon shall provide you with specific instructions for the day of the operation, regarding pre-operation tests, where the procedure will take place and how long you will need to be hospitalized (a night, usually). Make sure there is a friend or member of the family to drive you back home, and stay there to help you, after the operation is over and the doctor discharges you from the hospital
Thigh lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia or light sedation. You will discuss with your surgeon the method best suitted for you.
Incisions are made in the inner thighs, in the area meeting the groin, and follow the line of the underwear or bathing suit so that, after healing, the scar will be barely visible.
Your surgeon then proceeds to remove excess skin and fat tissue to achieve the desired thigh contours.
Results are visible right after surgery, but swelling and bruising conceal the full outcome. The patient will wear a special compression garment for a couple of weeks after surgery, to help these symptoms subside quickly. Following a thigh lift, skin quality is dramatically improved both in appearance and feel.
You should discuss thoroughly with your surgeon all your questions regarding the operation, the possible dangers and complications. Make sure to follow his instructions after the operation, and do not hesitate to contact him/her if something does not go as planned or if there is something worrying you.
It is absolutely natural to be anxious or to be worried about a surgical procedure. Do not be embarrassed to tell your surgeon.
When the procedure is over, gauzes will be placed over the incisions, and you will already be wearing the elastic supportive garment. Most probably a tiny plastic tube would have been placed under your skin to drain fluids from the wound. It is usually removed the next day.
You shall receive specific instructions regarding the care of your bandages and what you can or cannot do after surgery. You will be prescribed antibiotics and pain killers. Your surgeon will set the follow-up appointments.
You will return gradually to your everyday activities. Full comeback (e.g. heavy exercising) can happen after a month.
The overall results of the operation will be visible after 2-3 months, although the change will be evident right after the operation. Some visible scars under the line your underwear line will remain. The results can last for years to come, provided that you maintain a stable body weight and exercise regularly.