Thigh Lift

Our patients who have received a thigh lift in Toronto at Edelstein Cosmetic have reported some of the following benefits:

• Fold and crease elimination
• Smoothing of wrinkles
• Firmer thighs
• Less cellulite
• Overall contour and proportions improved
• Boost in self-confidence
• Better clothing fit
• Enhanced mobility and posture
• Reduced skin rash and irritation
• Increased hygiene

The typical thigh lift patient in Toronto at Edelstein Cosmetic would have some of the following characteristics:

• Desires more youthful lower body contours
• Experience reduced mobility due to heavy thighs
• Experience skin irritation due to heavy thighs
• No smoking
• No underlying medical condition
• Realistic expectations
• Wants to get rid of excess fat
• Wants to get rid of excess skin folds after weight loss

The treatment we offer to patients can be adapted since every person may suffer from a different degree of thigh deformity. Even when a large amount of weight has been lost throughout the rest of the body, some patients may still be troubled by stubborn thigh fat and saggy skin that seems impossible to get rid of. This is of particular concern for women.

When your surgeon begins to recontour the thighs, special attention is paid to the delicate features of the area, most notably the superficial lymphatic structures (a transport system for fluid and immune cells). If the lymphatic structures are injured during a medial thigh lift, it can lead to complications. 

An incision is placed in a very inconspicuous location in the groin. The procedure involves liposuction of any excess fat in the thighs, then removing a crescent of skin high up in the groin, loosening the tissues below this, and then pulling it up and sewing the edges together. Deep stitches are secured to the ligaments and bone, so there is less of a tendency for the skin to fall. The length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin. If there is a great deal of excess skin, an incision may also need to be made down the inner thigh. This allows for a rejuvenated and healthier appearance after treatment is complete.

Some patients who have experienced massive weight loss may suffer from loose excess skin that can hang down to (or reach below) the knee. 

The procedure takes about three hours to complete.

You should ask a family member or friend to pick you up from your surgery and help you out around the house while you recover.

Results may initially be obscured by swelling and bruising, but they’ll become apparent once you’ve healed. Swelling is moderate and peaks at four to five days, then disappears rapidly over the next two weeks. Bruising generally fades after two to three weeks.

Dressings cover the incisions, and you’ll wear a light compression garment that minimizes swelling and supports the affected tissue while you recover. There is usually only moderate pain, which is easily controlled with medications. Drains may be used for several days. These are soft, plastic tubes that are comfortable and removed without excess pain.

You can go home after several hours, but it may be recommended that you stay overnight.

You can shower on the third or fourth day after surgery (we will let you know).

You should take it very easy the first two weeks after surgery. You can resume most activities usually in three weeks, and any non-absorbable stitches, if present,  are removed in ten to fourteen days.

Expect to be off work for two weeks, but you can be up and move around.

During the healing process, you should be sure to call us if you notice any unusual pains or issues like shortness of breath. The scar tends to heal slightly wide and dark, but there usually is some improvement over time.