Thigh Lift Quick Facts

THE TYPICAL THIGH LIFT PATIENT

• Desire for a more youthful appearance of the thighs.
  
• Focuses on excess, hanging (wrinkles, folds, cellulite) and excess fat, especially in the inner thighs.
  
• Problem occurs commonly after weight loss.
  

THE PROCEDURE

• General anesthesia is used, and the procedure takes about three hours.
  
• The incision is very inconspicuous and is located in the groin. The scar has a tendency to heal slightly wide and dark but there usually is some improvement over time.
  
• 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 down. The length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin.
  
• If there is a great deal of excess skin, an incision may need to be made down the inner thigh
  
• Drains are used for several days. These are soft, plastic tubes that are comfortable and removed without excess pain.
  
• Dressings and a light compression garment are used.
  
• This can be combined with other Plastic Surgery procedures.
  

THE RECOVERY

• You can shower on the third or fourth day after surgery (we will let you know).
  
• You can go home after several hours but it is usually more comfortable to stay overnight.
  
• There is usually only moderate pain that is easily controlled with medications.
  
• 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.
  
• You should take it very easy the first two weeks after surgery. You can resume most activities usually by three weeks.
  
• Any stitches are removed at ten to fourteen days.
  
• Expect to be off of work for two weeks, but you will be able to be up and around.
  

THE RESULT

• Tightened, lifted, and flattened contour to the inner thighs.
  
• More confident and comfortable in clothing, especially sportswear and jeans.
  
• Lasts the rest of your life and always looks better than if you didn’t do it. If there is continued sagging or weight loss, then a second touch up procedure can help.
  
• Natural and presentable appearance that just gets better over the next three to six months.