Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape and improve the appearance of your thighs. It targets loose skin and excess fat, creating a more toned and sculpted look. The best outcomes are achieved on the inner thighs. Outer thigh skin is thicker and does well with liposuction.
Thigh lift surgery in Reno, Nevada
Significant weight loss can leave behind sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits. Your inner and outer thighs know this all too well. A thigh lift removes this excess tissue, creating a smoother and tighter contour. This procedure can also address imbalances between your upper and lower thighs, creating a more proportional silhouette.
If you have larger amounts of fat that need to be removed, a thigh lift may work in tandem with liposuction.
Types of Thigh Lifts
There are several different types of thigh lift procedures, each designed to address specific concerns about the appearance of your thighs. The best type of thigh lift for you will depend on your individual goals.
The different types of thigh lifts include:
Ideal Thigh Lift Candidates
Ideal candidates for a thigh lift are people looking to address loose skin and excess fat, not weight loss itself. If you have significant sagging skin or stubborn fat deposits on your inner or outer thighs—especially after weight loss and despite diet and exercise—a thigh lift might be a good option. Dr. Virden will assess your individual situation during a consultation and discuss your goals, weight history, and overall health.
If you think you may be a good candidate for a thigh lift, book an appointment with our team today.
What to Expect During Your Thigh Lift Procedure
A thigh lift takes between two and four hours, and you’ll be under general anesthesia for the procedure. Dr. Virden will determine the incision location and length based on the specific type of thigh lift discussed:
- Inner Thigh Lift: Incisions can occur in your groin and extend down your thigh, wrapping around the back. Another technique used could involve removing excess skin from your groin down to your knee along the inseam.
- Outer Thigh Lift: The incision follows a line around your hip.
- Mini Thigh Lift: The incision for a mini thigh lift is shorter than that of a traditional inner thigh lift. A small incision is hidden within your groin crease, close to where it meets your upper inner thigh.
- Vertical Thigh Lift: The incision follows a line down your inner thigh.
- Spiral Thigh Lift: The incision for a spiral thigh lift starts at your groin crease and spirals down your inner thigh and around your butt.
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
You’ll wear a compression garment to aid healing and minimize swelling, while medication helps manage any pain or discomfort. Prioritizing rest by elevating your leg is important to reduce swelling.
You can expect swelling and bruising to peak within the first few days, but these side effects do subside after a few weeks. Most people return to work within one to two weeks, and a full recovery may take several months.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and to remove stitches.
Thigh Lift FAQs
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape and improve the appearance of your thighs. It targets two main concerns, excess skin and stubborn fat deposits. A thigh lift can eliminate these deposits for a smoother, more sculpted look.
How Long Does a Thigh Lift Last?
A thigh lift can be long-lasting but maintaining a stable weight and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle are important changes to ensure your thigh lift’s longevity.
Will Insurance Pay for Thigh Lifts?
Thigh lifts are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance.
What Is the Downside of a Thigh Lift?
While thigh lifts can offer dramatic improvements in the appearance of your thighs, there are some downsides to consider including swelling, bruising, pain, and numbness. These side effects are temporary. Incisions will also leave scars, but Dr. Virden uses precise techniques to promote minimal scarring.
How Bad Does a Thigh Lift Hurt?
During the procedure, you’ll be under general anesthesia. You may experience some pain and discomfort after surgery, but this can be managed with medication. Your individual pain tolerance also affects the overall level of pain for this procedure.
What Is the Difference Between a Thigh Lift and a Mini Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift addresses significant loose skin and excess fat. It involves your entire thigh and the incision is longer than a mini thigh lift. Recovery time is around four to six weeks.
A mini thigh lift is used to address mild to moderate loose skin in your inner thigh and only deals with your upper inner thigh. The incision is shorter and often occurs in the crease of your groin. Recovery time is usually two to four weeks.
How Long After a Thigh Lift Can You Walk?
You’ll be encouraged to take short walks soon after surgery to promote circulation. Within the first week or two, you can gradually increase walking distance and duration as pain and swelling subsides. By week three and on, you can gradually increase distance and intensity into normal exercise.
Contour Your Thighs
If you want a slimmer, more flattering figure and have tried to lose the weight on the thighs with a healthy diet and exercise, a thigh lift surgery may help get you to your goals. We will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that will give you toned thighs. Schedule a consultation with our office today, and learn how a thigh lift or other nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatments can revive your skin.