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.
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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Thigh lifts are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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