Thigh Lift

Who is a good candidate for Thigh Lift?

Healthy patients with realistic expectations and stable weight that suffer from saggy or loose skin of the thighs.

What are Thigh Lift contraindications?

Severe or uncontrolled systemic diseases, connective tissue disease, malignancy, unrealistic expectations, local skin pathology and pregnancy.

Note: A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient.

How is this procedure performed?

The procedure is commonly done under tumescence anesthesia with monitored sedation. Tumescence anesthesia consists of diluted Lidocaine with epinephrine in a crystalloid solution that is infiltrated into the operative area in calculated amounts based on patient’s body weight. Liposuction might be performed first by introducing small cannulas to remove the fatty tissue from the thigh prior to excision of the excess skin. Different types of thigh lift include:

1- medial lift that addresses the excess skin in the upper inner thigh utilizing an incision hidden in the groin crease.

2- Vertical lift that addresses the excess skin along the entire inner thigh utilizing an incision extending from upper inner thigh to the knee.

3- Circumferential lift that addresses the skin all around the thigh utilizing an incision that circles around the groin and the gluteal region.

How long does the effect last?

Thigh lift provides durable long term results, however, significant weight gain and other factors might affect the results of the procedure.

What should I expect during recovery?

Since the area is numb after the procedure, we routinely do not use narcotics for pain control and pain is easily controlled on acetaminophen (Tylenol). Also, since general anesthesia and narcotics are usually avoided, nausea and vomiting are very rare after the procedure. A compression garment is usually worn postoperatively for 2-4 weeks or longer. Patients are usually discharged to the care of a responsible adult and recover at home. Light activity and early ambulation are encouraged after the surgery. It is normal for many patients to feel that they have to slightly bend over while walking for the first 1-2 weeks. Activities are advanced gradually based on your healing.

Where is the scar?

Based on the type of thigh lift:

1- medial lift: the scar is hidden in the groin crease.

2- Vertical lift: The scar is placed along the entire inner thigh extending from upper inner thigh to the knee.

3- Circumferential lift: The scar is placed all around the upper thigh.