What is a thigh lift or thighplasty?
Thigh lift surgery (similar to an arm lift) is an outpatient procedure for removing unwanted fat and excess skin from the inner thigh. This most often occurs when individuals have lost a large amount of weight through exercise or weight loss surgery. Incisions run along the inner thigh from the knee area to the groin and are well-hidden. After removing the excess skin and fat, the remaining excess tissues are tailored extensively to produce an excellent contour and skin-tightening effect.
How is a thigh lift procedure performed?
A thigh lift surgery is performed through an incision placed along the inside of the thigh. This incision usually starts near the knee and then extends toward the groin. The length of the incision is usually dictated by the degree of flabbiness and redundant loose skin present. Once the incision is made, the redundant fat and excess skin are removed. Extensive tailoring is then performed to limit the length of the scar. The scar itself is kept along the “inseam” of the thigh so that it is well-hidden. The contour is touched up with liposuction to create an aesthetically pleasing form for the area. A small drain may be placed at the end of surgery.
Recovery
What is the recovery process from a thigh lift procedure like?
A thigh lift can take between 2 and 4 hours to perform, depending on the degree of excess skin. It is routinely done in an outpatient setting. However, when combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast reduction, or arm lift, then an overnight stay in an aftercare facility is highly recommended for a more healthy recovery experience. Long-acting local anesthesia is used in combination with general anesthesia to limit pain substantially in the postoperative period. You should have a friend or relative assist you in the first 24 hours when you go home. Your initial dressings will include gauze and either an elastic bandage or a compression garment. Any external stitches or drains (if used) will be removed during the first visit. A compression garment will need to be worn around the clock for the next 3 to 4 weeks of the recovery period.
Your thighs may be bruised and swollen for the first week following surgery, but pain is minimal. As with other body contouring procedures, you should plan on staying home for the first week, with very limited activities, including walking, reading, and light duty around the house. Driving should be avoided during this time as well as heavy lifting or squatting-type activities.
In 2 weeks, you may begin to gently increase your activity, including more extensive walking, but avoid aggressive exercise or weight lifting. Running and other strenuous activities are also to be avoided for 6 weeks.
There may be some diminished sensation along the inner part of the thigh. Much of this will go away as the swelling subsides over the next 6 weeks. Occasionally, the decreased sensation may be permanent.
Risks and Complications
What are the risks and complications of a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is a relatively simple surgery, but it does take a trained aesthetic eye to limit the length and visibility of the scar and to produce an excellent contour. Basic risks include sensitivity or reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, or infection. A hematoma can be drained in the office with local anesthetic. An infection may require oral antibiotics and possibly open drainage if it occurs. In more severe cases, a bad infection may require intravenous antibiotics and a brief hospitalization.
Scars are commonplace for any surgical procedure. In a thigh lift, the scars are located in the groin crease and can sometimes be quite extensive. They can be raised or can stretch or widen over time. Dr. Panossian has developed his own thigh lifting technique for improving the physical appearance of thigh lift scars with a combination of products and timing that have provided consistent fantastic results.
Slight asymmetry is always a risk in plastic surgery. After a thigh lift, there may be subtle differences between the thighs in terms of scarring, shape, or decreased sensation. Once again, these are relatively rare occurrences in experienced hands. In inexperienced hands, injury to the nerves of the thigh can also occur, resulting in temporary or permanent weakness or numbness.
Dr. Panossian has vast experience in minimal-scar plastic surgery and will be happy to go over your options during a personal thigh lift consultation. He spends a large amount of time with his patients, going over the details and customized plans before any cosmetic surgery. His staff is also available at all times to answer your questions and address problems should they arise. Call us for a thigh lift consultation today.
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Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thigh Lift
After a thigh lift, it is important to avoid sitting directly on the incision area for the first few days of recovery time. This will help promote proper healing and prevent any unnecessary pressure on the surgical site during the healing process.
Yes, a lower body lift typically includes the thighs as part of the procedure. This helps address extra or loose skin in the outer thigh area. Candidates for a thigh lift may benefit from this combined approach, but it’s important to consult with a skilled thigh lift surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
A thigh lift can help improve the appearance of cellulite by removing excess skin and fat from the thighs. However, it is important to note that a thigh lift is not specifically designed to treat cellulite. It is typically recommended for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss and are left with loose or sagging thigh skin.
Thigh lift surgery typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and the specific thigh lift technique used. It is important for patients to be at a healthy weight before undergoing this surgery to achieve optimal results and reduce risks during the operation.
To prepare for a thigh lift surgery, it is important to be at a stable weight and have realistic expectations about the results. Maintaining a stable body weight before the cosmetic procedure is crucial, as fluctuations can affect the outcome. Massive weight loss patients should be at a stable weight for at least six months before considering surgery.
During your initial consultation, discuss your goals with Dr. Panossian and follow any pre-operative instructions provided. This may include avoiding certain medications, quitting smoking, and arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery. By following these steps and being well-prepared, you can help ensure a successful thigh lift procedure with optimal results.
If you live near Pasadena or Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. Panossian offers thigh lifts among his services and is conveniently located at 39 Congress St., Suite 402, Pasadena, CA 91105
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
