If you have reached your goal weight and plan to stay there, congratulations! Maybe you had weight loss surgery or lost it on your own, but after all that work, there is still a problem with your thighs. Your inner thighs are constantly rubbing together causing chafing and discomfort. Skin is sagging from the lost weight and you need help. What is a thigh lift? Our thighplasty surgery guide will provide all the details.
Why Consider a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and sagging skin from the thigh area. You might choose to do this if you have lost a lot of weight and have sagging inner thighs that haven’t improved with exercise.
You want to have a taut and contoured look to your thighs in pants and jeans and certainly in a bathing suit. You want to see that separation between your legs. You want to feel more confident. Maybe it’s time to talk with certified plastic surgeon Loreen Ali, MD about whether a thigh lift is right for you.
Choose the Best Type of Thighplasty for You
There are several different kinds of thigh lifts and you can consider them in consultation with your surgeon.
The thigh lifts can be different in their placement based on your needs, but they all have the same goal to make your legs more contoured with firmer skin in proportion with the rest of your body.
Inner Thigh Lift
This is also known as a medial thigh lift. The surgeon concentrates on the inner parts of the thighs. Incisions will create a thigh that is pulled upward and inward while at the same time removing excess skin.
Outer Thigh Lift
You may want this type of procedure if your concerns are more about your thigh and hip areas. This might be right for you if you want to remove dimpling on the butt and down the outer thigh and leg.
Mini Thigh Lift
This surgery deals with the top third area of the thigh. This is for those patients who want a smoother appearance, but don’t have as much excess skin. This surgery has a faster recovery time than the others.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
In order to have a thigh lift surgery you should be a non-smoker or agree to stop smoking for a period prior to surgery.
In addition good candidates must:
- Agree that you are not going to lose any more weight (or gain weight).
- Not have any medical conditions that could compromise recovery and healing.
- Have diabetes under control.
- Have remained at a steady weight for a year.
Thigh Lift Surgical Process
Patients will undergo general anesthesia and the procedure can last four hours or more depending on the type of surgery.
The placement of incisions is dependent on the kind of surgery, and will mask them so they are not visible after surgery recovery.
Like other cosmetic procedures it is major surgery and you will need to take time off from work. Follow all post-operative instructions and rest for several days. Expect bruising, pain and swelling for the first few days. Rest your legs for at least 10 days and keep them elevated when possible.
Allow six weeks for recovery, but it can take up to six months for total healing.
If you want smoother reshaped thighs plus tighter muscles, consider a thigh lift surgery.
Contact New England Plastic Surgery Center at (978) 942-4835 to schedule a consultation in Chelmsford to find out if you are a good candidate for thigh lift surgery, or request an appointment through our secure online form.