Thigh Lift (Thighplasty):

Overview:

A thigh lift is a surgical operation which lifts and tightens the loose or sagging folds of skin typically experienced around the inner thigh area.  It is designed to remove excess tissue to leave a firmer, smoother contour.  It is often a procedure that is suitable for patients who have experienced drastic or sudden weight loss where the tissue has been stretched and hangs down from the inner thighs (outer thighs and buttocks can be treated with a body lift).  Whilst liposuction alone eliminates unwanted fat, the thigh lift removes the skin and tightens the thigh area also.

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

n general, candidates for a thigh lift are:

• People whose weight is relatively stable
• Individuals with excess soft tissue along the inner (medial) thigh region and/or the outer (lateral) thigh
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic

Important Things to know:

Before you decide to have surgery, consider the following:

Thigh lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours.

In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a thigh lift along with liposuction may be recommended.

Procedures:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Incision patterns vary based on the area or areas to be treated, degree of correction and patient and surgeon preference.

Inner thigh lift incision

One technique used for a thigh lift places incisions in the groin, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh.

Another technique removes excess skin from the groin down to the knee using an incision along the inseam.

You may also qualify for a minimal incision inner thigh lift that involves an incision only in the groin area. Your plastic surgeon will determine what’s appropriate.

Outer thigh lift incision

Improving the contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip and across the back.

Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits. However, incisions may be extensive.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Deep sutures within underlying tissues help to form and support the newly shaped contours. Sutures, skin adhesive tapes or clips may be used to close the skin incisions.

Preparation and Recovery:

Preparation:

You may be asked to:

• Get a blood test
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
• Stop taking recreational drugs, such as cocaine

Thigh lift surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center or a hospital; This is for your safety.

Recovery:

During your recovery from thigh lift surgery, dressings/bandages may be applied to your incisions following the procedure.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site(s)
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

If you experience any shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Risks and Complications:

Every surgical procedure has risks. Thigh lift surgery risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Poor wound healing
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fatty tissue under the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Persistent pain
• Skin discoloration and/or swelling
• Skin loss
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• Unfavourable scarring
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Possibility of revisionary surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your operation. It is important that you address all your questions directly with us.

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