A
thigh lift is done to remove excess skin from
the thigh and buttock area. This sagging of
skin is usually caused by weight loss or ageing.
After patients have lost a lot of weight, having
this surgery performed is like the “icing on
the cake”.
Who
is a Candidate?
•
If
you have experienced a loss of skin elasticity
of the thigh, hip, or buttock areas.
•
If your skin area is saggy, has an "orange
peel," flabby and/or dimpled appearance.
•
If
your thigh appearance improves dramatically
when you lift the lax skin.
•
If
you are self-conscious about your lower
body appearance.
Intended
Results
•
Tighter,
more attractive thigh and buttock skin.
•
Improved
contours.
•
Decreased irregularities in skin surface.
The
Procedure
•
The
procedure is performed under general anesthesia
on an outpatient basis unless otherwise
advised by the surgeon.
•
A
surgeon will show you what procedures
are available to solve your particular
problem. Wide variations in the design
of the incisions to meet clothing or personal
desires are possible.
•
Lifting
the inner thighs requires only short incisions
extending from the anterior part of the
thigh/groin crease around to the buttock
crease.
•
Lateral or anterior thigh lifts can be
performed as separate procedures if desired.
•
Lifting
the entire thigh and buttock (circumferential
lower body lift) will require much longer
incisions that start in the buttock crease,
extend around the groin, up over the side
of the abdomen, over the flank and across
the back.
•
The
buttocks can be lifted with upper or lower
scars.
Recovery
•
The
patient is placed in a compression garment
(similar to a long-line elastic support
girdle) at the end of surgery to reduce
swelling and assist in the natural shrinking
and tightening of the skin.
•
Smaller
thigh lifts: Initial discomfort is usually
easily controlled with prescription pain
medication.
•
Larger
thigh lifts: One or two nights care in
a skilled nursing facility or hospital
are usually required. This allows for
pain injections, intravenous catheters,
etc.
•
Bruising and swelling usually subside
within a month, strenuous activities are
usually possible in 6 weeks and almost
all symptoms are gone in 4 to 6 months.
What
To Expect After Surgery
Patients
may spend their first night in an overnight
care facility. Bruising and swelling are to
be expected as well as a “tight” feeling in
the thighs.
Resumption
of Physical Activities
No
work or driving for 2 weeks. No exercise for
4 weeks.
Other
Options
Additional
procedures that may enhance the result include
Liposuction/Liposculpture, Breast Enlargement
and Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).
