Who is a good candidate?

You are a good candidate for a thigh lift surgery if:
• You have sagging loose skin on your thighs that have not responded to diet and exercise
• Your weight loss has been stabilized
• You are not planning for a future pregnancy
• You are otherwise healthy and do not have a serious illness or medical condition that may impair the healing or increase the risk of surgery
• You are a Non-smoker or can abstain from smoking for at least three weeks before and after the surgery
• You have a positive outlook, with a clear and realistic vision of what you want the procedure do for you
• You are willing to keep up with a healthy lifestyle to keep the results of your procedure last long.

The procedure

Thigh lift surgery is typically performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia depending on your health conditions and the extent of the surgery. It takes two to four hours to complete.

There are Three types of thigh lift procedures. Your surgeon will recommend one or a combination of both depending on your unique case:

Mini inner thigh lift:

You may be qualified for a mini thigh lift procedure. in this method, the extra loose skin is removed through an incision in the groin area. your surgeon may use liposuction to further contour your thighs.

Medial (inner) thigh lift:

In this procedure, an incision is made at the groin area and along the inner thigh to the knee. The loose skin is then removed through the incision. Your surgeon may use liposuction for extra contouring of the thighs. This method is used when the excess skin is mostly found on the inner thighs.

Lateral (outer) thigh lift:

This procedure is used if you need contouring of the buttock and outer thighs. It is a more extensive procedure, takes longer, and will require general anesthesia. With a lateral thigh lift, extra skin is removed through incisions that are made around the hip and extend to the groin area. Scars are strategically placed where they can be covered by cloths.

Recovery

After your surgery, an elastic bandage or compression garment may be recommended for several weeks to reduce swelling, optimize contouring of the thighs and to provide support for your body during the healing process. It, therefore, may be more advisable to perform thigh lift surgery during the cold months of the year.  A thin short tube may be placed under the main incision to remove extra fluid from the wound.

Because hips and thighs are central to body movements, your scars may get widened. Therefore it is crucial to avoid activities that put stress on the sutured area for the first two to three weeks after the surgery. It would be ideal to have someone staying with you for the first 10 to 14 days after the surgery. During this time you should only engage in light activities and make careful and deliberate movements.  After the first two or three weeks (depending on the extent of your procedure) you may resume activities such as driving and walking.

The results of your thigh lift surgery are visible almost immediately. However, the swellings must subside before the true final results are achieved. Scars are permanent but should fade and flatten anywhere from three months to one year after surgery.

Possible complications

Similar to risks associated with any surgery, though infrequent, complications may include fluid retention or excessive loss of blood and fluids, accumulation of blood and/or fluids under the skin (hematoma and seroma), infection, reaction to anesthesia medications, pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to the lung), scarring (keloids), numbness or other changes in skin sensation, damage to underlying structures, persistent pain, or the need for a second reversionary operation.

Hematoma and Seroma may require intervention to drain the blood or serum that is accumulated under the skin.  There may be complications with the healing of the wound after surgery which may be exacerbated for smokers. All the possible risks will be discussed with you in your consultation appointment and before your surgery.