Thigh Lift
Body Procedures
Thigh Lift
With age, our skin loses much of its natural elasticity, leading to loosening and sagging that can affect the thighs. Significant weight loss can also cause excess skin to accumulate in the thigh area. In addition to being a cosmetic issue, sagging thighs can rub against each other, leading to chaffing, infections and pain.
If you are experiencing any of these concerns, you may be a candidate for a thigh lift. This surgical procedure lifts and tightens the thighs to create a more shapely and smooth appearance and to reduce discomfort. Many of our patients have seen a remarkable improvement in their comfort and confidence after a thigh lift at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift, also called thighplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs, creating a more contoured appearance. A thigh lift can also provide relief from chafing, infections and pain caused by excess folds of skin rubbing against each other.
During a thigh lift:
- Your surgeon creates an incision in your groin and, sometimes, all around your thigh and down toward your knee.
- They trim away excess skin and fat and close the incisions with sutures.
- In patients with large pockets of fat, the surgeon uses liposuction in conjunction with excisions.
A thigh lift is usually performed for patients who have loose skin in the inner thighs after substantial weight loss or as a result of aging. It is important to know that a thigh lift is not intended merely to remove excess fat — this can be done with liposuction alone. A thigh lift removes excess skin, which can leave significant scarring and requires a long recovery period. Many patients are happy with this trade-off, but if it does not sound right for you, we can discuss alternative options.
Who Should Get a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is intended for patients who are concerned about sagging skin and accumulated fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. The ideal candidate should also be:
- Relatively healthy or have good control of any underlying health issues (e.g., diabetes and cardiovascular disease).
- A non-smoker, as smoking increases your risk of complications and poor results.
- Maintaining a stable weight, as weight fluctuations can affect your results.
- In possession of reasonable expectations and a positive attitude.
“The staff at CPS were amazing…! All of the nurses, assistants and office personnel were very pleasant to work with (they handled the entire insurance process for me!!). And super friendly and supportive! I felt like I was just hanging out with my girlfriends, which really helps to calm your nerves before and after having a big procedure done.” – Kasey M.
The Thigh Lift Process
A thigh lift involves anesthesia, incisions and downtime. Our staff will guide you through your thigh lift procedure, from your initial consultation through your follow-up visits, so you understand exactly what to expect when getting a thigh lift at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery.
Preparation
You will meet with our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Naman, for the consultation. During your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history and assess your thighs to see if you are a good candidate. They may take pictures of your thighs to help compare the results. They will also go over the procedure with you and answer any questions you might have.
After scheduling your surgery, your surgeon’s staff will provide instructions on how to prepare for surgery, which usually entails the following:
- Avoid medications and supplements that thin the blood (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, St. John’s Wort.)
- Cease smoking for at least six weeks before surgery and plan not to smoke for some time after surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you back home after surgery and assist you during your recovery period.
- Avoid all food and drink (including water) starting at midnight before your surgery.
Surgery
On the morning of your surgery, you will be admitted to our state-licensed Brookstone Ambulatory Surgery Center. You will meet with your surgeon, who will mark incision lines on your thighs, and with our anesthetist, who will administer your anesthesia.
Once you are asleep, your surgeon will create an incision in the groin crease, the inner part of your thigh or both. They may also need to make incisions that extend to your hip and back area; however, this is rarely necessary. Your surgeon will then remove excess fat and skin and close your incisions with sutures. Our surgeons often incorporate liposuction to create the best results.
The thigh lift procedure takes about two hours on average. Additional time is spent on paperwork, evaluation, preparation and recovery. All in all, plan to spend a good portion of the day at our surgical center.
Recovery & Results
Your surgeon will place surgical dressings around your thighs once the surgery is complete. You may also be placed in compression garments, which you will need to wear for several weeks during your recovery.
Patients are discharged on the same day of their procedure and continue their recovery at home. At home, you will need to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding wound care, physical activity, medications and compression garments. It is normal to experience some amount of bruising, swelling and discomfort after this surgery. These can be managed with pain medication and with rest.
It can take up to six weeks for swelling to subside and for your results to be visible. Full recovery takes up to six months, while you can expect your scars to fade by 12 months. Your thighs will look firmer, smoother and more contoured.
Want to Learn More About Thigh Lift in Columbus, GA?
A thigh lift can help you achieve beautiful and proportioned thighs when exercise and diet won’t help. If you want to learn more about thigh lift techniques and how they can help you, our team at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery is here to assist you and answer any questions you might have. We want you to feel safe and at peace when deciding to have surgery at our ambulatory center.
To learn more about thigh lifts in Columbus, GA, call Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery at (706) 494-7700 or go to our online appointment form.
Frequently Asked Questions
The results of a thigh lift are permanent. However, your skin may continue to sag as you age, especially if your weight fluctuates over the years.
Due to the extensive incisions involved in a thigh lift, patients experience some level of pain following surgery. We may prescribe pain medication to help reduce your discomfort.
In the first few days following surgery, walking will be more challenging than usual, and you will need to take it easy until your incisions have healed. But do avoid bed rest after the first two days, and take short strolls around your home to improve circulation.
Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight usually have loose skin in more than one area of the body. This can be addressed by combining a thigh lift with an arm lift, breast lift, Brazilian butt lift or tummy tuck.
A thigh lift may help improve the appearance of cellulite by removing excess fat and tightening the skin. However, if your main concern is cellulite, there are less invasive options to consider.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13