Thigh Lift Surgery: What to Expect from a Thighplasty
If you want to look your very best, there are many different options for surgery to consider. Following major weight loss or issues with advanced age, a great option for aesthetic enhancement is body contouring. Body contouring and sculpting surgery eliminates stretch marks, sagging, and loose skin, making you look more toned and trim in the process.
One option to consider for major issues with the lower body is a thigh lift (thighplasty). Let's look at it briefly right now.
What is a thigh lift?
Although it is not as commonly recognized as other plastic surgery procedures, a thigh lift can enhance the look of your legs dramatically. Your surgeon will reshape your thighs by reducing excess skin and/or fat, which produces a much smoother layer of skin and a younger-looking thigh. If you have exhausted your efforts in exercise and weight loss, a thigh lift may be an option for you.
Like most plastic surgeries, a thigh lift is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning no overnight stay in a hospital is required. However, please consult your doctor before your thigh lift, as he or she might suggest you stay in a hospital overnight due to complications from your surgery.
Types of Thigh Lift Surgeries
Here are the options your doctor will likely offer if you decide to move forward with a thigh lift:
- An inner thigh lift focuses on the inner portion of your thigh. This procedure may be suggested by your plastic surgeon to treat reduced elasticity of your skin due to aging.
- A bilateral thigh lift focuses on the front and outer portions of your thigh. This procedure may be suggested to you if you have excess skin from extreme weight loss.
- A medial thigh lift focuses its treatment on the upper and inner portions of your thigh. This procedure also may be suggested after extreme weight loss. However, to determine whether an inner or bilateral thigh lift is best for you, your doctor will be a great resource.
Typically the procedure site will heal well enough to return to normal activities in a few weeks, and will heal completely within a year. If you would like to accelerate the process, there are over-the-counter scar-healing products that can aid in healing your scars more quickly.
Side Effects After Thigh Lift Surgery
Bruising, swelling and/or numbness after surgery. This usually heals on its own within several weeks, although in some cases it may take several months. However, this is a case-by-case situation, so consult your doctor if you have questions about how long it will take you to heal.
Potential Complications of Thigh Lift Surgery
In some cases, infection at the procedure site, as well as bleeding, fluid build-up and even open wounds may appear. If you have noticed any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately, as additional procedures may be required.
What to Do if You Think a Thigh Lift Is Ideal for You
Before proceeding with any thigh lift surgery, ensure that your potential plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Since this is such a specialized procedure, also be sure to ask any potential plastic surgeon how often he or she has completed the procedure. If a plastic surgeon is not experienced in performing thigh lifts, feel free to ask as many questions as you need to and move on to another surgeon if you feel uncomfortable.
Learn More About Cosmetic Body Contouring Surgery
If you would like to learn more about thigh lift surgery and your many other options for advanced body sculpting and contouring, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. We look forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible results.