Getting a Thigh Lift

Getting a Thigh Lift

Thigh lift surgery is often referred to as a body contouring procedure because it works by removing excess fat and skin from the thigh area, to create a smoother, more streamlined appearance.

 

Here’s what you need to know about getting a thigh lift:

 

What is Involved in a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is usually performed under general anesthetic, meaning you will be asleep and unaware during your procedure. A long incision is made along the thigh – the exact position of this will depend on your personal circumstances and the recommendation of your surgeon, but every attempt will be made to keep it as discreet as possible – and this will be used to remove segments of your skin and excess fat. The area will be tightened to create a firmer, smoother appearance before the skin is secured in place. Dressings will be applied, and temporary drains will be inserted to drain any fluids out from the wound. The entire surgery should take no more than two to three hours, depending on how much fat and skin requires removal.

 

Most patients will need to stay in the hospital for at least one night following their thigh lift procedure. You’ll be provided with pain medication to help alleviate your discomfort and given a compression garment to wear over your thigh which will help to minimize swelling and inflammation and prompt more rapid healing. You’ll also need to take some time off of work to recover fully. Your surgeon will explain how long your recovery is likely to take and what you can and can’t do at each stage of the recovery process.

 

Am I a Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

How do you know if you are a good candidate for a thigh lift? Typically, thigh lift candidates have several things in common including:

 

Stubborn Thigh Fat

While many areas of the body do respond well to diet and exercise, thigh fat can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. When excess fat occurs in this area, it can cause the thighs to develop an undesirable, lumpy appearance. The skin on the thighs can also stretch beyond its normal limits, causing stretch marks to appear.

 

Excess Skin on the Thighs

Excess skin is the other pain reason for patients to seek a thigh lift. It is particularly common if you have lost weight, either naturally or with surgery since the skin doesn’t always retract back firmly over the body. Excess skin makes issues like chafing more likely, it can look unsightly and affect how you feel about your appearance.

 

Medical Issues

It may seem unlikely, but excess thigh fat can cause patients to experience medical problems. the most common is chafing, which occurs when the inner thighs rub against one another, causing damage such as broken skin, sores, and lesions. The skin can even become infected, requiring antibiotic cream.

 

Low Confidence and Self-Esteem

When you don’t like an area of your body, it can be difficult to stop it from affecting your confidence and self-esteem. Many people who have excess thigh fat try and cover it, choosing to wear trousers or longer skirts rather than short skirts, or choosing long swim trunks or a skirt, rather than briefs or bikinis. A thigh lift can help to address your areas of concern and restore your confidence in the way that you look.

 

You Have Realistic Expectations

It’s important that candidates for a thigh life realize that the surgery isn’t a way to lose weight, but instead just removes excess fat and skin to streamline the appearance of your thighs. Patients should also be aware that if they gain weight, the fat cells in their thighs could enlarge again, causing lumps, bumps, and excess skin to reoccur.

 

To learn more about what is involved in getting a thigh lift, contact Scott Harris, MD in Plano, Texas at (972) 736-9600.