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Thigh Lift
Thighplasty
During a thigh lift, excess skin is lifted and
removed through incisions made in the inner thigh and/or high upper outer
thigh. The incisions are extensive but are usually not visible when
clothing is worn. Simultaneous lifting of the thighs and buttocks is done
using incisions that follow a French-cut bathing suit line only a bit
higher up on the hip. The surgeon lifts and removes the excess skin down
to the muscle and removes the thick layer of fat beneath the skin. Drain
tubes may be placed at the incision to draw out fluids. The surgery
usually takes two to three hours.
THE THIGH LIFT PROCEDURE
Anesthesia is general and the procedure takes about two hours.
The incision is very inconspicuous and is located in the groin beneath the
bikini line. It has a tendency to heal slightly wide and dark but this
gets better over time.
The procedure involves liposuction of any excess fat in the thighs and
legs, then removing a crescent of skin high up in the groin, loosening the
tissues below this and pulling them up and sewing the edges together. Deep
stitches are secured to the ligaments and bone so there is less of a
tendency for the skin to fall down. The length of the incision depends on
the amount of excess skin. It is not unusual to remove 5-10 inches in
length!
Drains are used for two days. These are soft and comfortable and removed
without pain.
Dressings and a light compression garment are used for several days.
This can be combined with other plastic surgical procedures.
THE RECOVERY FROM A THIGH LIFT
You can go home after several hours but it is usually more comfortable to
stay overnight.
You can shower on the second or third day after surgery after the drains
are out.
There is only minimal pain that is mostly gone by the second or third day
and easily controlled by medications.
Swelling is mild to moderate and peaks at two to three days then
disappears rapidly over the next three weeks.
Minimal or no bruising is the usual.
Some grogginess is present which persists for about a week.
You can resume many activities within the first week, and most by at least
three weeks.
The stitches are removed at ten days.
Expect to be off of work for a full week, but you will be able to be up
and around.
THE RESULT OF A THIGH LIFT
Beautiful, tightened, lifted and flattened contour to the inner thighs.
More confident and comfortable in clothing, especially sports wear and
jeans.
Lasts the rest of your life and always looks better than if you didn't do
it. If there is continued sagging or weight loss, then a second touch up
procedure can help.
Natural and presentable appearance in the first week that just gets better
over the next three to six months.
Q: I am interested in plastic surgery to slim my inner
and outer thighs, knees, and buttocks. How do I know if I should have
liposuction or a thigh lift?
A: The answer to your question lies in the tone of your skin. In general,
liposuction is best for those who have good skin tone (no stretch marks,
loose skin, or wrinkles in the areas of lipo). Liposuction will reduce the
volume of fat in the areas treated, but will only slightly tighten the
skin (provided it has good tone). A thigh lift is more appropriate for
those who have loose, sagging skin, with or without excessive fatty
deposits. A thigh lift will tighten loose skin and may even improve
cellulite in some people. Liposuction can also be incorporated into a
thigh lift for those who seek this. |
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