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A thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure to remove loose skin from the thighs. The focus is usually on wrinkles, folds, cellulite and excess fat, especially in the inner thighs, but anterior and outer thighs and knees may also be affected. Weight loss can lead to extra skin in the inner thigh area. Constant rubbing together of the inner thigh can lead to skin irritation and infection and interferes with personal hygiene. Clothing may be difficult to wear and there may be psychosocial concerns of an unflattering appearance. Comfort and contour improve by the plastic surgery procedure known as the thigh lift.

The Surgery

Anesthesia is general and the procedure takes about two hours. Removal of excessive skin and fatty tissue of the inner thigh, a thigh lift, uses incisions that parallel the groin crease. The thigh lift is usually performed on the inner surface of the thighs but can include the outer thigh area and buttock if indicated. The procedure usually 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. Then length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin.

The Recovery

You can go home after several hours but it is usually more comfortable to stay overnight. Post-operative care in the thigh lift procedure includes frequent wound care, antibiotics, and rest. 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. Some grogginess may persist 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 incisions of a thigh lift frequently stretch during the healing process.

Best Candidate for a Thigh Lift

The best candidate for a thigh lift desires a more youthful appearance of the legs, especially the inner thighs where there is excess hanging and folded skin. This may be associated with some excess fat. However, not all patients are candidates for this surgery. Many cosmetic surgeons prefer that persons suffering from obesity attempt weight loss as an initial measure. Some plastic surgeons are reluctant to do this surgery on persons with severe cellulite or varicose veins. Others who have chronic medical conditions who heal slowly are poor candidates for this surgery.

Risk

Risks of a thigh lift include infection, hematoma, and delayed wound healing. Surgery is done under general anesthesia, which carries a higher degree of risk. Other risks include: uneven appearance when one side is compared to the other or depressions in the appearance of the tissue can occur if fat was suctioned. As always, discuss with your plastic surgeon all possible risks associated with a thigh lift.