WHAT IS A THIGH LIFT?
A thigh lift is also known as thighplasty or thigh reduction surgery. It is a highly effective body contouring procedure that reshapes the upper leg. Thighplasties can be performed on the inner or outer thighs and combined with liposuction to achieve an even slimmer and more youthful-looking leg contour. Thigh reductions are popular with extreme weight loss patients and those whose skin has become loose or wrinkled due to pregnancy or age. During your consultation, our experienced thighplasty surgeons will thoroughly assess your issues, explain all of your options in-depth, and recommend the best course of action for you to achieve your goals.
THIGH LIFT BENEFITS
The main benefit of thighplasty, also known as a thigh lift, is that it provides immediate aesthetic results with minimal downtime. This procedure delivers toned thighs and smooth skin in just one day! A thigh lift removes dimples and cellulite in the thighs and restores firmness for an overall youthful appearance. Not only do thighplasty patients report that it is easier to find and fit into fashionable clothing after the procedure, but they feel confident modeling their new wardrobe. A thigh reduction also makes exercise and sexual activity more pleasurable; it removes skin that chafes with movement, relieving rashes on the thighs and granting greater mobility. This procedure will enhance your appearance and empower you to achieve your everyday goals.
THIGH LIFT
PROCEDURE STEPS
- Thighplasty takes approximately 2 hours to complete (depending on the scope of work) and is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
- Your board-certified thigh lift surgeon will remove excess skin, tissue, and fat from the chosen treatment area.
- If necessary, the surgeon will use liposuction to eliminate stubborn fat deposits before tightening the remaining skin and stitching it shut.
TYPES OF THIGH LIFTS
Outer or Lateral Thigh Lift
Outer thigh lift surgery (also known as a lateral thigh lift) thins and tones the outer thigh. This procedure shapes the outer thighs in patients with loose skin, ample folds, and fat bulges through an incision that stretches from the groin area to the back of the thigh. The board-certified thighplasty surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center will safely combine an outer thigh lift with a buttock lift for patients desiring a fuller transformation.
Inner or Medial Thigh Lift
Inner thigh lift surgery, or a medial thigh lift, tightens skin and reduces fat on the upper part of the inner thigh. This thigh lift method is known as the “crescent” thigh lift since it involves removing a crescent of skin and fat from the inner thigh’s upper portion. The inner thigh lift is the most common thighplasty technique since it provides noticeable results with minimal incisions.
Spiral Thigh Lift
The spiral thigh lift was designed for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight. This thigh lift method is also called the “total thigh lift” since it targets the entirety of the thigh, sculpting it to near perfection. It differs from all other thigh reduction methods since it offers a 360-degree transformation around the thigh and improves buttocks contours by lifting and toning the gluteal area.
Vertical Thigh Lift
A vertical thigh lift addresses the length of the inner thigh. It differs from the medial thigh lift in that it extends downward from the upper portion to tighten the entire area. The vertical technique extracts skin, fat, and tissue through a vertical incision that starts at the groin crease and extends to the inner knee. This type of thigh lift is most suitable for patients seeking to eliminate lots of excess skin throughout their thighs.
Posterior Thigh Lift
The posterior thigh lift method reduces excess fat, tissue, and skin through an incision that extends from the groin to the lower buttock crease. Not only does this thigh lift address the thighs, but its incision can be extended to lift the buttocks as well. The posterior thigh lift is best for patients whose sagging is localized in the upper thigh and backside.
THIGH LIFT TECHNIQUES
Traditional Thigh Lift. The traditional thigh lift reshapes and contours the thighs by removing excess fat and skin. This type of thigh lift can be performed on the inner and outer thighs through various methods and provides the most dramatic results. It gives immediate shapeliness, tone, and improved skin quality.
Scarless Thigh Lift (SmartLipo & BodyTite). The scarless thigh lift is a non-surgical thigh reduction technique performed with liposuction. These techniques remove small deposits of unwanted fat from the thighs while laser heat tightens the skin. The scarless thigh reduction can be achieved with SmartLipo or BodyTite, toning and firming the thighs in one easy session.
Mini Thigh Lift. A mini thigh lift reduces the sagging in the upper section of the inner thigh rather than treating the entire thigh. This procedure involves fewer incisions than other types of thigh lifts, only consisting of an incision in the groin. This thigh lift technique is best for patients who do not have a lot of excess fat or skin on their thighs but want to trim their thigh area.
THIGH LIFT VS LIPOSUCTION
Patients often wonder if they should undergo thighplasty or liposuction to correct their thighs. If the thighs have sufficient elasticity and require moderate fat removal, liposuction will successfully improve their appearance. A thigh reduction performed with liposuction is often called a “scarless” thigh lift since it is minimally invasive and only requires moderate fat removal from the thighs. However, lipo is not ideal for every patient. Thigh lift surgery is a better option for those who need their skin tightened as well. Individuals who have lost significant weight or whose thighs have fallen due to aging or pregnancy require thighplasty to remove residual fat tissue and tauten the skin.
THIGH LIFT RESULTS
At Body Aesthetic Center
Thigh lift surgery provides immediate results but will continue to improve over the course of a year as swelling and other symptoms subside. Thighplasty delivers evenly toned legs, smoother skin, and improved body proportions. While scarring is inevitable, it tends to fade over time. Body Aesthetic Center also offers laser treatments to erase the scars more quickly and efficiently. Our team of certified medical professionals will fade your scars to near invisibility.
THIGH LIFT RECOVERY
The recovery timeline after thigh lift surgery varies depending on the chosen technique, your general health, and your body’s response to the operation. Bruising, swelling, and soreness at the incision site are common after thigh life surgery. Discomfort peaks within the first 48 hours but is easily managed with pain medication prescribed by your Body by Unique surgeon. A trusted friend, family member, or licensed professional should stay with you for the first week since you will have a limited range of movement. You will be cleared for light movement at approximately 2 weeks, and you may resume normal physical activities after 4 to 6 weeks.
While you may gently shower the day after surgery, you should avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools for at least a month. It is imperative to wear a thighplasty compression garment for at least the first 4 weeks after the operation. The garment helps prevent sutures from splitting, the formation of seromas and hematomas, and excessive swelling. Your thigh lift results will continue to improve for up to 12 months after surgery. Rest assured that our team at Body Aesthetic Center will provide you with personalized recovery instructions according to your health status and chosen thighplasty methods.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR A THIGH LIFT
The thigh lift procedure, or thighplasty, is ideal for patients in good general health and have excess skin and tissue in the thigh area due to aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss. While it transforms your appearance, a thigh lift is not an easy weight-loss solution. Thighplasty is best for patients who are at (or near) their ideal weight but are unhappy with the appearance of their thighs. Thighplasty may be an option for you if you are in good general health, do not smoke, and do not have preexisting medical conditions that can increase your risk of complications, such as diabetes, stroke, or heart disease.
THIGH LIFT FAQS
A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the overall appearance of thighs. Not only does this procedure eliminate fat and excess skin, but it removes cellulite. Patients will no longer have saggy, dimpled, or flabby thighs; their appearance will improve dramatically once the loose skin is lifted.
The average cost of a thigh lift at Body Aesthetic Center ranges from $4,000 to $10,000USD, depending on the type of thighplasty performed. You will receive individualized pricing at your initial consultation with any of our board-certified surgeons.
Although thigh lift surgery is considered safe for most patients, it poses certain risks and complications associated with all types of surgical treatment. Some of these risks include (but are not limited to):
- Infections
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Fluid buildup
- Numbness or tingling in the area
- Skin discoloration
Patients can reduce these risks by following Body Aesthetic Center’s instructions before and after surgery. Your board-certified thighplasty surgeon will assess your condition and evaluate your candidacy for the procedure at your initial consultation. We encourage all patients to disclose and discuss their entire medical history to avoid unnecessary complications.
Thorough preparation before thigh lift surgery helps reduce complications during the operation and safeguards your comfort during recovery. Your Body by Unique thigh lift surgeon will provide you with personalized preparation instructions to ensure you receive satisfactory results. However, there are some general guidelines every thighplasty patient should follow, including:
- Quit smoking for at least one month before surgery.
- Do not consume alcohol for at least one week prior.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners, or supplements like vitamin E that can cause excessive bleeding, bruising, and swelling before the operation.
- Arrange for a friend, family member, or licensed nurse to care for you for the first week after surgery.
- Gather ice packs, gauze, and your thighplasty compression garment.
- Make sure you have comfortable, loose clothing and extra pillows.
- Stock up on pre-made meals and foods that are easy to prepare.
These pointers, along with the individualized instructions provided by your surgeon will help you achieve the best results in a safe and comfortable manner.
Absolutely! Thigh lifts can be performed alone or combined with other surgical procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, liposuction, and others to achieve a streamlined physique. The surgical plan varies from patient to patient, depending on their needs and desires. The board-certified thighplasty surgeons in Body Aesthetic Center will decide which type of thigh lift is best for you and if you are eligible to bundle other procedures with your thigh reduction.
A mini thigh lift reduces sagging in the upper part of the inner thigh. Therefore, instead of tightening the entire thigh, the surgeon only treats the small portion of the upper third of the thigh. Patients who do not have a lot of excess fat or skin on the thighs but want to trim the area may benefit from this thigh lift method.
Your Body by Unique thigh surgeon will remove excess skin while tightening the surplus. This plastic surgery procedure creates smoother and shapelier thighs and improves the appearance of cellulite. In some cases, it can even eliminate it altogether.
A thigh lift with combined liposuction is ideal for patients with laxity in their thighs from aging or weight loss. Your surgeon may recommend liposuction along with your thighplasty to help suction out stubborn fat cells and prevent further skin sagging.
A scarless thigh lift is a thigh reduction performed with liposuction. Since it is noninvasive, it does not result in significant scarring. Other thigh lift methods, like any surgery, do result in some scarring. However, the extent of the scar depends on the amount of skin removed. The thighplasty surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center consider scarring when planning the procedure. They will recommend the least invasive yet most effective thigh reduction methods for your body type so you can conceal residual scars effortlessly. Although they tend to fade over time, we offer laser treatments to fade scars faster and more efficiently. Most patients find that the benefits of a thigh lift outweigh the unfavorable scarring.
A scarless thigh lift is a thigh reduction performed with liposuction. Since it is noninvasive, it does not result in significant scarring. Other thigh lift methods, like any surgery, do result in some scarring. However, the extent of the scar depends on the amount of skin removed. The thighplasty surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center consider scarring when planning the procedure. They will recommend the least invasive yet most effective thigh reduction methods for your body type so you can conceal residual scars effortlessly. Although they tend to fade over time, we offer laser treatments to fade scars faster and more efficiently. Most patients find that the benefits of a thigh lift outweigh the unfavorable scarring.
Thigh lift results are considered permanent and long-lasting, assuming the patient maintains a stable weight and establishes a regular fitness routine to sustain their results. Additional surgery may be necessary if the patient re-stretches the skin by gaining considerable weight.
SmartLipo and BodyTite are different liposuction technologies used to perform scarless thigh lifts. Smart Lipo uses laser energy while BodyTite utilizes radiofrequency. Nonetheless, both lipo technologies eliminate fat and tighten the skin for a smooth and scarless finish.