Thigh Lift

What is thigh lift (thighplasty) surgery?

Thigh lift, also known as medial thigh lift or thighplasty, is a procedure to remove excess loose and sagging skin and fat from the upper portion of the inner thighs. Mostly after bariatric or weight loss surgery, but also with advancing age, in some people there may be a large amount of excess skin and fatty tissue hanging from the upper thighs, resulting in an unsightly as well as uncomfortable appearance. This loose skin and fat is beyond natural tightening and cannot be improved with conventional measures such as exercise and dieting alone. Thigh lift surgery is often sought by individuals with this loose skin and fatty tissue at the upper thighs. Using the latest advances in thighplasty surgery techniques, Manhattan Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Glick can make your thighs appear more trim, toned, and firm.

Am I a good candidate for Thigh lift surgery?

The best candidates for thighplasty surgery are individuals in good physical condition, who have this loose, redundant, and inelastic skin following massive weight loss due to either conservative measures such as diet and exercise or from more drastic measures such as bariatric or anti-obesity surgery. The majority of thigh lift patients are those individuals who have stabilized their weight loss after losing massive amounts of weight. Older women are good candidates as well, as the excess tissues of the upper thigh can be disruptive to daily life and even debilitating. In certain conditions, the upper thigh region can be managed with liposuction alone and not a formal thigh lift surgery. Dr. Glick will consult with you on whether thigh lift surgery is right for you.

THE THIGH LIFT SURGERY PROCEDURE

Initial Consultation Prior to Thigh Lift Surgery

At your initial consultation, Dr. Glick and you will carefully discuss your aesthetic concerns with regard to your thighs, and define a tailored plan to improve their appearance. Your goals and expectations will be carefully considered and clarified. Your medical and surgical history will be reviewed in detail, and a physical examination will be conducted. Depending on your aesthetic concerns and anatomy, liposuction, not a thigh lift, or perhaps a combination of both may be best suited. Dr. Glick will advise you which type of upper thigh contouring surgery technique is best for you.

Preparation for Thigh lift Surgery

Thigh lift surgery is major surgery and appropriate preparation is needed. Dr. Glick may request that you visit your private medical doctor and/or your bariatric surgeon for a check-up and for any necessary lab work and x-rays. Precise preoperative instructions will be reviewed, and all necessary prescriptions will be given to you in advance of your thigh lift surgery. You will be instructed to avoid smoking, blood thinning medications, and all aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and anti-inflammatory products (Advil® or ibuprofen, and Aleve®) at least ten days before surgery. In order to promote optimal healing, complete and comprehensive preoperative instructions will be provided to you, detailing which medications to avoid, and which vitamins , minerals, and homeopathic preparations are ok to take prior to and after cosmetic thighplasty surgery. For your own safety and comfort you will need to designate a chaperon/care taker that can escort you home after the procedure. You should plan to have some help with house-hold chores, such as cooking and cleaning, as these activities are fairly difficult in the immediate postoperative period. Get plenty of rest, and dress in comfortable layered clothing.

What Type of Anesthesia do you need for thigh lift surgery?

Thigh lift surgery is an ambulatory surgery procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure can be performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery facility, and may or may not require an overnight stay. Dr. Glick will consult with you and recommend the location of your total body lift surgery, and along with our Board-certified anesthesiologists will help you make the decision of which type of anesthesia is best for you.

How does Dr. Glick do a thigh lift?

There are several different techniques for performing thighplasty. If the primary problem is excess fat with the overlying skin being relatively elastic and toned, the upper thigh can be treated with just liposuction. If a minimum or only a moderate amount of excess thigh skin is present along with the excess fat, then liposuction or a combination of liposuction and removal of the loose skin is warranted. For situations where more significant amounts of excess thigh skin exist, the incision is placed along the inner aspect of the thigh and extended under the groin and buttock to minimize visibility. Although there are several different techniques for thighplasty surgery, the incision for removal and tightening of the skin, and thus the scar, is usually hidden in the inner upper thigh, and eventually fades. The resultant tightening of the thigh skin removes the dimpled, cellulite look of the thighs, and enables you to show off your slim thighs in short shorts or even a dress or skirt. After careful consultation, Dr. Glick will help you decide on the best technique to optimize your results.

Recovery and the Postoperative Period

Thigh lift surgery is performed in one of the hospitals in the Los Angeles area or in our fully-accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center, usually under general anesthesia. No overnight stay is needed after thighplasty surgery. Dr. Glick’s thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure that requires only a short rest in our comfortable recovery suite. Once surgery is completed, you will recover fully from the effects of anesthesia, and be escorted home with your designated caregiver. Dr. Glick will instruct you thoroughly on your postoperative regimen and recovery period. You may have surgical drains, and compression garment applied to the thighs. You will be encouraged to stay as active as possible at home for several days while maintaining appropriate positioning and posture. In most cases the bruising is minimal and resolves after the first week, at which time the drains are removed. Most patients return to work and social activities after 1 to 2 weeks. Dr. Glick recommends avoidance of strenuous physical exercise for approximately 6 weeks following cosmetic thighplasty surgery. As always, you are encouraged to stay active, eat a healthy diet, and exercise as tolerated. Dr. Glick and our medical team will closely follow up with you to make sure that your healing is going well.

Recovery after the thigh lift surgery often involves some swelling, bruising and discomfort. Discomfort and pain can be minimized with medication. Some type of leg support or compression garment may need to be worn for a period of time. After two weeks, most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities.

Results of thigh lift Surgery

The results of cosmetic thighplasty surgery are smooth and contoured thighs, virtually eliminating the bothersome chafing that can occur with loose, inelastic excess tissue in the groin region. Not only will you look great, you will also notice a substantial change in the way your thighs and groin feel. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients report additional weight loss following thigh lift, due to the increased level of physical activity. Your new, slimmer, contoured thighs will be evident immediately after surgery. Thighplasty surgery results are permanent, though various lifestyle and hereditary factors may impact on your long-term results. Dr. Glick’s encourages maintenance of the slimming thigh lift results with an appropriate fitness level and healthy diet.

How much does thigh lift surgery cost?

Thigh lift surgery costs vary depending on exactly what technique is used. This will be outlined in detail during your consultation. Financing options are readily available.

What are Dr. Glick’s patients saying after thighplasty surgery?

Dr. Glick’s thighplasty surgery patients are thrilled with their new smooth and toned upper thighs. Read what they have to say about the benefits of being a patient at Dr. Glick’s Plastic Surgery