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What is a Thigh Lift?
The thighs are one area of the body where patients may not be able to achieve the contours they desire simply through weight loss and exercise alone. Especially after massive weight loss, excess skin and tissue on the thighs can make them appear more bulky and less toned than desirable. A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that is often performed as part of post-weight loss body contouring to remove excess skin and tissue. Liposuction may be employed as part of a thigh lift to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat, to sculpt the thighs and ensure natural contours and transitions with adjacent areas, and to reveal
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What is thigh lift surgery?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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more pronounced results.
Benefits of a Thigh Lift
During a thigh lift cosmetic surgery, the surgeon can address excess skin and tissue around any area of the thighs. Benefits of a thigh lift include:
- Multiple areas can be treated at once
- Short recovery time
- Minimal incisions for less visible scarring
- Thighs that appear more slim, toned, and shapely
Who is a Candidate for Thigh Lift?
If you have excess skin or tissue on your thighs, you may be a good candidate for a thigh lift. Patients who have undergone massive weight loss after bariatric surgery often seek thigh lift surgery to remove excess skin that can’t be eliminated with exercise alone. The ideal candidate for thigh lift surgery is:
- At a relatively stable weight, and does not plan to lose additional weight in the future
- Troubled by excess tissue and skin on the thighs
- In good overall health
- A non-smoker and does not use any other nicotine containing products
- Committed to
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Who is a good candidate for thigh lift surgery?
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a healthy lifestyle
Thigh Lift Surgery: What to Expect
Preparing for Thigh Lift
The first step in preparing for thigh lift surgery is to attend a private consultation with Dr. Reis. During this appointment, he will conduct a thorough examination and evaluation of your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for thighplasty. You will have the opportunity to candidly discuss your frustrations and aesthetic goals, and together you will decide if a thigh lift procedure is right for you.
The Thigh Lift Procedure
Thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Incisions for thighplasty vary according to the patient’s anatomy and goals. For patients who wish to address mild to moderate skin laxity in the upper thigh, a horizontal incision is made at the crease between the groin and the thigh. For patients who wish to address more severe, comprehensive sagging, a vertical incision is made along the inner thigh. Once the incision is made, the surgeon trims away excess skin and fat and smooths and contours the area, often combining liposuction to achieve the best results. Once he is satisfied, Dr. Reis will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures and the patient will recover briefly at our AAAASF-certified surgery center before being released
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What are the steps of a thigh lift procedure?
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to go home.
Recovery After Thigh Lift
After a thigh lift, it is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling. Dr. Reis will prescribe medication to help the patient stay comfortable. Any bruising should resolve naturally over the course of a few weeks. Additionally, a series of postoperative lymphatic massages will be performed to help speed recovery and optimize results.
Most of Dr. Reis’ patients take one or two weeks off from work to recover from a thigh lift. After one week, patients are able to resume most normal activities, but should not engage in strenuous activity or exercise for four to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thigh Lift
Will I have scars after my thigh lift?
Some visible scarring will remain after a thigh lift. If a vertical incision is made, the scar will appear on the upper part of the inner thigh. With a horizontal incision, the scar can be hidden by a bathing suit.
How long do thigh lift results last?
As the swelling from a thigh lift resolves, patients will begin to see their new contours. As long as patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, thigh lift results should last forever.
Can I combine my thigh lift with other procedures?
Yes, you absolutely can and most patients do. Dr. Reis often performs thigh lift as part of a post-weight loss body contouring treatment, and may combine this procedure with liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, breast lift and breast augmentation as well as other body contouring procedures.
What are the risks of a thigh lift?
Thigh lift surgery is generally considered to be safe, especially when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Reis. Still, there are potential risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure. Risks of a thigh lift, while rare,
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What are the risks of thigh lift surgery?
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include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Changes in skin sensation
Contact Dr. Scott Reis
If you are troubled by loose skin and tissue on your thighs, you may be a great candidate for thigh lift surgery. To learn more about your body contouring options, contact us to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Scott Reis in Houston.
Sources
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift. Accessed May 12, 2022.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/candidate. Accessed May 12, 2022.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the steps of a thigh lift procedure? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/procedure. Accessed May 12, 2022.
4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/safety. Accessed May 12, 2022.
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