Thigh Lift
A Thigh Lift is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper thighs. It is best performed for patients after weight loss – especially after weight loss surgery or aging. Unless there is laxity of skin, excisional thigh surgery is not recommended and liposuction may be a better option. Thigh lifts can be performed as a medial thigh lift, which limits the incision to the upper inner thigh in the groin creases. This procedure is limited in effectiveness as it only removes a small amount of skin and does not tighten the thigh too much. The vertical thigh lift is more effective for very lax thigh skin which extends beyond the upper inner thigh and often involves the area around the knee. The downside is the a long scar which is visible with short skirts or short pants. It is done when there are no better option but is a very effective technique. The procedure can be combined with a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedures.
The Procedure
This is an outpatient procedure usually performed in our AAAHC center with our Board Certified anesthesiologist and may involve liposuction for additional contouring. Dissolvable sutures are used and drainage tubes are frequently needed. The legs are wrapped in ace wraps or compression garments post-operatively. Compression garments are worn for 4 weeks after surgery to reduce swelling. Recovery is 1-2 weeks but vigorous exercise is limited for 4-6 weeks.
Q: What are the complications?
A: Thigh lift surgery has a very good success rate. However, recent studies show a relatively high complication rate. Wound healing problems, thick scars, and leg swelling are not infrequent. Full recovery may be prolonged for 4-6 weeks. Unfortunately, non-invasive measures are limited, as is liposuction, as a stand-alone procedure.
