Thigh Lift

THIGH LIFT SURGERY

Many individuals who have lost a large amount of weight may experience loose, sagging, excess skin around their thighs, hips, and buttocks. Because the skin has lost its elasticity, it is unable to reshape itself to your new size. Men and women with this condition may be ideal candidates for a thigh lift in Albany at The Plastic Surgery Group.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

Many men and women visit us in Albany for thigh lift surgery after massive weight loss because of physical discomfort and dissatisfaction with their appearance due to the excess skin. We often combine thigh lifts with other procedures such as a buttock lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction to help our patients attain the attractive shape they’ve worked so hard to get.

A thigh lift is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure involves small incisions in the inner thigh and groin area. Your plastic surgeon will carefully determine where to make these incisions to minimize scar visibility when you are wearing a wide variety of clothing and to meet your personal desires.

In some instances, a thigh lift also involves the area around the outer thigh and the buttocks. In these cases, the incisions are somewhat longer and may extend from the buttocks over to the abdomen and to the groin. During your pre-surgery consultation, your plastic surgeon will determine which type of thigh lift procedure will be best for you and just where the incisions will be made.

In inner thigh lifts as well as those extending to the outer thighs and buttocks, excess skin will be removed and the remaining skin will be stretched and repositioned to create a smoother and firmer contour.

Recovery
Immediately following your thigh lift, you will wear a supportive garment that will help compress the surgical area. This garment is very similar to an elastic girdle and will help reduce swelling and promote the skin around the surgical area to return to its natural tightness. Inner thigh lifts usually can be done on an outpatient basis, while thigh lifts that involve the outer thighs and buttocks may require a brief hospital stay of usually just a day or so. Any discomfort that you may feel can be controlled by medications prescribed by your plastic surgeon.

Within several weeks, you’ll notice any swelling and bruising disappearing. In most cases, within 5 or 6 weeks, thigh-lift patients can resume most normal activities including exercise. In 4 to 6 months you’ll see the final results of your procedure with a smoother, tighter contour and more attractive appearance to your thighs. Keep in mind that each person heals at a different rate. Your plastic surgeon will monitor your recuperation during several follow-up visits.

Potential Risks or Complications
All surgery carries with it some risks, but in general thigh lift surgery is a safe and effective solution to eliminating loose and sagging skin. In the rare event of an infection or adverse reaction to anesthesia, your plastic surgeon can prescribe effective medications to control these situations. It is important to follow your plastic surgeon’s directions about taking prescribed medications, caring for the incision area, and changing any bandages. Your plastic surgeon will discuss after-care with you thoroughly during your consultation. Be sure to ask him or her any questions you may have regarding the recuperation process.

IS A THIGH LIFT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

In most cases a thigh lift is not covered by insurance. However, it is always best to check with your insurance carrier and to discuss insurance coverage with your plastic surgeon.

WILL I BE HOSPITALIZED?

If you are having an inner thigh lift, you most likely will be an outpatient and will return home right after your surgery. Those having thigh lifts that involve the outer thighs and buttock areas will usually be in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.

HOW LONG WILL I BE BRUISED AND SWOLLEN?

You will notice bruising and swelling the first few weeks following your thigh lift, which will continually dissipate as you heal. It’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s recuperative directions and get plenty of rest during this time. In a month or so you’ll see the swelling and bruising greatly diminish, if not completely disappear.

WILL SCARS BE VISIBLE?

Your plastic surgeon will make incisions in areas that are hidden by the natural shape of your body. There may be some scarring depending on the extent of your thigh lift, but it will likely fade over time and become almost invisible.

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