What is a thigh lift?
Reshaping the thighs by reducing extra fat and skin creates a smoother, more toned leg. A thigh lift can bring back the firmness and youthful appearance of your thighs when weight loss and exercise are unsuccessful at changing the look of that area.
There are two main types of thigh lifts:
Inner thigh lift: This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the inner thighs, where it is most commonly seen. The incision is typically made in the groin crease and extends down the inner thigh.
Outer thigh lift: This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the outer thighs. The incision is typically made in the inguinal crease and extends down the outer thigh.
In some cases, a combination of inner and outer thigh lifts may be performed.
What happens during a thigh lift?
Thigh lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes two to four hours to complete. The incisions are closed with stitches or staples, and drains may be placed to remove any excess fluid. Most people will need to stay in the hospital overnight after thigh lift surgery and will need to wear compression garments for several weeks to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
What is thigh lift recovery like?
Full recovery from thigh lift surgery takes four to six weeks. During this time, you will need to avoid strenuous activity and wear compression garments. You may also experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with medication.
The results of thigh lift surgery are typically long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. However, as you age, it is natural for your skin to lose some elasticity. This may cause the results of your thigh lift to diminish somewhat. Thigh lift surgery cannot completely eliminate wrinkles or age spots.