Our bodies are all unique. Some of us are taller or shorter than others, some of us tend to carry more weight in certain areas, and some of us experience significant sagging as we age. If you’re unhappy with your physique and you want to make a change, there are a number of options to explore, from diet and exercise to cosmetic procedures.
A thighplasty, or thigh lift procedure, can help to lift and tighten the inner and/or outer thigh area if you experience issues like sagging, excess skin, and/or cellulite. What can you expect during and after this procedure, and what benefits will you enjoy? Here are a few things you should know.
What to Expect
Before you go ahead with a thigh lift, you’ll want to speak with a qualified doctor about your goals, potential outcomes, and whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you move ahead with a thighplasty, you should expect to receive general anesthesia, but typically, you can go home the same day.
You may choose to have an inner (medial), outer, or vertical thigh lift. The inner thigh lift includes an incision near the inner crease of the leg (along the bikini line), followed by skin removal and lift to tighten the skin on both sides of the leg.
An outer thigh lift is similar to the medial thigh lift, except that the incision extends from the groin area around the hip so that skin can be removed and tightened around the front and outer thigh area. Vertical thighplasty is not as common, because the incision reaches from the groin to the knee on the inside of the leg so a wedge of tissue can be removed, and the remaining skin can be tightened. This process has the potential to leave a highly visible scar.
Thighplasty may be paired with other cosmetic procedures like liposuction or a butt lift to enhance results. Following the procedure, swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common and can be treated with medication. You should anticipate one or two weeks of downtime before you can return to normal activities, and you may have to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Full recovery could take up to several weeks or months.
Who is a Good Candidate?
You may seek thighplasty if you suffer from significant sagging or cellulite in the thigh area, particularly if you’ve experienced extreme weight loss, or if diet and exercise alone do not deliver the toning and tightening you crave. Thigh lift procedures can remove excess fat and skin and tighten the thigh area for a slimmer physique and a smoother appearance.
In order to be a good candidate for thigh lift, you must be in good health and maintain a relatively stable weight. Nonsmokers are preferred, as are patients already committed to a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and a regular fitness regimen.
Benefits of Thigh Lift
A thigh lift can help to remove excess skin and fat in the thigh area, which impacts your appearance and your ability to function normally. Physical benefits include a slimmer, tighter thigh area and improved appearance. Mental and emotional benefits often include increased self-esteem and confidence in one’s appearance.
If you think you’re a good candidate for a thigh lift, contact Dr. Beverly Fischer, MD and the talented team at the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery today, online or at 410-308-4700, to request a consultation and learn more.
