Thigh lift surgery, also called thighplasty, removes the loose sagging skin and fat deposits, revealing thinner, firmer legs that reflect the hard work you've put into losing weight. While lifting the inner thigh is more common, the procedure can also be done on the outer thighs with the result of smoother, slimmer hips. This procedure is an excellent option for those men and women who are dealing with excessive loose skin as a result of weight loss and in some cases aging. Dr. Jacono's board certified plastic surgery associates will perform a thigh lift to remove that excess fat, skin, and tissue to refine and tone the upper legs.
Thigh lift options our surgeons offer include:
- Inner Thigh Lift – this procedure targets the inner portion of the thighs
- Mini Thigh Lift – this procedure targets only the upper third of the leg and produces minimal scarring
- Medial Thigh Lift – this procedure focuses on the upper portion of the inner thighs only
- Lateral Thigh Lift – this procedure is designed to address the outer thighs only
- Bilateral Thigh Lift – this procedure targets the front and outer thigh regions
Thigh Lift Procedure
Loose, hanging skin on the thighs may occur from a combination of genetics, age, gravity, and weight fluctuations. Even after weight loss and exercise, there may be some fullness apparent in the inner thighs and fat pockets on the outer thighs, often referred to as "saddle bags". In inner or outer thigh lift is a good choice if you wish to reduce loose skin, decrease fullness, or improve contours of your thighs.
An outer thigh lift will typically also involve liposuction with the thigh lift, with an incision made in the thigh or waist area. If there is little to no excess fat tissue, a special technique is used to separate the skin for easier removal. An outer thigh lift may be performed alone, but is typically completed with an abdominoplasty or a lower body lift.
An inner thigh lift may leave a small scar that can be hidden in undergarments, though more extensive procedures will require the use of a larger incision on the inner leg. We will give you the best recommendations based on the look you are trying to achieve.
Thighplasty is typically done under general anesthetic. For an inner thigh lift, the incision will start in the groin area and extends down the inner thigh. The length of the incision will be dependent on how much skin and tissue is to be removed. If an outer thigh lift is being performed, then the incision may include the hips and buttocks region and will be more extensive. Based on your surgical goals, we will place the incisions where they can be covered by clothing as much as possible.
Thigh Lift Recovery
After your thigh lift procedure, surgical dressing or bandages will be applied to the incision site. We will recommend the proper compression garment that will be worn during the recovery process to help support the new contour of the thighs while you are healing.
If necessary, a small drain tube will be temporarily placed to help remove the excess blood and fluid from the surgical site and will be removed during your post up follow up visit. Sutures will be used to close the incisions and proper care and instructions will be given to each patient prior to going home.
We advise most patients to take 7 to 10 days off from work to help with recovery and ensure the best possible results. During the recovery period, patients should rest in a reclining position or a standing position whichever is more comfortable to them. Some bruising and swelling may be present after the surgery and should subside on their own over the next 30 days. Most patients return back to their full normal daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks.
Thigh Lift Candidates
The best way to determine if a thigh lift is the right surgical option for your goals is to speak with one of Dr. Jacono's board certified plastic surgery associates during your consultation. We will listen to your goals and desired outcome and tailor the best surgical combination to help you achieve these goals. In general, men and women who have excessive amounts of loose, saggy skin and fat in their thighs may be a good candidate for a thighplasty.
Good thighplasty candidates include:
- Those who are in good physical health
- Individuals who have a relatively stable weight
- Excessive soft tissue in the inner thigh region and/or outer thigh area
- Those who have a positive outlook and realistic goals for their surgical outcome
- Non-smokers or those individuals who are willing to give up smoking for a period of time prior to the surgery and during the recovery period
To determine if you are a good candidate for a thigh lift or to learn more about this procedure, contact our office to schedule a consultation in our New York office 212-570-2500 or our Long Island location 516-773-4646. Interested patients may also fill out our complimentary online consultation form and one of our expert patient care specialists will follow up directly.