If you’ve recently lost weight in your thighs, you may be looking for a way to get smoother, shapelier legs. Or maybe you’re looking for a way to treat the skin on your thighs that tends to sag with age.
For some people, a thigh lift can be a solution to getting rid of excess, loose skin.
It is important to know that a thigh lift is a major surgical procedure that can carry several risks, especially if you have underlying health problems or are not at your desired weight.
Considering the invasive nature of the surgery, it’s a good idea to research the procedure before undergoing one. In this article, we look at the different types of thigh lift procedures, as well as their potential risks and costs.
A thigh lift (thigh lift) is an invasive cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the thigh area.
Perhaps the most common reason for a thigh lift is to help reshape and smooth the thigh area after weight loss. Some people also opt for the procedure to feel more shapely and feel more comfortable wearing swimwear, shorts and jeans.
If you are considering this procedure after losing weight, doctors recommend that you be at a stable weight for at least 6 months and that you have already reached your goal weight. This is because weight fluctuations can affect the results after thigh lift surgery.
A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat, but there are different types that are achieved through different incisions. Your provider will help you choose the best surgery to meet your individual needs. Below are the different types of thigh lifts to consider.
Inner (middle) thigh lift
A medial thigh lift is the most common form of this cosmetic surgery. It treats sagging skin on your inner thighs through an incision from your groin down to your knee or to the back of your thigh area.
Mini thigh lift
Depending on your particular needs, your surgeon may determine that you qualify for a mini thigh lift. This procedure requires fewer incisions than other types of thigh lift, involving only one incision in your groin. It works well if you only want to focus on your upper-inner thigh.
External (bilateral) thigh lift
An outer thigh lift targets the outer parts of your thighs. The procedure involves an incision that starts in your groin area and then extends outward to the hip and back area.
Vertical thigh lift
If you want to address excess skin in all areas of your thighs, you may want to consider a vertical thigh lift. It requires larger incisions that extend down to your knees. However, due to a
Lifting with liposuction
In some cases, the thigh area may have poor skin elasticity. Your surgeon may recommend liposuction in addition to thigh lift surgery to help remove excess fat cells and prevent sagging skin.
Before your thigh lift surgery, you will be instructed to stop taking medications that increase bleeding. These include aspirin, certain supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Your surgeon may also request a medical evaluation to ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery.
You will undergo general anesthesia during the procedure. Your surgeon will make the appropriate incisions based on the type of thigh lift you have chosen. They will then cut away excess skin and fat cells before placing stitches to close your wounds.
On average, the whole process takes time 2 hours to complete. Since you will also spend several hours in both pre- and post-operation, you should expect the entire process to take you most of the day.
It’s a good idea to have someone drive you to and from your surgery and stay with you overnight in case complications arise.
Before you go home from your surgery, your surgeon will place bandages on the incisions to ease swelling. They may also insert a tube to help drain excess blood and fluid from the area. You will need to make a follow-up appointment to have these items removed by your surgeon.
Like other cosmetic procedures, thigh lifts are considered major procedures and you will need to take time off work to recover.
You will likely experience pain, bruising and swelling for a few days after the procedure. You should immediately notice more contour in your thighs, but you won’t see full results for several months.
Any worsening pain or the start of bleeding through stitches or bandages should be discussed with your doctor immediately. You should also see your doctor if you experience:
- trauma separation
- fever
- chills
- numbness
How long before you see results?
In general, you will need several weeks to recover from thigh lift surgery, so you should plan your work schedule accordingly. You will also need to refrain from any heavy lifting and strenuous exercise at least 6 weeks after your procedure.
You’ll want to elevate your legs as much as possible during this time, and you may be able to go outside after a few days. It’s normal for your ankles to swell as you gradually move more.
Once they heal, there may be scars from where your surgeon made incisions to remove excess skin around your thighs. However, when done by an experienced surgeon, the scars should not be too visible to others, especially if they are placed in inconspicuous areas.
Before committing to a thigh lift, you should determine if the results you want to achieve are worth the risk of side effects. Although serious complications are not that common, you should discuss the following risks with your surgeon:
- Bleeding
- scars
- infections
- skin discoloration
- asymmetry
- loss of skin elasticity
- fluid accumulation
- deep vein thrombosis
- heart or lung complications
Your risk for complications may increase if you smoke, have limited physical activity, or eat a diet high in processed foods.
A thigh lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is usually not covered by medical insurance. However, many surgeons offer payment plans and financing options, so it’s important to ask your provider about ways you can offset some of the cost.
In 2019, the average cost of a thigh lift procedure was $5,171. This price represents the surgeon’s fee only. You may have to pay for additional costs associated with the procedure, including those related to anesthesia, the facility, medications, and more.
The total cost can also vary depending on where you live, the type of thigh lift you choose, and the overall experience of your surgeon.
It is important not to settle for an inexperienced surgeon for the sake of saving money. Using a surgeon unfamiliar with the procedure could increase the risk for side effects and unsatisfactory work, which could cost even more in the long run.
Before committing to a thigh lift, it’s important to shop around for a reputable and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Ideally, the right provider will be board certified and specialize in skin removal procedures such as thigh lifts.
A prospective provider will discuss the process with you in detail. They will also be able to show you a portfolio of their work that includes before and after photos.
At your initial consultation, be sure to ask questions about the surgeon’s specific experience as well as any risks you perceive based on your individual health profile. Finding a surgeon experienced in performing a wide variety of thigh lifts is essential to getting the best possible results with minimal side effects.
Consider using it cosmetic surgeon locator to start your search for the right provider.
A thigh lift is an invasive cosmetic surgery commonly used to help remove excess skin and fat after significant weight loss. To maintain your results, you must be at a stable weight for several months before having the procedure.
Due to the complexity of cosmetic surgery, it is important to choose a provider who has experience with thigh lifts. They can also review any side effects and risks with you before committing to the procedure.
Overall, you should expect your recovery to take several weeks. However, when a thigh lift is performed by the right surgeon, you may find that the procedure is worth your time and investment.
