thigh lift
The thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to tighten the skin of the thigh and reduce sagging in the inner or outer thigh, re-creating the more taut contours of youth. This sagging skin is usually caused by significant weight loss. Fatty deposits also tend to accumulate in the thighs and can be stubbornly resistant to exercise.
Dr. Chariker can improve the shapeliness of your thighs by removing excess fat and skin from inner or outer thigh, or both. He may combine the lift procedure with liposuction. Because the incision is at the groin area, the resulting scars are well hidden by most underwear and swimsuits.
- Planning
- In/Outpatient
- During/After
- Side Effects
- Recovery
- Duration
Planning Your Surgery
In your consultation, Dr. Chariker will examine your thighs to determine the best approach to meet your personal objectives. If the skin of your inner thigh sags or is droopy, a thigh lift is ideal as it will tighten up the skin and smooth the contour of the inner thigh. Patients who have lost a lot of weight are also ideal candidates for an inner thigh lift, often done in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures. The outer thigh is treated most often by liposuction. When the skin of the outer thigh sags, it is usually in conjunction with the buttocks. In this case, the outer thigh lift is performed together with a buttocks lift.
In/Outpatient, Anesthesia, Length of Procedure
Dr. Chariker usually performs the thigh lift procedure in our private outpatient surgical center. Patients are given a general anesthetic so they will sleep through the surgery, which lasts from 2 to 4 hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
During and After
The inner thigh lifts are done with incisions over the inner thigh. Dr. Chariker designs the surgery so the final scar is hidden in the groin crease. After making the incision, he removes the excess fat and skin, then elevates and tightens the remaining thigh skin before closing with stitches. Outer thigh and buttock lifts are done with incisions extending from the groin around the back. Dr. Chariker may combine the lift procedure with liposuction. In both inner and outer thigh lifts, the scars will fade with time, and in any case are well hidden by most underwear and swimsuits.
Following your surgery, you should rest as much as possible to avoid a lot of leg motion, which can affect the scar. You may experience some temporary pain, bruising and swelling, as well as a tight feeling in the thighs.
Side Effects and Risks
Common side effects include some temporary pain, bruising, and swelling. Scarring is permanent, but well-concealed, and will fade over time.
Recovery
Recuperation for thigh lift surgery is usually 1-2 weeks. Patients should plan to take two weeks off from work, and avoid strenuous activity for a month.
Duration of Results
Permanent, assuming your weight remains stable and you continue to exercise regularly to maintain muscle and skin tone.