A thighplasty or a thigh lift is a surgical procedure which helps with the reduction in the excess fat and skin, giving you better proportions and smoother skin on your thighs and lower body. When your weight control efforts such as dieting and exercise do not yield the firm, sculpted thighs you aim for, a surgical lift is the best option to get you a more youthful appearance and better proportions to your overall body. It is not uncommon to lose elasticity of the skin of your thighs with dramatic weight loss or fluctuation and thighplasty can create firmer-looking skin, giving you improved contours to your lower body.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Thighplasty?
Even though your surgeon, Dr. Nakamura, will determine if you are a good candidate for a thighplasty during your consultation, good candidates for the procedure typically are:
- Those with a stable weight
- Those who have excessive tissue on the inner or outer thighs or both
- Those who are non-smokers
- Those who are in good general health and do not have any medical issues that will affect healing or increase any risks during the procedure
- Those who are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and workout schedule
What Does the Thighplasty Procedure Include?
The surgery is performed under either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia and your surgeon will determine the best option for you during your consultation. The incisions during the procedure are dependent on several factors, including your surgeon’s preference, the amount of correction required and the area that is to be treated.
The inner thigh lift incision involves placing incisions that begin at the groin and extends downwards. Your surgeon could choose another technique which involves removing the excess skin from the groin to the knee with an incision made along the inseam. In certain cases, you may only require a minimal incision in the groin area. All of this depends on your body type and which technique is best for you.
The sutures for closing these incisions are placed deep within the underlying tissue so that they can support your new contours. Your surgeon may use clips or skin adhesive tape to close the incisions. You may go home with dressing and small drainage tubes to allow the excess blood or fluid to collect while you heal.
What Can You Expect During Your Recovery?
Before you return home, your surgeon’s office will give you specific instructions which may include:
- How to take care of the surgical site
- Any oral or local medications that will aid the healing
- Any concerns to look out for at the surgical site or regarding your general health
Your Thighplasty Recovery
It is important that you do not subject your incisions to any swelling, excessive force, motion or abrasion while you are healing. Most of the swelling and bruising will settle within a month. Usually, you can return to any strenuous activities in six weeks’ time with most symptoms having subsided by then.
Your results from the thighplasty are visible immediately but it will take a few months to see your final results as the swelling goes down. You will see a great improvement in both the feel and appearance of your skin quality too.
