If you want to contour your thighs, you may have looked up thighplasty, or a thigh lift. Thigh lifts involve the removal of fat and skin from the legs to create a tightened appearance. If you want to change the contours of your body, you might turn to thighplasty to address issues you have below the glutes.
Learn more about thighplasty so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Are You a Candidate for Thighplasty?
You are a great candidate for thighplasty if you notice the skin on your legs has lost elasticity. Perhaps you are unhappy with the sagging or dimpled appearance of your thighs, no matter how much you exercise or lose weight. Many candidates for thighplasty have recently lost weight. They have a lot of extra skin they want to eliminate from their legs.
Good candidates for the procedure will have realistic expectations for the procedure's results. Thighplasty is not a weight loss surgery, and you should already meet your weight loss goals by the time you come in for a consultation.
What Is the Thighplasty Procedure Like?
Several types of thighplasty exist based on the location of the skin and fat you would like to have removed. For example, you can ask the doctor to focus on the inner thigh of the leg if it is a problem area for you.
The thighplasty procedure typically takes about two hoursto complete, during which time you will be placed under general anesthesia. Next, the surgeon will make an incision near the top of your thigh. He or she will remove some skin and pull up the remainder to create a tighter appearance.
Some thigh lifts include an incision on the back to remove fat and skin for the inner thigh. The surgeon may also perform a liposuction procedure alongside thighplasty.
Finally, the surgeon sutures the incision closed. Incisions are placed in such a way that they are hidden in natural creases of the body, including the groin. The surgeon also places a drain to help your wound eliminate extra fluid. The surgeon will later remove your sutures and the drain when you return to the office.
What Is Recovery After Thighplasty Like?
You will likely be able to return home after surgery. In the first days of recovery, you are likely to feel some pain. Medication eases much of the pain, but in the meantime, you should avoid moving your legs much. It may take you over a week to recover and get back to your normal routine.
You will notice some bruises and swelling around your legs. Your doctor will provide you with additional information about caring for a surgical site, how to take medications, and what to avoid in the weeks and months you heal.
Are There Risks of Thighplasty?
Thighplasty, like every other type of surgery, comes with some risk. If you experience intense pain, difficulty breathing, or an unusual heartbeat, you need to seek medical attention right away. They could indicate you are experiencing some health effects after the procedure.
One of the biggest risks associated with thighplasty is anesthesia. Anesthesia can have a negative impact on some people based on the dose and their size.
Infection is another common concern after surgery. You must pay close attention to your wounds and ensure that the area does not show signs of infection, including itchiness, redness, and pus.
You can minimize the risks after surgery. Abide by the doctor's orders, no matter how difficult doing so may be. Allow your body to fully heal.
How Do You Know If Thighplasty Is Right For You?
Ronald C. Barry, MD, offers cosmetic surgery to good candidates. Call us today to discuss thighplasty and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
