Diet and exercise are key to a healthy lifestyle, but when weight loss or the aging process result in excessive loose skin on the thighs, its time to seek out a medical solution. A thigh lift can help to create firmer upper legs and improved contours of the thighs as well as your confidence.
Dr. Gill has a genuine understanding of men and woman’s bodies and ideal aesthetic proportions, which she carefully takes into consideration during her surgical planning. Through thoughtful consultations with her patients, Dr. Gill makes it a priority to understand each patient’s specific goals and desires for thigh lift surgery.
Is Thigh Lift Surgery Right for Me?
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat to reshape the thighs. The result is tighter skin and more normal-looking contours of the lower body. If you have achieved your ideal weight through diet and exercise, but still have loose, disproportionate skin and tissues in the thigh area, a surgical thigh lift may be right for you.
Thigh Lift Surgery With Dr. Gill
During your consultation, Dr. Gill will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your concerns and thoughtfully design a unique surgical plan that will safely and effectively meet your thigh lift goals. In some cases, Dr. Gill may recommend complementary body contouring procedures to address other issues or concerns that a thigh lift alone cannot correct.
During thigh lift surgery, Dr. Gill will make the necessary incisions to tighten the underlying tissue, remove excess skin and fat, and redrape the skin for smoother, more proportionate thigh contours. Incisions are made in the groin area and may be extended around the hip. Although incisions can be extensive, Dr. Gill uses advanced techniques to place incisions strategically so they are hidden by most types of swimsuits and other clothing items.
Thigh Lift Techniques
A thigh lift can be performed using either a medial (inner) or a lateral (outer) lifting technique. A medial lift is considered the “minimal” incision technique and used for patients with sagging tissue of the inner thighs. A lateral lift is used to tighten skin on the front and outside of the thighs and is generally the best technique for massive weight loss patients.
Medial Thigh Lift
For medial thigh lift, Dr. Gill will make an incision in the groin crease, where the groin and thigh meet. After removing a section of excess skin and fat, she closes the incision, which results in tighter skin, an improved thigh contour and better skin elasticity.
Lateral Thigh Lift
During a lateral lift, Dr. Gill will make an incision in the groin crease that extends up and around the hip and thigh, following the area where the lower edge of most underwear sits. After removing the excess skin and tissue, Dr. Gill will pull the remaining skin up and close the incision. The result is tighter skin on both the left and right sides of the thigh, improved thigh contour and better skin elasticity.
Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Time in surgery takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on the amount of correction necessary. Most patients are able to return to work within 10 days and resume all normal activities, including exercise, within 4 to 6 months.
Thigh Lift FAQs
Am I a good candidate for thigh lift surgery?
Men and women at a fairly stable weight with excess skin and fat along the inner (medial) thigh area or the outer thigh may be a good candidate for this procedure. Good candidates are in good physical health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gill at the Aesthetic Surgery Center.
Will a thigh lift leave a scar?
Although incisions can be extensive, Dr. Gill uses advanced techniques to place incisions strategically so that they are hidden by most types of swimsuits and other clothing items.
What is recovery like after a thigh lift?
After surgery, dresssings will be applied to the incisions. Patients will also wear a compression garment, which is important to minimize swelling and support the new contours as the thighs heal. Small drains, which are thin tubes, may be placed under the skin to allow excess blood and fluid to drain. These drains will be removed at the first post-op follow-up visit with Dr. Gill within a week. Any sutures will be removed one to two weeks after surgery.
When can I return to work and resume normal activity?
The recovery period after a lift is usually 7 to 10 days. Some bruising and swelling is typical, peaking after three days and resolving on its own within a few weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within 10 days and resume all normal activities, including exercise, within 4 to 6 weeks.