What to consider about thigh lifts
If you’ve lost weight in your thighs recently, you might be looking for a way to get slimmer and sexier legs. Or maybe you’re looking to treat the thigh skin that tends to sag with age.
For some people, a thigh lift can be a solution to get rid of excess skin.
It’s essential to know that a thigh lift is a major surgical procedure that can pose various risks, especially if you have an underlying health condition or haven’t reached your weight goal.
Given the invasive nature of the surgery, you should research the procedure before it’s done. This article looks at the different types of thigh lift procedures, along with their potential risks and costs.
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift (thigh reshaping) is an invasive cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the thigh area. Probably the most common reason for a thigh lift is to help reshape and smooth the thigh area after weight loss. Some people also choose the trick to fit and feel more comfortable in swimwear, shorts and jeans.
If you’re trying to implement this procedure after weight loss, doctors recommend that you’re at an exact weight for at least six months and that you’ve already reached your goal. This is because the fluctuations of weight can interfere with results post thigh lift surgery.
What are the different kinds of thigh lifts?
Thigh lifts help remove excess skin and fat, but different types are achieved via separate incisions. Your provider will help you in choosing the best surgery to meet your individual needs. Here are the different types of thigh lifts to consider.
Inner (middle) thigh lift
Mid-thigh lift is the most common form of this plastic surgery. It treats sagging skin on the inside of the thigh through an incision from the groin to the knee or the back of the thigh.
Mini Thigh Lift
Based on your individual needs, your surgeon can determine that you qualify for a Mini Thigh Lift. This process needs fewer incisions than other types of thigh lifts, which involve only one incision in the groin area. This will work perfectly if you only want to focus on the inner upper part of the thighs.
Outer thigh lift (sideways)
An outer thigh lift is for the outer parts of your thighs. This procedure includes an incision that begins in the groin area and extends outward to the hip and lower back.
Vertical thigh lift
If you are looking to treat a lot of excess skin in all thigh areas, you can consider the vertical thigh lift. This requires larger incisions that extend to the knee. However, it includes a higher risk of complications; your surgeon may not recommend this type of thigh lift.
Liposuction Lifting
In some cases, the area of the thigh may have low skin elasticity. Your surgeon may recommend liposuction in addition to thigh lift surgery to help remove excess fat cells and prevent sagging skin.
What is the procedure?
Before your thigh lift surgery, you will be asked to stop taking medications that increase bleeding. These include aspirin, some supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Your surgeon may also order a medical evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate for surgery.
You will be under general anaesthesia during the procedure. Your surgeon will make the appropriate incisions depending on the type of thigh lift you have chosen. They will then cut away excess skin and fat cells before putting in sutures to close the wound for you.
On average, the whole procedure takes 2 hours. Since you will also spend several hours before and after surgery, the entire process takes up most of the day.
How does the recovery work?
Before you go home from surgery, your surgeon will bandage the incision to help reduce swelling. The surgeon may also insert a tube to help drain excess blood and fluid from the area. You should make a follow-up appointment for the surgeon to remove these items.
Like any other cosmetic surgery, a thigh lift is considered a necessary procedure, and you will need to take a break from work.
You may experience some swelling, bruising, and pain for a few days after the procedure. You’ll notice contouring on your thighs right away, but you won’t see complete results for several months.
Any pain that gets worse or appears to bleed through stitches or dressings should be treated with your doctor right away. You will need to see a doctor if you experience:
- dissociated wounds
- fever
- chills
- numbness
How long will it take to see results?
In general, it will take several weeks to recover from thigh lift surgery, so you should plan your workout accordingly. You should also limit heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least six weeks after the procedure.
You will want to elevate your legs as much as possible during this time, and you should be able to step outside in a few days. It is usual for the ankle to swell as you move gradually.
After healing, there may be scarring as your surgeon makes an incision to remove excess skin around your thigh. However, when an experienced surgeon does the surgery, the scars will not be noticeable to others, especially if placed in inconspicuous places.
What are the potential risks to watch out for?
Before performing a lift, you need to determine if the results you are looking for are worth the risk of side effects. While serious complications are not common, make sure to discuss the following risks with your surgeon:
- bleeding
- scarring
- infections
- skin discolouration
- asymmetry
- loss of skin elasticity
- fluid accumulation
- deep vein thrombosis
- heart or lung complications
Your risk for complications may increase if you smoke, get limited physical activity, or consume a diet high in processed foods.
