Thigh Lift

Consultation

During your consultation, you will discuss your medical history with the doctor. Be completely open with the doctor about your concerns, habits and expectations. The doctor may take photos of your lower body, measure your thighs, and talk with you about the best possible treatment for thigh lift to achieve your goal. You will also learn about preparing for the surgery and planning for your recovery.

There are certain guidelines that the doctor will advise you to follow before the surgery, like maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regularly, stop smoking at least three weeks before the surgery, to strictly avoid anti-inflammatory drugs or medicines having aspirin so that the risk of excess bleeding is reduced.

Surgery

Thigh Lift takes about two hours and is usually performed under general anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. Incisions for this procedure can vary greatly, so a surgeon will consult with the patient to ensure incisions are made in the most effective manner for each case. Types of thighplasty include inner thigh lift, bilateral thigh lift and medial thigh lift.

• Inner Thigh Lift: This type of thigh lift targets the inner thigh. It deals with exercise resistant fat and sagging skin that leads to reduced skin elasticity. An incision is made at the junction where the thigh meets the pubic area which gives access to the underlying tissues while making the most discreet incision possible, since the resulting scar can easily be hidden by underwear. Then a small amount of skin is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled up to tighten and improve leg contours.
• Bilateral Thigh Lift: The bilateral thigh lift or "outer thigh lift," is designed to tighten skin on the front and outside of the leg. An incision is made at the top of the leg where the lower edge of a bikini bottom or pair of underwear would be, creating a "V" shape. Depending on your needs, this incision may wrap around your hip or buttocks area. A certain amount of skin is then removed, and the remaining skin is pulled up and attached to the same area so that it is smooth.
• Medial Thigh Lift: A medial thigh lift tightens skin and fat on the upper part of the inner thigh. An incision is made from the groin back to the crease of the buttock. The skin is then lifted, and excess fat and skin is removed to improve the appearance of the upper, inner thigh.

Post Surgery

After the surgery, dressings/bandages may be applied to your incisions and small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect. There will be swelling, and discomfort and, for this purpose, painkillers will be prescribed by your surgeon. You will not be allowed to walk or perform any vigorous activity for six days after the surgery. You will also experience pain around the thighs, but it will settle down after two days.

After Care

In order to have successful long-lasting results it is important to follow the below:

• Take medication as prescribed by the surgeon.
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling. You will be given a compression garment that you should wear for at least two weeks to minimize swelling.
• Keep your legs elevated as much as you can for the first week after the surgery.
• Avoid physical and athletic activities with your arms that might stretch the incisions for at least four weeks after surgery.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, an irregular heartbeat or redness of the skin and a fever.
• When you are going to start your walk, you will witness mild swelling in your ankles, but this will subside in about three weeks.
• You should follow all the exercise patterns and special sleeping techniques suggested by the surgeon for a speedy recovery.
• It is important to attend the follow-up appointments with your doctor to keep your track of your progress.