Many factors can contribute to the development of sagging skin around the thighs. From drastic weight loss to aging and lack of exercise. A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that contours the thighs and removes excess for a firmer body. The procedure can significantly enhance and rejuvenate the appearance of your thighs and overall body.
During a thigh lift, your surgeon can target either the inner or outer thighs. This gives the procedure precision and the ability to spot treat problem areas. You should also note that a thigh lift is only necessary if you’ve considered dieting and exercise beforehand because it is not a weight loss surgery
Otherwise, you can couple the treatment with liposuction for optimal results.
Candidates for Thigh Lift
Generally, most patients who are seeking a better aesthetic appearance for their thighs are suitable for a thigh lift. But there’s some criteria that you will have to meet to qualify for the surgery. These are the following:
- Presence of sagging skin along the thighs
- Have maintained a stable weight. Losing more weight after the procedure may cause skin sagging to reoccur
- Mental stability
- No issues with wound healing
- Have realistic expectations
How to Prepare for Thigh Lift
– Do not eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before a thigh lift. Consult your doctor if you can’t commit to this time range.
- If you drink alcohol, you must stop 2 weeks before your thigh lift
- If you smoke, you should stop starting from 2 weeks before your thigh lift
- Stop using vitamin E and blood thinners 2 weeks before your thigh lift
Types of Thigh Lift
There are numerous types of thigh lift methods that spot treat different areas of the thighs. In any given situation, you may need one or more of these procedures together to achieve your cosmetic goals.
The different techniques of thigh lift vary in terms of size of incisions and location on the thighs.
Inner Thigh Lift
An inner thigh lift deal with sagging in the inner thighs. Inner thigh lift is most suitable for stubborn excess fat and sagging that doesn’t go away with exercise or dieting.
During this procedure, your surgeon will make the incisions right where the upper thighs and pubic area meet. This location is strategic because it always you to have your scar in a discrete place.
Once the incision is made, next comes the removing of excess fat and skin.
Mini Thigh Lift
A mini thigh lift is your option if your skin sagging affects the upper thighs. The treatment works by making an incisions in the groin area and working from there to remove the excess fat and skin present.
This procedure only works for the upper thighs and as a result procedures a small scar and allows for quicker recovery.
Bilateral Thigh Lift
Bilateral thigh lift is a procedure that target the outer-thighs; which constitutes the outside of the thighs as well as the front. During a bilateral thigh lift, your surgeon will make the incisions in a way that wraps around your outer hips starting from the buttocks. Next comes the removing of the excess skin and fat.
Medial Thigh Lift
The medial thigh lift method targets the upper areas of the inner thighs. It’s similar to an inner thigh lift but targets a larger area of the inner thighs.
During a this type of thigh lift procedure, the incisions starts from the groin and extends to either the buttocks or outer hip.
And depending on your problem areas, the incisions can also come down vertically from the groin. Your surgeon will then remove all the excess skin and fat around the incisions.
Procedure of Thigh Lift
Pre-Surgery
Our team of anesthesiologists will administer your general anesthesia. Prior to this we’ll perform a routine blood test to make sure you’re suitable for this type of anesthesia.
Surgery
Your surgeons at Esthete Clinic will begin by making incisions in the areas you both discussed before. You may need more than one type of thigh lift technique or a simple single procedure to correct your aesthetic problems.
After removing the excess skin, your surgeon will smooth out your skin and fix the changes with sutures.
Post-Surgery
You’ll remain in the operation room for 30 to 60 minutes before your team at Esthete Clinic transfer you to you room. Once the anesthesia wears off, you may begin to feel some pain. But this shouldn’t be a cause of concern as our doctors will give you painkillers.
You won’t be able to see the results immediately because the treated area will be bandaged. There will be estival drains underneath the bandages to remove the fluid discharge from the wounds. You’ll also be wearing a compression garment, this is designed to keep the swelling to a minimum.
Before discharging you, our team at Esthete Clinic will instruct you on how to take your medications. In addition to how you should move to avoid disrupting your wounds.
Recovery after Thigh Lift
- Completely avoid blood thinners and anti-inflammatoires such as aspirin or ibuprofen for at least a week
- Swelling and bruising are very natural and will fade away on their own
- You should avoid strenuous exercise, from climbing the stairs to squatting. But you should still move around lightly from time to time to improve your blood circulation.
- You can shower after 2 days when your doctor removes your drains and compression garments.
- You should wear your compression garments for a month from thigh lift surgery
- You should be able to resume daily activities and driving in 2 to 3 weeks
- You can resume your exercise regimen after 6 to 8 weeks
Results of Thigh Lift
Results of thigh lift are instantaneous but will improve over time. Usually by 12 months you’ll achieve optimal results.
Your aftercare is very essential to your final results so make sure you take it seriously.
