Loss of muscle mass, sagging skin and genetic factors all play a part in the contour of your thighs. For some people, all the exercising and dieting in the world won't improve their appearance. No matter what we do, we cannot seem to lift and firm our thighs.
The thighplasty or thigh lift works by removing the loose skin and sagging fatty tissue over the upper inner portion of the thigh down to the knees. This procedure is often performed for patients who have experienced significant weight loss.
About the procedure
A thigh lift is performed to tighten the skin around the inner thigh to form a more aesthetically pleasing frame. Your doctor will strive to produce slimmer, more contoured thighs that are proportionate to the buttocks, stomach and legs. The outer thigh is generally not targeted in a thigh lift, as liposuction and a butt lift tend to produce better results in that area of the leg.
The surgery is performed by removing hanging skin and flabby fat tissue from the upper inner thigh down to the knee. This procedure is often performed on patients who have significantly lost weight, where there has been a loosening of the connective tissue and the effect of excess skin, and there has been a loss of tone of the entire part of the inner side of the thigh.
This procedure may be performed alone, or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as part of a body lift or with a buttock lift. When combined with other procedures, patients can achieve maximum results and enjoy a younger and more refreshed appearance overall. Your doctor will discuss your personal aesthetic goals with you in order to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Am I a candidate?
The thigh lift procedure is ideal for patients who are in good general health but have excess skin and tissue within the thigh area as a result of the natural aging process, pregnancy or significant weight loss. A thigh lift should not be considered an easy weight loss solution, and are most effective on patients who are close to their ideal weight but unhappy with the appearance of their thighs. Patients need to maintain realistic expectations in order to be satisfied with the results of their thigh lift procedure. The average patient is a female in her late 40s and older. Men also occasionally undergo this procedure, usually after massive weight loss.
How do you prepare?
In your initial consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your health, and carefully assess your skin tone. Your doctor should explain any alternative body-contouring methods that may be appropriate and discuss the options or the combination of procedures that would be best for you. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and certain medications.
In preparation for surgery, organize that someone drives you home after the procedure, be available in case of an emergency, and also helps you the next day or two.
During the procedure
The thigh lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires an incision in the groin area and sometimes extending downward around the back of the thigh, depending on the results desired by the patient. These incisions are placed so that they can be hidden by even swimsuits. An inner (medial) thigh lift may require an incision only in the groin area, and is ideal for patients with a moderate amount of skin and fat in the inner thigh area. An outer (lateral) thigh lift involves an incision stretching from the groin and can often lift the buttocks in addition to the thigh. After the incision is made, the surgeon will tighten the tissues in the area to create a smoother and more toned contour. The incisions are closed with sutures and the patient will be asked to wear a compression garment in order to minimize swelling and promote proper healing.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and it typically takes two to three hours, depending on the size of the area. Patients are discharged the next day. If the procedure involves a small correction can be done under local anesthesia.
Recovery time
After surgery, patients may experience mild bruising, swelling and soreness. Discomfort is generally minimal in smaller lifts, but when large amounts of skin are removed, an overnight stay in the hospital may be required. In either case, pain medication and anti-inflammatory methods will be utilized. The results of the procedure will be visible right away and will continue to improve as swelling and other symptoms subside.
Light labor is normally possible after less than two weeks, while most physical activity is permissible at four to six weeks. All symptoms should be gone and scars maximally faded within six months. After recovery, patients will be able to show off their slimmer, more defined legs and eliminate any previous embarrassment. The results of a thigh lift can be permanent, as long as patients maintain an active and healthy life and do not gain significant amounts of weight.
Precautions
Although this procedure is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks and complications associated with any type of surgical procedure. Some of these risks include infection, healing problems, blood clots and fluid drainage. Patients can reduce these risks by choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon such to perform their procedure, and by following the doctor’s instructions before and after surgery.
Price
The package includes: anesthetics, equipment, medicines, accommodation for short stay in Bagatin Clinic, medications associated with the operation, care of the medical staff, the recommendations of drugs that will be taken after the surgery, check-up after surgery.
The package does not include: stay in the Bagatin Clinic longer than one night, accommodation costs prior to admission to the clinic, telephone charges, preoperative examination (routine blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray), laboratory costs, drugs that are not connected with the operation, and consultations with other specialists and costs associated with other patients disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, thyroid disease, allergy medications, heart disease, etc.
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