What is a Thigh Lift? Exploring Cosmetic Surgery Options
There is no shortage of surgical solutions that can help you to achieve your perfect look. If you’re finding that your weight loss and fitness strategies are failing to meet your desired goals for excess skin on your thighs, then a thigh lift procedure may be appropriate.
What is a thigh lift, you’re wondering? It’s a surgery that helps to reshape the thighs, resulting in a confidence-boosting look that’s firmer and more youthful. In this post, we’ll run through everything you need to know about getting a thigh lift, including the benefits, how the procedure works, and how to figure out if it’s the right option for you.
Understanding What is a Thigh Lift
Not fully satisfied with the appearance of your thighs? This part of the body can be difficult to improve via weight control and fitness alone. Despite their best efforts, some people find that they have stubborn pockets of fat or excess skin that can impact the overall aesthetics of their thighs.
In that scenario, a plastic surgeon may recommend a thigh lift, an increasingly popular procedure that can help to improve the area’s contours. A thigh lift is particularly appropriate for people who are:
- Unhappy with the appearance of their thighs
- Have lost a lot of weight, resulting in loose, excess skin
- Looking for a more proportioned body.
Benefits of Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that can provide a wide range of benefits, both physical and psychological. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of undertaking the procedure.
Smoother, More Youthful Thighs
Thought that your days of having smooth, well-defined thighs were a thing of the past? Think again. A thigh lift procedure can help to significantly improve the appearance of your thighs. If you’ve been wrestling with stubborn fat pockets or loose skin, then get in contact with the team at Northland Plastic Surgery today.
Improved Comfort
A thigh lift procedure doesn’t only elevate the look of the thighs; in some cases, it can also make everyday life more comfortable. People who have lost a significant amount of weight often find that excess, loose skin can cause pain and discomfort, and also find it difficult to find clothing that fits them correctly. A thigh lift helps to improve both of those complaints.
Improved Confidence
Finally, there’s the improvement of the individual’s confidence and self-esteem. It can be unpleasant to live with an aspect of your body that you’re not fully satisfied with. While exercise and diet control can help to improve the appearance of the thighs, sometimes a little extra help is required in order to be fully satisfied with how they look. Once you’ve got your desired aesthetic, you’ll feel a lot more confident showcasing your thighs during the warm summer months.
The Procedure Explained
Thigh lift procedures are usually pretty quick, often lasting around 2 – 3 hours. The procedure involves the following steps:
Anesthesia
Thigh lift surgery is carried out under local or general anesthesia. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. Your doctor will advise you on the best option for you.
Incisions
After the anesthesia has taken effect, your plastic surgeon will begin the procedure. The incisions they make will depend on your specific treatment plan and may include inner thigh and outer thigh incisions. During this stage, the doctor will remove excess skin and reshape the thigh’s contours.
Closing the Incisions
The surgeon will place support sutures in the thigh’s tissue to hold the new contours in place. After, they will close the incision using absorbable sutures, and also add bandages and compression garments to the area.
Most patients are allowed to return home on the same day as the procedure to continue their recovery.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed advice on how to prepare for your surgery. In most cases, you won’t need to do anything special to prepare for the surgery. It mostly comes down to adopting healthy practices in the weeks leading up to the surgery, though you may have to cease taking certain types of medication.
If you’re a smoker, you must stop at least 6 – 8 weeks before surgery, since smoking will impact recovery. Other pre-surgery tips include:
- Eating healthy meals
- Staying hydrated
- Preparing meals to eat after you’ve returned home.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most people find that it takes around six months before they are completely recovered from their thigh lift surgery. At that point, all the swelling will be gone, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of having undertaken the procedure.
You can speed up your recovery, as well as ensure long-lasting results, by adopting good post-surgery practices, including:
- Be patient with your recovery.
- Avoid driving for three weeks after surgery.
- Take slow walks 1 – 2 weeks after surgery.
- Utilize compression garments.
- Take brief showers using warm (not hot) water.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol products.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with all surgeries, there are risks and complications associated with thigh lift surgery. While most people encounter no issues whatsoever, it’s important to discuss the procedure with your surgeon thoroughly so that you have a solid understanding of what the process involves and any potential post-surgical complications.
It’s important to remember that post-surgery swelling and bruising are normal and are not a cause for concern. If you follow the guidance of your plastic surgeon, then you should make a full, on-time recovery. Potential complications include:
- Poor results
- Scarring
- Pain
- Infections
- Bleeding
Working with a reputable, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can minimize the risk of experiencing side effects.
Is a Thigh Lift Right for You?
If you have excess fat or skin and you’re looking for more aesthetically pleasing thighs and a boost in confidence, then you may be a good candidate for thigh lift surgery!
If you’re interested in getting a thigh lift or you’d like more information about the process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Northland Plastic Surgery by calling (218) 724-7363.