A thigh lift in Cary is the removal of fatty, sagging tissue from the inner or outer thigh. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened and lifted. The thigh lift procedure is often part of a larger body contouring procedure. Due to its more limited nature, an isolated thigh lift is often combined with other cosmetic procedures.
What does a Thigh Lift entail?
The procedure to reduce the inner or outer thighs often combines liposuction to remove excess fat and excision to remove sagging skin. The resulting scar is hidden in the groin crease or on the hip, hidden by your undergarments.
Recovery from a Thigh Lift
After a thigh lift, you will have a drain for one to two weeks to prevent fluid from accumulating and limiting your final result. Most physical activities are curtailed for the first month and compressive garments are recommended during this time. Infections and wound separations can occur and are usually easily treated.
Before and After
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get lipo on your inner thighs?
Yes, liposuction can be used to provide contouring to both the inner and outer thighs. There are several factors to be considered when determining if a patient is a candidate for liposuction, including lifestyle habits, skin quality, and age.
Does a lower body lift include thighs?
A lower body lift procedure is a commonly performed surgery for many patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. It combines an abdominoplasty procedure and a butt lift procedure. A classic lower body lift does not improve the appearance of the medial thigh; however, it does improve the appearance of the lateral thighs.
How are thigh lifts done?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will perform pre-operative markings, identifying the areas of excess skin to be removed, before anesthesia is administered. Depending on a patient's anatomy, different thigh lift techniques may be performed to provide the best aesthetic outcome and maximum improvement. It is worthwhile to note that thigh lifts are typically done after other body contouring procedures to the trunk, including breast and abdominal procedures.
How can I firm up flabby thighs?
Regarding skin tightening procedures, there are a few options available. Treatments such as BodyTite and Morpheus8 utilize radiofrequency heat energy to increase collagen production and improve overall skin quality. If skin laxity is severe, improvement may only be achieved through excisional procedures, such as a thigh lift.
How dangerous is a thigh lift?
In the right hands, a thigh lift surgery can be a safe, outpatient procedure. At CARE Plastic Surgery, Dr. Coan is our double board-certified plastic surgeon who has studied at world-renowned facilities, including MIT and Duke. We have two AAAASF-certified operating rooms in which most surgical procedures are performed. We always recommend selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon when moving forward with a cosmetic procedure.
How do you get rid of loose skin on your thighs?
There are a few different procedures and treatments to address skin laxity, particularly at the thighs. Morpheus8, a radiofrequency microneedling treatment, is used to improve overall skin quality by increasing collagen stimulation and production. BodyTite is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to both address excess fat and skin laxity. Both BodyTite and Morpheus can provide excellent results when used in combination. Skin laxity can also be addressed through excisional procedures, such as a thigh lift.
How do you prepare for a thigh lift?
For a thigh lift procedure, we recommend being at or close to your goal weight for the best outcome. We also encourage patients only move forward with surgery when it is a good time in their life. The best time for surgery is when it works best for the patient.
How long is recovery from a thigh lift?
Most patients take off about 10-14 days from work after having a thigh lift, depending on the nature of their work. Patients also have exercise restrictions for 6 weeks following surgery. Final results are typically judged at 3 months after surgery, with the understanding that scars continue to heal and improve up to 1 year post-operatively.
How much does a thigh lift Cost?
It is difficult to predict the exact cost of a thigh lift procedure, as it can vary based on different techniques and patient needs. Here at CARE Plastic Surgery, we are happy to work with our patients to find the best payment option for them. We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, and cashier's checks. We also work with third-party financing companies, including Care Credit, Alphaeon Credit, and PatientFi.
What are the different types of thigh lifts?
There are two main techniques for a thigh lift procedure: a crescent thigh lift and an extended thigh lift. The particular technique depends on where exactly the skin laxity and skin excess are. If there is only skin laxity and excess at the top of the thigh, a crescent thigh lift may be recommended. This is a more limited approach, relatively speaking, as it only removes tissue at the top of the leg. The scar is in the crease of the groin for this particular technique. If skin laxity and skin excess extend down the leg, an extended thigh lift may be recommended. This is a more traditional approach and helps to provide maximum improvement.
What exercises help lose thigh fat?
There are various exercises to target thighs in particular. Some of these include squats, lunges, and other weight-bearing exercises. However, no amount of exercise will improve skin quality. Oftentimes, aesthetic treatments and even excisional procedures are required to address moderate to severe skin laxity.
What is a bilateral thigh lift?
A bilateral thigh lift simply refers to a thigh lift procedure being performed on both legs rather than just one (unilateral).
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure that addresses skin laxity and skin excess. This procedure aims to lift and tighten the skin, improving the overall contour of the surrounding thigh area. It is an invasive procedure that is commonly performed after significant weight loss.
What is an inner thigh lift surgery?
An inner thigh lift surgery aims to remove excess skin and fat of the inner leg after general aging or significant weight loss. Improvement is typically limited to the upper inner thigh only.
Where are the scars for a thigh lift?
The exact location of the scars can vary from patient to patient depending on the approach used. Dr. Coan will discuss with you to determine your aesthetic goals, and he will recommend the best approach given your anatomy. Thigh lift scars are typically placed either in the crease of the groin, or the crease of the groin and extending down the medial thigh toward the fat pad of the inner knee.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives to thigh lift surgery?
While thigh lift surgery is the most effective procedure to address excess and loose skin at the thighs, there are non-surgical alternatives available. One treatment in particular uses radiofrequency heat to help tighten and improve overall skin quality.
Can a thigh lift address cellulite on the thighs?
A thigh lift can help improve the appearance of texture irregularities, including cellulite, to some degree. However, it is important to note this procedure does not primarily address cellulite, nor will it completely eradicate the appearance of all cellulite.
What are the potential risks and complications associated with thigh lift surgery?
While complications are rare, they are possible, which is why we strongly recommend patients be compliant with postoperative instructions. Possible complications include delayed wound healing, localized infection, swelling, sensation changes, and asymmetry. Our CARE team will be with you every step of the way during your post-operative journey.
How long do the results of a thigh lift typically last?
The results of a thigh lift can be considered semi-permanent. However, as we continue to age, skin continues to produce less collagen and elastin. This can lead to additional skin laxity in some areas, including the thighs. We recommend a comprehensive approach to anti-aging efforts. It is important for patients to consider the possible need for resurfacing treatments, as well. Furthermore, we recommend patients avoid sun exposure early in recovery and always wear adequate sun protection to prevent premature aging.
Is it possible to combine a thigh lift with other cosmetic procedures?
While it is possible to combine a thigh lift with other cosmetic procedures, there is a substantial recovery process associated with this surgery. For an overall better recovery experience, we typically recommend a thigh lift alone without other surgeries.
Meet Dr. Coan
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