Considering a thigh lift or thighplasty? Well, you’re in good company. This popular cosmetic procedure, designed to reshape and contour the thighs has a serious following. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 9,000 thigh lift procedures performed in 2020 in the United States alone.
Before booking your consultation, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what the procedure involves, its benefits, potential downtime, and who makes an ideal candidate. We invite you to use this blog post as your personal thigh lift cheatsheet. As always, we’re here to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.
What is a thigh lift?
By basic definition, a thigh lift is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs. This procedure helps to achieve a smoother and more toned thigh appearance. It’s often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or who have skin that has lost its elasticity due to aging. That said, it’s important to note that thigh lifts are not intended exclusively to remove excess fat. Without proper muscle tone and definition, a thigh lift will not yield the expected results.
How is the Procedure Performed?
As with any procedure, the actual steps involved might vary slightly between patients. In general, it’s fair to expect some version of the following:
- Consultation and planning: Before the surgery, you’ll have a thorough consultation, which is an opportunity to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and plan the specifics of your surgery.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure your comfort.
- Incision: The surgeon will make incisions based on the area to be treated and depending on the type of thigh lift performed.
- Reshaping and tightening: Once the excess skin and fat are removed, the surgeon will tighten and reshape the remaining skin to achieve a more contoured appearance.
- Closing incisions: The incisions are then closed with sutures, and you will be provided with specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
What kind of downtime and recovery should I expect?
Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing responses. Generally, you can expect:
- Immediate postoperative period: During this stage, there is the possibility of swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Initial recovery: Most patients can return to light activities and work within 1-2 weeks, though you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about 4-6 weeks.
- Lasting results: As swelling gradually subsides, the final results start to become evident, which can take a few months. You should also expect that any scarring will fade over time.
Breaking down the benefits of a thigh lift
We’ve noticed that the benefits from any cosmetic procedure are as personal as the reasons for scheduling it. However, our thigh lift clients report enjoying a more toned and streamlined appearance, with greater confidence in their overall physical appearance. Naturally, it follows that eliminating excess skin increases comfort in clothing and regular activities. Both of these benefits amount to increased confidence and self-esteem.
Are you an ideal candidate for a thigh lift?
Understanding the ins and outs of a thigh lift procedure is one thing; determining whether you are an ideal candidate is another. While nothing replaces an in-person consultation, generally speaking, ideal thigh lift candidates check the following boxes:
- Present with excess skin and fat: Those with significant sagging skin or stubborn fat in the thigh area, often due to weight loss or aging, are excellent candidates.
- Demonstrate good health overall: Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
- Evidence stable weight: Consistent or stable weight is ideal as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the surgery.
- Do not smoke: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications, so non-smokers or those willing to quit are better candidates for thigh lifts or any other type of cosmetic or restorative surgery.
You needn’t waste time wondering whether a thigh lift will be beneficial for you. Simply schedule your consultation and Dr. Reilly will provide you with his most professional and honest opinion.
Treat yourself to the confidence that comes from contoured thighs. Get back into your shorts and swimsuits before the summer season comes to a close. Contact us today to schedule your thigh lift!
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