THIGH LIFT

For many, the upper legs and thighs can become a more pressing cosmetic concern as they age or undergo massive weight loss. Stubborn fat deposits, excess skin and cellulite are especially prone to accumulating on the thighs and can make you look older or less fit than you actually are. Sagging skin or dimpling on the thighs can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance and may have you steering clear of clothing or swimsuits that showcase your upper legs.

Thigh lift surgery, also referred to as thighplasty, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that works to improve the appearance of the thighs by eliminating excess or loose, hanging skin from the inner or outer thighs. This procedure is often a desirable option for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or for whom dieting and exercise have failed to tone their upper thighs or reduce lax skin. At the Celestial Institute of Plastic Surgery, a thigh lift procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bazzi can help patients enjoy upper legs that have a more attractive and proportional contour as well as a firmer look and feel that lasts a lifetime.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN A THIGH LIFT PROVIDE?

You may decide to undergo a thigh lift due to several aesthetic concerns, usually caused by significant weight loss or the aging process. There are multiple techniques that Dr. Bazzi may utilize in a thigh lift to customize the procedure to your precise needs and goals. Thigh lift surgery offers a multitude of benefits to those who wish for sleeker and slimmer legs, such as:

  • Your thighs will appear, firmer, smoother and more youthful-looking

  • Thighs will look more proportionate with the rest of your figure

  • Eliminated fat, cellulite and loose skin on the thighs

  • Improved skin elasticity in the thigh region

  • Better-fitting clothing and swimwear

  • Renewed self-confidence in your appearance

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A THIGH LIFT SURGERY?

A thigh lift surgery will generally last about two hours and is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation depending on your unique needs. Dr. Bazzi will tailor your thigh lift procedure to your individual goals and requirements, so the duration of your procedure, as well as the placement of the incisions, will vary for each patient. There are typically two areas of the thighs that a thigh lift can address:

Inner Thigh Lift (Medial): For an inner thigh lift, Dr. Bazzi will make an incision along the groin or bikini area, and remove any excess skin and fat found along the inner thigh. The area from the groin to the knee will be recontoured and lifted, and the same technique is then repeated on the other thigh, and the incisions are closed.

Outer Thigh Lift (Lateral): In an outer thigh lift, the outer thigh and buttocks may be addressed. This procedure may involve more extensive incisions that extend from the bikini line and around the hip to remove more excess tissues and skin, but will be placed strategically to be well hidden in most clothing and swimwear. The outer thigh and buttocks will be tightened and lifted to redefine the contours and curves of your outer legs, and incisions will be closed.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Bazzi will help you to identify the regions of your thighs that require augmentation as well as where the incision lines will be after your procedure. Deep sutures will be placed on your tissues to ensure that your treated areas do not sag during the recovery process and heal correctly for the most optimal outcomes.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY?

The duration of your recovery process will usually depend on the type of thigh lift procedure performed as well as the extent of correction needed. Most thigh lift patients can expect about 7 to 10 days of downtime before returning to work and will be required to wear a compression garment around their thighs to help facilitate proper healing. You will be encouraged to rest and limit excessive leg movements during the initial stages of your recovery, though you can expect to resume all normal activities, including working out, within two to four months of your surgery or with Dr. Bazzi’s clearance.

WHAT RESULTS CAN A THIGH LIFT ACHIEVE?

The results of your thigh lift surgery are apparent almost immediately; although it can take several months for residual swelling to subside and your final results to fully develop. Your thigh lift will provide you with lasting improvements to skin tone and laxity concerns within the inner and outer thighs as well as a smoother, tighter and more youthful appearance to the upper legs. While there may be some visible scarring, Dr. Bazzi will work to ensure they are as discreet as possible not to take away from the quality of your final results.

The outcomes of your thigh lift are designed to be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable and healthy weight after your procedure. While your thighs may not be immune from the aging process and can lose some firmness over time, most of the improvements you gain from your thigh lift procedure will remain indefinitely with proper maintenance.

IS A THIGH LIFT RIGHT FOR ME?

If the effects of aging or weight loss have led to sagging, excess skin on your inner and outer thighs, a thigh lift surgery may be the appropriate procedure for you to achieve your aesthetic goals. The best candidates for an inner or outer thigh lift are men and women who are committed to a healthy lifestyle and have reached a stable weight but are unable to reduce the appearance of lax skin or fatty tissues on their thighs from diet and exercise alone.

Dealing with sagging skin from weight loss or the effects of aging can be a frustrating aesthetic concern— especially if you are otherwise healthy and fit. If you are troubled by the presence of loose, excess skin and fat around your thighs, a thigh lift procedure at the Celestial Institute of Plastic Surgery may be right for you. To learn more about thigh lift surgery, call our office at 734-237-6632 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Bazzi today.