A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that will reshape and firm the thigh through the removal of fatty deposits from the inner and outer thigh area. Liposuction is used to suck out fatty tissue, excess skin is trimmed away, and the skin is pulled tighter to give the thigh a firmer appearance. An inner thigh lift takes care of the inner portion of the thigh, a bilateral thigh lift will work on the front and outer portion of the thigh, and a medial thigh lift handles the upper portion of the thigh. Certain scars from incisions will be hidden in natural creases of the body so that they will not be as obvious.
Procedure Walk-Through
Preparation: To prepare for a thigh lift, you should stop taking certain blood-thinning medications at least two weeks before your procedure. Dr. Vallecillos may prescribe you other medications to aid healing. Smoking should be stopped two weeks before any type of surgical procedure. Medical clearance by an independent physician is necessary for patients over the age of 45.
Anesthesia: Most patients will undergo general anesthesia for a thigh lift, though twilight anesthesia may also be used, where the patient is sedated but still remains awake.
A thigh lift is comprised of a combination of surgical procedures and techniques to reshape and contour the thighs. Dr. Vallecillos will discuss beforehand which options are best for you, depending on your specific circumstances. During the surgery, any (or all) of the following methods may be utilized:
Medial Thigh Lift
Outer Thigh Lift
The placement and length of incisions will depend on the patient’s individual condition. Some patients may qualify for a minimal incision near the groin, while others may require incisions that extend from the groin around the hip. Dr. Vallecillos will minimize their visibility as much as possible by placing them in strategic locations. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will tighten the underlying tissue, remove excess skin, and re-drape and tighten the remaining skin. The result is a reshaped and contoured thigh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
You should consider a thigh lift if you are an adult and suffer from excess fat, soft tissue, or sagging skin on the inner, medial, or outer areas of the thighs. It is important that your weight is relatively stable before undergoing a thigh lift, as excessive weight gain and loss can diminish the longevity of your results.
Are there risks or side effects with a thigh lift?
Most patients experience bruising, tenderness, and swelling after a thigh lift surgery. Other, rare side effects can include unfavorable scarring, bleeding, infection, and fluid accumulation. You should discuss all possible risks and side effects with Dr. Vallecillos before the procedure.
How long do the results last?
Barring any weight gain or future pregnancies, the results of a thigh lift can last for up to ten years.