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Inner Thigh Tuck / Thigh Lift

Many people who lose significant amounts of weight find that they still don't feel comfortable wearing shorts or bathing suits because of the excess skin that remains on their inner thighs.

Removal of excess fat and skin in the thighs results in reshaping of your lower extremities for a smoother contour and better proportioned lower body. Liposuction can also be performed with this procedure for best results.

Who’s a Candidate?

The best candidates for thigh lift are those who despite diet and exercise have not achieved thighs that are firmer and more youthful looking.  In addition, those who are restricted in their activities and have physical discomfort from their enlarged medial and/or outer thighs are good candidates.  This operation is especially useful in those with skin laxity which will not conform to new contour by liposuction alone.  You must be dedicated to a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness.

What Are the Risks of a Thigh Lift?

As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, fluid collection, fat necrosis, blood clots, or reaction to anesthesia. The procedure will leave noticeable, permanent scars, while poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.  It can also leave you with slightly mismatched lower extremities and possible long term swelling of the legs. Numbness and sensory changes of the thighs in addition to recurrent looseness of skin requiring revisional surgery is a possibility.

Preparing for Surgery

Your surgeon will examine and measure your body and thighs. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your body, and the amount of fat and quality of your skin.

The Surgery

Thigh lift is usually done as an inpatient (with an overnight stay in the hospital) or outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes two to four hours, under general anesthesia.

Incision pattern depends on the amount of tissue that is being excised and it usually rests in the natural contour of the groin crease (sometimes wrapping around the back of the thigh) and medial thigh.  The underlying fat will be excised and the skin will be reduced and reshaped for a firmer, smoother contour lower body.

In most cases, incisions will be placed in strategic positions where they will be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.  Incisions can be extensive depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.

After Your Surgery

Following surgery, you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or compression garment over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each thigh to drain off blood and fluids for the first couple of days. You may feel some pain for first few days, especially when you cough or move around. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. The bandages will be removed within a week after surgery, although you’ll continue to wear the compression garment around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches, if not absorbable, will be removed in one to three weeks.

Avoid excessive force, abrasions, motion for the first month. Most women can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks.  In case of shortness of breath or chest pains, seek medical attention immediately.