Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is done to remove excess skin and fat around the upper thighs, in order to make them appear slimmer, firmer and to improve a sagging appearance.
The thigh lift procedure consists of making an oval incision in the upper thigh, removing the skin and stitching the remaining skin back together.
Who is it for?
For those of normal stable body weight who have developed excess skin and / or fat.
Who isn't it for?
You may not be a good candidate for a thigh lift if you’ve got a significant medical history. Be honest about this during your consultation. It’s also not suitable for those who have been encouraged by others to undergo cosmetic surgery, anyone with unrealistic expectations or those who smoke.
Considerations
Thigh lifts often take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. A classic thigh lift involves an incision along the inner part of the thigh and often extends into the groin crease. The incision can extend towards the knee and can also extend towards the buttock. Liposuction is performed and then the excess fat and skin are removed. Internal stitches are used to tighten the internal lining of the thigh and the skin is sutured using dissolvable stitches. Minimal incisions can be used and extended incisions may also be required. Although it is unusual to require drains, a compressive dressing is almost always used. Occasionally fat and excess skin may be distributed in unusual areas and if this is the case the incisions used may need to be placed in other areas.
The vast majority of patients are delighted with the procedure although common complaints include numbness, bruising, swelling especially around the scar line and a slight difference between the two sides. Uncommon complications include infection, haematoma, delayed healing/skin necrosis/skin loss, persistent seroma formation and thickened scar. There are uncommon risks of general anaesthesia such as respiratory/cardiac compromise and deep vein thrombosis.