Thigh lift
What’s it address: Excess skin and tissue of the thighs
Recovery: 2-3 weeks
Technique: Will be individualized for you. The procedure usually involves liposuction of the thigh and removal of excess skin and tissue.
Anesthesia: Usually general anesthesia. Can be conscious sedation in some cases.
Can be combined with other procedures
A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to address sagging skin and excess fat in the thighs. Age, significant weight loss, and loss of skin elasticity can lead to loose, hanging skin of the thigh. This can be embarrassing and cause patients to limit their clothing choices. Unfortunately, like other areas of excess skin, exercises usually won’t improve this.
Thigh lift consultation:
· Dr. McEwan will sit down with you and discuss your aesthetic goals at length, assess your overall health, and help you understand the potential outcomes of a thigh lift. There are different types of thigh lifts and together we will decide which one is right for you. Similar to arm lifts, there are multiple possible scar locations, but there is no ideal place to conceal the scar on the thigh and achieve a powerful result. Together we will review what your options are and decide what the best choice is for you.
The Procedure:
Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 2-to-3 hours. Liposuction is almost always performed in addition to the removal of excess skin and tissue. After surgery you will be placed in compression wraps and patients are usually able to return home the same day.
Recovery:
Swelling and bruising are common after a thigh lift. We will fit you with a compression garment or compressive wraps to help reduce swelling and provide external support. Normal movement and leg use is encouraged after surgery within reason. Heavy lifting and repetitive leg exercises should be avoided until about a month after surgery.
Postoperative Care:
Usually there is not a lot of medical care you have to provide. The sutures dissolve on their own. Wearing compression garments or wraps is very important. They should be worn constantly for at least a week after surgery and then weaned from there. Dr. McEwan will be with you every step of the way and guide you through this process.
Results:
Like a lot of other cosmetic procedures, it takes a while for the swelling to resolve and for you to see your final result. Most of the swelling is gone by 4-6 weeks after surgery, but it can take longer. Most people are able to evaluate their final result at about 3 months, except for the quality of the scar. Scar maturation takes a long time and Dr. McEwan always advises waiting a full year before critically evaluating the scar.