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Sagging Fat on the Thighs Can Be Frustrating

Many people accumulate fat cells, cellulite, and excess skin on their thighs that makes them appear older, heavier, and unfit. While there are some lucky people who are able to tone their thighs with the help of vigorous exercise and dieting, others have to live with sagging skin on their thighs.

Thigh skin can lose elasticity, sag and wrinkle up due to weight loss, pregnancy or aging. Not only can this be unappealing to the eye, it can cause functional problems as well. The skin of the upper legs can become irritated due to friction caused by walking. Skin infections may also develop more consistently in people who have sagging skin that causes folds.

A thigh-lift, also known as a thighplasty, removes this excess skin and subcutaneous tissue. It can help tighten the skin on the outer and inner thigh, resulting in attractive upper legs. A thighplasty is not considered a procedure for weight loss as it is primarily designed to remove excess fat and skin in the thigh region. It is performed most commonly on candidates who are near their ideal weight range, but are dissatisfied with the appearance of their thighs.

The Different Types of Thigh-lift Techniques

Inner Thigh-lift – An inner thigh-lift focuses on tightening the skin of the lower part of the inner thigh. An incision is made at the top of the leg.

Bilateral Thigh-lift – A bilateral thigh-lift focuses on tightening skin on the front and outside of the leg. The incision made extends downwards and around the back of the thigh.

Medial Thigh-lift – A medial thigh-lift removes fat and tightens skin on the upper area of the inner thigh. The incision is made over the hip and extends around the crease in the buttocks.

Both Inner and Medial Thigh-lift surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis; a Bilateral thigh-lift may require the patient to stay in the hospital for a couple of nights at most. A thighplasty takes around 2 hours to be performed and is done so under general anesthesia.

The excess skin/fat is removed; the underlying tissue is reshaped, tightened and the remaining skin is lifted, smoothed, and closed back into place at the site of incision. The incisions are shut with deep sutures in order to combat sagging after the incisions have healed.

Drains are put in place to drain out excess fluids during the surgery. These drains are then removed after a few days. Any resulting post-surgical marks from the surgery is effectively hidden within the bikini line.

Recovering from the Thigh-lift

Recovery takes a total of four to six weeks. The patient will feel tired and sore for three to seven days after the operation. It is recommended to wear a compression garment to help define the new contour of your thigh. The compression garment should be worn continuously for two to three weeks and then for a similar period additionally during nights.

Rigorous activities should be avoided for at least three weeks. Bruising and swelling are normal after a procedure like this but it will subside in time as you heal. Painkillers and anti-inflammation medication is generally prescribed to help cope with the swelling and soreness.

Walking is advised after a thigh-lift surgery to reduce swelling and prevent blood-clots from forming in the leg. The results of a thighplasty are long-lasting and usually visible immediately after the surgery.

Contact Our Office

If you want to redefine your thighs for a more toned and beautiful look, a thigh lift is the solution you’ve been looking for. Doctors Henry Sandel and Claire Duggal are highly experienced plastic surgeons who can help you reach your aesthetic goals through safe and effective procedures that provide outstanding results. Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation today.