Thigh lift

PREPARATION BEFORE PROCEDURE

When you visit your surgeon before the procedure, yourgeneral health, history of pre-existingconditions and history of medications and personal habits is evaluated. A detailed examination of the thigh region is done. If you permit, the doctor may take photos for future comparisons.  

Some lab tests are done to assess if you are fit for surgery. Some medications may be prescribed, or the dose of the current medication may be altered. You would be asked to avoid taking medications like aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs which increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. 

Avoid smoking, as it may hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications.  

PROCEDURE TYPE

The surgery is classified into two types, based on the target area: 

Medial thigh lift: This procedure is performed to reduce the excess skin and fat of the inner thigh. In this method, the incision is made at the junction of the thigh and pubic area. A portion of skin and fat in the shape of a wedge from the upper part of the inner thigh is removed, and skin is sutured back. This surgical procedure improves the leg contour, tightens the skin, and improve the skin elasticity.  

Lateral thigh lift: In this method, skin on the front and outside of the thigh is tightened.  At the top of the leg (the area where the lower edge of underwear rests), an incision is made. Some amount of skin is removed, and the skin is pulled up and stitched back with the help of the sutures. This procedure aids in tightening the skin on both the left and right side of the leg. It is mostly performed in people who have loose skin due to significant weight loss. 

ABOUT PROCEDURE

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or sedatives that are given through vein. The choice of incision depends on the target area and the corrections needed. 

Different types of incision for the inner thigh lift are: 

• An incision is created in the groin region, which extends downward and circles around the back of the thigh. 

• An incision is given inside the leg from the groin down to the knee to remove the excess skin. 

• An incision is given only in the groin area (minimal invasive surgery)

For outer thigh lift, an incision is made in the groin region, which extends around the hip and across the back. The position of the incision is planned such that almost all clothes and swimsuits can cover them.  

The skin incisions are reattached with the help of sutures, clips, or skin adhesive tape. Absorbable sutures that dissolve within four months are used to close deep incisions. Whereas, for superficial incisions, non-absorbable sutures are used, which are removed in one to two weeks after the surgery. The results of the thigh lift surgery are evident immediately after the surgery. However, complete change is evident only after a few weeks, as initially, there can be swelling or bruising, which could last up to one month. 

POST-PROCEDURE CARE

The incision is closed with a dressing or bandage to aid the healing process. A compressive garment may be used to support the new contour and reduce the swelling of the thigh during the healing process. Small thin tubes are placed beneath the skin to drain the excess fluid or blood accumulated around the incision site. The patient should remain in a reclining or standing position for a few days (around ten days) to help in the healing process. 

RECOVERY TIPS

Following measures may aid in speedy recovery:

• During the time of healing, prevent any excessive forceor movement that could damage the surgical wound.
• Consult to the physician if you experience shortness of breath, unusual heartbeats, or chest pain.

FACTORS AFFECTING COST

The average cost of thigh lift surgery includes the procedure cost, medicine cost, and facility fee. However, the cost may vary from case to case.