A Thigh Lift Surgery is a type of body contouring procedure which creates a slimmer thigh contour by removing excess skin and fat, which can develop with age, or more commonly after massive weight loss. Whereas excess fat can sometimes be reduced through diet and exercise, skin that is damaged or stretched often does not shrink. In these situations, a Thigh Life is an excellent procedure to restore a smooth thigh contour. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Li will analyze your thighs in detail and discuss whether Thigh Lift Surgery is a good option for you.
The surgery usually involves a crescentic scar along the groin crease from the front to the back. If there is also excess skin involving the inner leg, the thigh lift can also be extended downwards and extra skin there removed as well (Extended Thigh Lift Surgery). Sometimes, liposuction may also be used to further contour the leg.
KEY POINTS
SURGERY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHETIC
GO HOME THE SAME DAY (DAY SURGERY)
RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS
THIGH CONTOUR IMPROVEMENT IS PERMANENT
RESTORE A THIGH SHAPE THAT MATCHES YOUR PROPORTIONS
HAVE LESS LIMITATIONS IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLOTHES
HIDE SCARS ALONG YOUR GROIN CREASES AND INNER THIGHS
BOOST YOUR BODY IMAGE AND REWARD YOURSELF AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE SURGERY
You will be evaluated by Dr. Li at the time of your initial consultation to determine if Thigh Lift Surgery is the best option for you
You will be required to quit smoking and oral contraceptives 4 weeks before surgery
You will need to complete testing before surgery, which may include a physical with your PCP/primary physician, blood work, and an ECG
Prescriptions for your surgery will be sent to your local pharmacy, please obtain these medications ahead of time and bring them to your surgery
A deposit is required to secure your surgery date
Full payment is required 2 weeks before surgery; payment options include cash, cashier's check, or credit through Alphaeon or CareCredit
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
General anesthesia can sometimes cause generalized body soreness and fatigue for a couple of days
Maximum discomfort will occur in the first few days after surgery and gradually improve
You will not be allowed to lift more than 10lbs for 4 weeks as a safety precaution
You will be provided a compression garment to wear; it is recommended that you wear this for 6 weeks to help shape your legs and minimize swelling
You will have drains after surgery and will be given instructions on how to take care of them
You may experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, or a burning sensation involving your legs; bruising and swelling takes several weeks to improve; numbness takes a couple months to normalize
Scars may be red and firm for approximately 6 months before they soften and fade