Thigh Lift Techniques to Smooth and Shape the Thighs
Most women carry extra fat around their inner and outer thighs and hips. The reason is that the thighs and hips contain large amounts of an enzyme called lipase, which causes these areas to store fat quickly. Even proper diet and exercise can do little to reduce these problem areas in some women.
If you're unhappy with the appearance of your thighs - either the inner or outer thigh, or both areas - you may want to consider a thigh lift to remove excess skin and fat deposits. For patients considering a thigh lift in the Manhattan area, here's a brief look at the surgical procedure and its benefits.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin, and in some cases fat, to improve the thigh's overall appearance. It is an effective body contouring procedure for patients who have not achieved their goals through fitness and weight loss efforts. Often, liposuction is performed along with the thigh lift to provide a smoother, more proportionate lower body.
What Is Involved in a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and can take up to four hours. During a thigh lift, a plastic surgeon makes an incision on the upper and inner thigh and removes excess fat and skin. Depending on your specific treatment plan, the surgeon may also use liposuction before, during, or after the procedure to provide the smoothest results.
Advanced techniques for a thigh lift usually allow incisions to be placed in areas where the scars will be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits. One common technique involves placing incisions in the groin, extending down and wrapping around the back of the thigh. The tissue is reshaped and tightened, and excess skin is removed. To improve the contours of the outer thigh, however, incisions may extend from the groin around the outside of the hip.
What Can I Expect after the Procedure?
The smoother, tighter contour from a thigh lift is apparent almost immediately after the procedure, although initially hidden by swelling and bruising that may last for several weeks to months. To minimize swelling and support the tissues as they heal, you may be instructed to wear a compression garment for a few weeks. As the swelling subsides, you will notice a firmer, more youthful-looking lower body.
Most patients return to normal activities in two or three weeks; strenuous activity should be avoided until four to six weeks after surgery. The incision will take up to a year to fully heal, at which time your final, beautiful results will be seen.
Am I a Good Candidate for Thigh Lift?
Candidates should be non-smokers in good overall health who have realistic expectations about what the surgery can accomplish.
Ideal candidates for thigh lift are:
- Individuals with excess skin and fat along the inner and/or outer thigh
- People with poor skin elasticity who are not good candidates for liposuction alone
- People whose weight is relatively stable and are not planning to lose weight in the future
Candidates should be committed to leading a healthy lifestyle that will maintain the long-term results of the surgery.
Learn More about Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift can dramatically improve the appearance and feel of the skin around the thighs and hips, resulting in a better-proportioned body and increase in self-esteem. If you are interested in thigh lift surgery to enhance the contours of your lower body, we invite you to schedule a consultation.