The natural aging process and sudden weight fluctuations can lead to redundant skin in the thighs. A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes redundant skin to help you achieve firm, toned contours.
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure that helps you achieve contoured thighs. This procedure removes redundant skin and fat tissues. In some cases, a thigh lift might be accompanied by liposuction to remove excess subcutaneous fat.
Who is a candidate for a thigh lift:
In general, candidates for thigh lift:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Are at their goal weight with a body mass index below 30
- Have been weight stable for 6 months
- Do not have underlying medical conditions that preclude surgery
- Have normal nutrition labs (prealbumin and iron studies)
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking one month before and one month after the procedure
- Do not use nicotine products, or are willing to stop using products one month before and one month after the procedure (gum, chews, patch, vape)
- Are not exposed to second-hand smoke
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
- Have excess skin tissues on the inner (medial) and/or outer (lateral) thighs
How is a thigh lift performed?
Your thigh lift journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Vial. Dr. Vial performs an exam, and discusses your goals and expectations. Based on your unique expectations and condition, he creates an individualized surgical plan for you.
Thigh lift is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under general anesthesia. The day of surgery, Dr. Vial marks your thighs and reverifies the planned scars with you. Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Vial makes incisions on the inner thighs in line with your surgical plan. The length of the incisions depends on the amount of excess skin; larger incisions are necessary to remove larger amounts of skin. In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove unwanted fat. If liposuction is used, Dr. Vial will introduce a small cannula through your skin and remove excess fat using a vacuum. The incisions are closed with absorbable suture, and your legs are wrapped in ace wraps.
What is the recovery process after a thigh lift?
How you recover in the three months after your surgery determines the outcome for years to come. Dr. Vial will provide a list of step-by-step recovery guidelines after your surgery. After thigh lift surgery, your leg will be wrapped in bandages to minimize swelling. The bandages will be removed 48 hours after surgery for showering. You will wear compressions for 2 months following surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities and work after 2-3 weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activities for 8-12 weeks.
What are the risks of a thigh lift?
Dr. Vial prioritizes safety above all else and performs your thigh lift using the safest surgical techniques. He only works with board-certified anesthesiologists and certified nurses to ensure optimal and consistent results. However, all surgeries, including thigh lifts, carry inherent risks that Dr. Vial will discuss during your consultation.
The complications unique to thigh lift that are reported nationally include, but are not limited to:
- Scar revision 1 year after surgery
- Leg swelling (rare)
- Leg numbness (rare)
Why choose Dr. Vial for your thigh lift?
Dr. Vial is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in body contouring surgery. He has trained at the world’s best institutions where many of these procedures were invented and continue to be advanced. He makes safety a top priority and has developed a reputation for beautiful, natural results.
