What is a thigh lift?

Thigh lift is a procedure that aims to lift and tighten the thigh/buttock skin. It can be done either with medial or lateral thigh scars. It is not a commonly performed procedure and has specific indications.

The medial thigh lift scars can be either vertical across the inner thigh length or horizontal at the groin crease. I favour the horizontal scar as it is easier to conceal.

Medial thigh lift scars

The lateral thigh lift is a more extensive procedure but lifts not only the lateral thighs but also the buttocks. It can be combined with an abdominoplasty and then it becomes a total body lift.

The lateral thigh lift scars are more extensive but have a powerful effect on both lateral thighs and buttocks. They can be concealed under narrow bikini underwear.

Both medial and lateral thigh lifts can be combined with liposuction

Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?

1. Patients post excessive weight loss
2. Patients with thigh tissue laxity and droopy buttocks
3. Patients who wish to improve their body shape in general but have to have vertical tissue excess in the thigh area.
4. Patients who want to complete their abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) journey

Your bespoke thigh lift transformation overview

Consultation and Planning: 45-60 minutes
Surgical procedure: 2-4 hours on average
Hospital stay: 1-3 nights
Follow up appointments: Every week until healing is complete, then 3 months and 12 months.
Time off work: 10 -14 days
No Driving: 10 days
Exercise and Gym: 4-6 weeks

Consultation and Planning

Once you book your appointment with me, I will see you at your chosen time in my clinic. Your consultation will last 45-60 minutes. During this time, I will listen to your wishes, examine you, access any medical conditions you may have and focus on your specific issues of concern. Your tissues will be assessed and eventually a bespoke thigh lift plan will be presented to you.
The consultation process is the first step, but in my opinion, the most important as it is the cornerstone of your journey.

Surgical Procedure

Your bespoke procedure varies in length (2 hours for a medial thigh lift, 3-4 hours for the lateral one) and is under general anaesthetic. When you wake up in recovery, you will have been fitted with a lower body/thigh garment and you may have drains.
You will stay in the hospital for 1-3 nights where you will be helped with physiotherapy.

Aftercare and follow up:

Weekly until you heal completely and then 3 months and 12 months

Risks

Overall, the thigh lift is a safe procedure.
However, it is major surgery and sometimes complete recovery takes longer.

1. Early: Bleeding, infection
2. Intermediate: Seroma, delayed healing,
3. Late: Fat necrosis, scarring, asymmetry, contour irregularity
4. Generalised complications like DVT

Photo Gallery

Patient had previous full tummy tuck. Wanted to improve lateral thigh laxity and buttock drop. Lateral thigh lift scars concealed under bikini underwear. Pen marking indicative of skin resection pattern supplemented by bespoke liposuction.
Lateral thigh and buttocks lifted.
Before and 3 months after.

 

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