The thighs are a very important and often underrated region of the human body. For many, the thighs provide accentuation and shape to the overall figure of a person. The thighs are regarded as an attractive feature in both men and women and can be provide an extra level of confidence for those seeking to maximize attractiveness and appearance. Thigh lift reshaping surgery can help those seeking assistance with sculpting the thighs when conventional methods have failed to yield results. The purpose of this article is to relay all the information needed in terms of thigh lift surgery including; candidacy, costs, procedure, and benefits.
Is It for Me?
Surgery can be a scary concept for most of us. Thoughts of hospitals filled with scurrying doctors and nurses using sharp instruments to cut people open usually flood the mind. The reality is that normally; cosmetic surgery is a far more sophisticated and personalized experience. The more known cosmetic procedures such as; tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentations etc., are now a very common practice made readily available to the general public. Thigh lift surgery is not much different. A thigh lift procedure is meant for those who have tried reshaping the thighs through more conventional methods i.e. working out, supplements etc. and cannot seem to achieve the look or shape they desire. Another factor is age. Through time the elasticity of the skin begins to weaken, this may cause sagging of the skin and an unappealing appearance of the thighs. Thigh lift surgery can help increase the elasticity of the skin giving your thighs a much tighter and youthful appearance and feel. Candidates for thigh surgery should have realistic outlooks and goals for what the surgery can accomplish. Candidates should also be non-smokers and with no existing medical conditions that can impede healing or increase the risks associated with surgery. Ideal candidates must also have a stable weight and must be committed to implementing a healthy lifestyle in terms of both, nutrition and physical activity.
Procedure
Thigh lift surgery is similar to many other cosmetic procedures and includes the following steps:
Sedation –
The use of anesthetic medications is common with most surgical procedures and is done to maximize comfort and minimize pain. This medication is introduced through either intravenous sedation or through general sedation. Your surgeon will recommend the best method for you. Ensure to always relay to your surgeon if you have or have had any complications with anesthetics. Your medical professional must be updated on all existing medical conditions prior to the procedure.
Incision –
This part of the procedure varies and is dependent on both the surgeon’s recommendations and your specifications/desired results. Once the incision pattern has been determined, your surgeon may begin by applying a medial thigh lift incision which is a minimal incision that starts at the groin. If there is extensive work to be done, specifically on the outer thigh region, then an outer thigh lift incision may be applied. This type of incision begins at the groin but may be extended around the hip. Again, these incisions are dependent on the desired result and are strategically applied in a way so that they can be easily covered by clothing.
Sutures-
The next step in the thigh lift procedure is the suturing of the incision. Once all the needed incisions and adjustments have been made, the surgeon will seal the wound using deep support sutures, also known as deep dermal sutures. These sutures are designed to provide superior support on deep incisions beyond the epidermal layer. These types of sutures are commonly absorbable by the body since they cannot be removed later.
Recovery and Results-
Depending on the extent of the surgery, your surgeon will recommend specific steps to follow for your recovery. The extent of the procedure will also determine the length of the recovery time. Medication and frequent follow-up appointments may be prescribed and recommended. Tubes may be inserted into the incision to drain any excess liquid that may accumulate over time to prevent painful swelling. It is important to ensure that all follow-up appointments are attended to maximize healing and prevent other complications such as infection. The results of the surgery may not be immediately apparent due to swelling and bruising of the operated area. There may also be scarring of the operated area, however, once healed the results should be a tighter and smoother contoured skin.
Risks and Benefits
As with any surgery, there are always some risks to consider such as; scarring, skin loss, suture complications, numbness, thrombosis, anesthesia risks, chronic pain, bleeding, and infection. It is up to each person to consider the risks before committing to any sort of cosmetic procedure. It is also important to consult with your primary care physician so that all your information and medical records are easily available to your surgeon. Once the risks are considered and the procedure has been undergone, the benefits of a thigh lift surgery are smoother tighter, youthful looking thighs. Thigh lift surgery allows for the removal of excess skin and sometimes fat from the thighs. It gives you the option to reshape your thighs to your specifications and desired look. Although some fat can be removed with this procedure, that is not the primary function of thigh lift surgery. Liposuction should be considered if fat removal from the thighs is desired. This procedure may boost confidence and self-esteem and allows you to get desired results that could not be achieved through conventional means.
In the end, thigh lift surgery is a viable alternative if exercise, diet, and supplements are not yielding desired results. It is also for persons who have received some form of trauma or injury that has caused a deformity in the thigh region. The average cost of a thigh lift procedure is around $4500.00 and can include other charges such as anesthetic fees, medical test, and additional surgeon fees. It is important to ask as many questions as possible and to research the available surgeons in your area. After all, an informed decision is a wise decision.
Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons
915 Gessner Rd #870
Houston, TX 77024
713-465-6198