Thigh Lift

What is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin. Dr. Charles Slack, a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers the thigh lift as one of many body-contouring surgeries for patients in Plano, McKinney, and the surrounding communities at his practice in Allen, Texas.

Reasons for a Thigh Lift

Dr. Slack knows that for some individuals, excess thigh skin can’t be reduced by diet and exercise, for reasons such as the following:

  • a large amount of weight loss
  • a genetic predisposition to disproportionately large thighs
  • a combination of these or other reasons

A thigh lift can bring the thighs into proportion to the rest of an individual’s physique and result in smoother, more supple skin. His or her clothing will fit better, and the excess skin that was essentially “dead weight” will be gone.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

A good candidate for a thigh lift is a healthy male or female whose excess thigh skin is loose and sagging, usually (but not always) after the loss of a significant amount of weight. The candidate should be at or very close to his or her final, ideal weight. It’s also advisable for smokers to quit smoking at least two weeks before a thigh lift, or any other surgery, since smoking has a negative effect on the body’s ability to heal.

Can a Thigh Lift be Combined with Other Procedures?

A thigh lift on its own is not intended to remove excess fat; that is the role of liposuction (the purpose of which is to remove fat but not skin). However, a thigh lift can be combined with liposuction and/or with another procedure as part of a body contouring surgery. For example, a thigh lift can be combined with an abdominoplasty, or it may be part of a larger body lift.

Each Thigh Lift Patient’s Needs Are Unique

Dr. Slack knows that every individual’s body and circumstances are unique, and he feels that a crucial step is the initial consultation in which he and a patient discuss appropriate goals and the pros and cons of every procedure. There are many factors to explore when a person is considering plastic surgery, and Dr. Slack has both the compassion and experience to help you arrive at a comfortable decision.

How is Thigh Lift Surgery Performed?

A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia. The incisions used depend on the area (or areas) to be treated, and the amount of skin to be removed. In a commonly used technique, each incision starts in the groin and extends downward, wrapping around the back of the thigh. This allows the underlying tissue to be tightened, and the excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is re-draped, allowing a smoother contour of the thigh.

Where Are Incisions Placed During Thigh Lift Surgery?

For some patients, a minimal-incision medial thigh lift may be the best option. Here, the incision is only in the groin area. In yet other patients, the necessary incision will extend from the groin to around the hip. Whenever possible, the incisions will be placed where they will not be visible when the patient is wearing a swim outfit or underwear.

Recovery After Thigh Lift

After the thigh tissue is tightened where necessary with deep support sutures and the remaining skin is in place, further suturing is done to close the skin incisions. Dressing or bandages may be applied, and the patient may receive a compression garment to wear for support after the surgery (for a period of hours or days). In some cases, thin tubes will be inserted under the skin temporarily to drain excess fluid away after the procedure.

A thigh-lift recipient can expect some initial swelling and bruising, but this is temporary. Dr. Slack and his staff provide very specific post-thigh lift instructions, and follow-up appointments will be held to monitor a patient’s recovery.

Results of a Thigh Lift

The results of any thigh lift procedure are apparent immediately, despite the possible swelling. However, the final results will take a couple of months to manifest, with scars that will fade with the passage of time. The overall results of a thigh lift are essentially permanent, although an individual may eventually negate the benefits of his or her new contour from a thigh lift by overeating and lack of exercise.

Learn More about Thigh Lift Procedures from Dr. Slack in Plano and McKinney, Texas

Dr. Slack can give you a much more in-depth understanding of thigh lift surgery and whether it’s appropriate for you. Contact his offices to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.