Thigh Lift

What is thigh lift?
A thigh lift can be performed as a standard, full lift or a modified, short scar lift. A full thigh lift addresses loose skin of the inner thighs from the groin to the knees. A modified or short scar medial thigh lift is indicated for patients with skin laxity limited to the upper inner thighs. In this case the incisions do not extend to the knees.

How long will surgery be?

If not combined with other procedures, a full medial thigh lift takes about 2 and a half to 3 hours. A short scar medial thigh lift performed alone takes about 2 hours under anesthesia.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

General anesthesia is used for thigh lifts because it is safe and very well controlled. West Magnolia Surgery Center, on site at West Magnolia Plastic Surgery, is fully accredited by the AAAHC. Local anesthesia in injected into the incisions once the patient is under anesthesia for enhanced postoperative comfort.

What is recovery like?

For a full medial thigh lift, incisions are placed in the groin crease, extending around to the buttocks and then from the groin crease to the knee. Drains are sometimes placed and incisions are closed with dissolving sutures. Patients wear a compression garment for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery and activity is significantly restricted for the first 2 weeks. After that time, more regular ambulation is encouraged and most patients are released to drive. A short scar medial thigh lift has comparable recovery from an activity standpoint but fewer incisions as noted above.

What are the risks of a Thigh Lift?

The risks of medial thigh lift include bleeding, infection, injury to adjacent structures, separation of the incisions, failure to heal. The most significant potential concern for medial thigh lift is disruption of the female vulva, related to possible dehiscence of an anchoring suture that maintains the skin flaps in their elevated position.

How do I prepare for surgery?

A preoperative appointment is scheduled approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery. At this time, all consents and recommendations, instructions for before and after surgery are reviewed. A long list of medications to avoid is reviewed and prescriptions are given for postoperative management.  The day before surgery, all patients are called to review final questions, confirm nothing has occurred since the patient was seen at preop that might require rescheduling of the procedure and to finalize arrival time at the facility. All patients are given ample information at the preoperative appointment regarding a time line of what to expect in the recovery process and when.