Thigh lift
The thigh lift is aimed at improving the shape and firmness of the arms and legs whose skin has sagged.
- Surgery time 2-3 hours
- Local or general anesthesia
- Outpatient surgery
- Recovery 5-7 days
- Return to work in 10-14 days
- Exercise at 4 weeks
- Informational consultation
- Assessment
- Preoperative period
- Postoperative follow-up visits
- 24-hour emergency phone
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape of the thighs by repositioning the tissues and removing excess fat and skin.
There are many causes that lead to sagging skin on the thighs, from age to weight changes.
Types of thigh lift
- Inguinal lift: the scar is placed in the groin area. It is used for moderate cases and is performed together with prior liposuction that respects the lymphatic vessels in the inguinal area.
- Full thigh lift: the scar is in the inguinal area and on the middle back portion of the thigh. In cases with greater excess skin, the thigh scar extends up to the knee. Ideally, it should be as short as possible because it usually does not leave an unsightly scar.
Who is the ideal candidate for a thigh lift?
The ideal candidates are those who have a lot of excess skin in the groin area and inner thigh, and who are looking for improvement—not absolute perfection—in their appearance. If you are in good overall health, have psychological stability, and have realistic expectations, you will be a good candidate.
What type of anesthesia is used?
A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia, or under local anesthesia at Clínica de San Pío. Please remember that for us, it is essential that your result is optimal—so we choose the anesthesia technique that allows us to work best and with the greatest safety.
How is the surgery performed?
The first step is to mark the excess skin, taking into account its natural movement so that no tension remains to mar the scar. Next, very aggressive liposuction is performed on the skin area we are going to remove, so that we leave the lymphatic vessels intact.
The incision can be made only on the inner thigh near the groin, or it may be necessary to extend it to the gluteal fold. However, please remember that the incisions will be proportional to the amount of excess skin, and that there is no other possible way to remove it than to create scars. The choice is made with the goal that the incision is positioned so the scars are as discreet as possible.
What is the postoperative period like?
Local anesthesia contains adrenaline, so it will last about 6–10 hours. When this effect wears off, you may feel moderate pain, which can be easily controlled with painkillers. The pain will improve over a period of 48 to 72 hours.
You will need to wear a specific compression garment to achieve a good result for 4–6 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When can I return to normal?
You should be able to return to work in about fifteen days depending on the level of activity required. Follow our advice on when to start exercising and your normal activities. Your legs will likely be more sensitive to direct stimulation in two or three weeks, so you should avoid physical contact. Over time, they will gradually return to normal.
Do I need to take any special care after surgery?
You will be able to shower 2 days after surgery and you will need to wear a postoperative compression garment. Even though you should not stretch fully at first, you should begin walking as soon as possible. The stitches are removed at 2–3 weeks.
Will I look worse because of the scars than with the excess skin?
If the scars are long and noticeable, you should weigh the improvement in body contour against the presence of such scars. This is an intervention that is truly carried out when there is excess skin, since scars can look unsightly. We will explain what the situation will be so you can evaluate the improvement objectively. The incisions are made to ensure that the scars are as least visible as possible.