THIGH LIFT (THIGHPLASTY) OVERVIEW
Thigh lift surgery (thigh contouring, thighplasty) is designed to reduce the aesthetic problems created by the loss of skin elasticity in the inner and outer thigh regions. Skin elasticity naturally decreases over time, as a result of age, gravity, lifestyle habits, or significant weight loss. As the elasticity of the skin declines, formerly firm, toned thighs begin to sag, and can take on a dimpled or flabby appearance. Thigh lift surgery offers the possibility to reduce the negative aesthetic developments in the thigh region, and serves to sculpt and tighten the inner and outer thigh areas to restore a youthfully lifted shape and streamlined leg contours.*
Although thighplasty can be advantageous for any patient who would like to improve the appearance of their thighs, this procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost a dramatic amount of weight and are left with large amounts of excess, hanging skin in the thigh area. Loose skin is an aesthetic problem that cannot be rectified through diet and exercise alone, because these measures are only able to reduce excess fat, whereas surplus skin issues must be corrected surgically. By safely and effectively excising sagging skin in the thigh area, thighplasty often serves as a final step in a patient’s transformative weight loss journey, and allows them to see the true results of their hard fought weight loss battle.*
Thigh lift surgery is an extensive undertaking, and should only be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in a properly equipped facility. You will find such a practitioner in Dr. Bryson Richards, whose private practice is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Richards takes pride in customizing each thighplasty procedure to ensure naturally beautiful results while maintaining an exceptionally high level of patient care from your first consultation to your very last follow-up visit.
THIGHPLASTY PROCEDURE AND RECOVERY
Thighplasty typically lasts around two hours, and is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. For patients who present with a large amount of fatty tissue in the thigh area, Dr. Richards may recommend having liposuction performed prior to thigh lift surgery to achieve the best possible results.*
Your thigh lift surgery may be performed using one or more of the following techniques, depending upon which area of your thighs requires the most extensive reshaping:
- Medial Thigh Lift: Dr. Richards will make an incision in the groin area that runs to the back of the buttock crease. He will work through this incision to tighten the skin and remove any excess fat from the upper part of the inner thigh.
- Inner Thigh Lift: For this technique, Dr. Richards will use an incision at the junction of the pubic area and upper thigh to tighten and contour the inner thigh area
- Bilateral Thigh Lift: During a bilateral lift, Dr. Richards will make an incision that begins at the top of the leg (approximately where the bottom edge of bikini underwear would fall). He will work through this incision to tighten the skin along both the left and right side of the leg.
At the conclusion of your thigh lift surgery, Dr. Richards will place temporary drains to remove any excess blood and fluid and will wrap the incision site with gauze and bandages. The length of your post-operative recovery period will depend upon the scope of your thigh lift surgery. Most patients find it necessary to set aside 1-2 weeks for rest and healing, during which time you will need to minimize your leg movement whenever possible to expedite the recovery process. Any post-surgical bruising or swelling typically subsides within 4-6 weeks, and patients should be able to gradually resume all of their normal activities within 4-6 months.
*Results are not guaranteed or guaranteed to be permanent.
CONTACT DR. RICHARDS
Dr. Richards understands the pivotal importance of having well-informed patients, and will take the time to educate you about all of your thighplasty options and procedural details so that you feel completely comfortable and relaxed before your surgery.
If you have questions concerning thigh lift surgery, or would like to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Richards, please contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to working collaboratively with you throughout your aesthetic enhancement experience to safely and effectively fulfill your unique thigh lift goals.
