A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes surplus skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs or both to improve the contours of the thigh. The procedure is well-suited for patients who cannot reduce surplus tissue in upper thighs despite proper diet or exercise and are unhappy with their thigh appearance.
The inner thigh re-contouring procedure may sometimes be performed in combination with liposuction to produce more youthful looking thigh contours.
The long-term sustainability of the new thigh shape depends on the patient’s commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following a balanced diet. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides thigh lift to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding communities across the horizon.
Ideal Candidates
Candidates for thigh lift surgery may have the following concerns:
- Major weight loss has led to sagging skin in the thighs
- Effects of aging have caused sagging thighs with cellulite
- Large thighs make it difficult to wear certain types of clothing
- The patient has disproportionate body and undesirable contours because of surplus tissue in the outer or inner thighs or lax thigh skin
Procedure
Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift
The plastic surgeon will place an incision in the upper inner thigh region. The surgeon will remove surplus skin and fat as well as the inner aspect of the thigh through the incision.
They may add liposuction to the procedure depending on the patient’s fatty deposits. They will then re-contour the region from the upper inner thigh to the knee, and repeat the process for the outer thigh. In certain cases, the surgeon may remove a significant wedge of tissue through a thighplasty.
Outer (Lateral) Thigh Lift
This plastic surgery technique is typically more complicated and involves re-contouring of the buttocks along with the outer thighs. The surgeon will remove more tissue is this procedure. The patient will need to maintain their ideal weight after the surgery as the skin will become less elastic after this procedure. The scarring will also be a bit more noticeable.
Incision and Scar Appearance
In performing a medial thigh lift, the surgeon will place an incision in the upper inner thigh area. However, if the patient requires a more substantial removal of sagging skin, the surgeon may place a longitudinal incision along the inner thigh.
In the case of a lateral thigh lift, the surgeon will place an incision extending from the upper inner thigh, around the hip, and may even include a buttock fold incision. A dedicated and astute surgeon will place inconspicuous incisions so that any ensuing scarring can be hidden well with clothing.
Recovery
The patient will notice new, smoother, and more youthful thigh contours instantly. However, the recovery will involve a period of bruising, soreness, and inflammation in the incision sites. During the initial month, the surgeon may ask the patient to wear a compression garment to support the new contours.
The inflammation will slowly resolve over 3 to 5 weeks. A majority of patients can resume their routine in around 7 to 10 days. However, they should avoid rigorous activities for approximately 6 weeks. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV, and other cities and suburbs in The Battle Born State.
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070
Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.