Thigh Lift
Why Thigh Lift Surgery?
A thighplasty, also known as a thigh lift, is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that tightens and improves the appearance of the thighs.
Aging, pregnancy, genetics, hormones, or significant weight loss can cause the thighs to have excess, sagging, or look dimpled with cellulite.
The goal of a thigh lift is to remove the excess skin improving the overall proportions of the thighs to the rest of the body.
A combination of thighplasty and liposuction may be performed to give the thighs a smoother appearance.
Types of Thigh Lifts
There are multiple types of thighplasty
- An inner thigh lift targets the skin in the lower portion of the inner thigh
- A medial thigh lift targets the skin and fat on the upper part of the inner thigh
- A Spiral thigh lift targets the excess skin in a horizontal plane, which is how the skin stretches during weight gain
The Procedure
Thighplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia.
The medial thigh region is tumesced with fluid to help control bleeding and numb the area. Liposuction is then performed at the location where the excess skin will be removed.
Once this is complete, the excess skin to be excised or cut out is determined and it is removed. The skin is sewn back together with suture or stitches.
Depending on the type of thigh lift and the area being treated, the incision pattern will vary.
The most common thigh lift technique begins with an incision in the groin area. The thigh lift scars are sometimes not as pretty as other scars due to the tension on the skin as well as the potential for rubbing together. However, the scars are usually not able to be seen well due to being located in the inner thighs. Surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours.
Recovery
Pain medications are typically prescribed during the post operative period. Post-operatively, you may have bruising, swelling, and soreness in the area.
You will need to wear compression garments to minimize the swelling and promote healing. You will need to keep the thighs elevated multiple times a day with your heals up against the wall. This will help control the swelling.
You most likely will have drains in place to collect excess fluid and decrease the chances of a seroma, or fluid collection. The drains are typically removed at 7 days post operative. You will have steri strips or tape over your incisions that will stay in place for 7 days.
At this point those too will be removed.
You will not be able to use a bathtub, swim, or use a hot tub until you receive clearance from your surgeon, usually about six weeks, or until completely healed. You may shower 48 hours after the procedure. The surgical sutures, if used, will be removed within two weeks.
You will most likely be able to return to work within 7 to 10 days and resume physical activity after 4 to 6 weeks. While there are scars, they will fade over time.
Risks
Aside from the risks that go with surgery and anesthesia, the risks of having a thighplasty include:
- Pain
- Poor healing of the wound
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Numbness
- Seroma (a buildup of lymphatic fluid around the surgical site)
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary or cardiac complications
- Fat necrosis
- Skin necrosis
- Skin loss or discoloration
- Loose skin
- Unattractive scarring
- Damage to the deeper structures, such as the lymphatic system
You may need to undergo revision surgery to correct these types of problems.
Overall, a thighplasty or thigh lift is a great surgery that provides improved self confidence, especially in post weight loss patients.
What does a Thigh Lift cost in Cartersville, GA?
The cost for any cosmetic procedure is extremely variable. It depends on patient’s goals, their body habitus, and their physiology. It also depends on the surgeon’s experience and expertise.
Price shopping for a cosmetic surgery is something that isn’t recommended and must be done with caution. National averages can be seen on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website found at plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures.
Choose the surgeon and practice that makes you the most comfortable and is the correct fit for you.
Dr. Gusching will discuss the cost of your individual procedure with you at your consultation. We are proud to offer CareCredit® and Patientfi financing to our clients whom wish to use convenient monthly plans. For more information, visit our financing page.
Why Choose Us?
We Offer A Complete Range Of Plastic Surgery Services
Meet Your Surgeon...
“It takes heart, commitment, and unending dedication to become an exceptional surgeon. Dr. Justin Gusching has worked hard at developing each of these special qualities.”
Dr. Gusching completed his cosmetic surgery fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) at Southern Surgical Arts.
He has since been refining his artistic eye and his excellence in cosmetic surgery.
Read more about Dr. Justin Gusching