What is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. Thigh lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be recommended.

What you should know before undergoing thigh lift surgery

Thigh lift surgery is not for everyone. Ideal candidates are:

• · People whose weight is relatively stable
• · Individuals with excess soft tissue along the inner or medial thigh region and/or the outer thigh
• · Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• · Non-smokers
• · Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what thigh lift surgery can accomplish
• · Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and fitness

Be prepared to discuss:

• · Your surgical goals
• · Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• · Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• · Previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• · Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• · Examine and measure your body, including detailed measurements
• · Take photographs for your medical records
• · Discuss your options
• · Recommend a course of treatment
• · Discuss likely outcomes of thigh lift surgery and any risks or potential complications

Important facts about the safety and risks of thigh lift surgery

The decision to have thigh lift surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.

The risks include:

• · Unfavourable scarring
• · Bleeding (hematoma)
• · Infection
• · Fluid accumulation
• · Poor wound healing
• · Skin loss
• · Blood clots
• · Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• · Anaesthesia risks
• · Skin discoloration and/or swelling
• · Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• · Major wound separation
• · Asymmetry
• · Pain, which may persist
• · Unsatisfactory results such as highly visible surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities, bunching and rippling in the skin near the suture lines or at the ends of the incisions
• · Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• · Recurrent looseness of skin
• · Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• · Possibility of revision surgery

Be sure to ask questions.

It’s very important to understand all aspects of your thigh lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.