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THIGH LIFT

Thigh lift surgery (thighplasty) is performed to sculpt and tighten the inner and outer thigh regions, and to improve the overall shape and contour of the thighs. Thighplasty is most often performed on patients who present with the aesthetically problematic issues of redundant (excess) skin and persistent fat pockets in the thigh region.

 

A large amount of excess skin in the thigh area is primarily caused by the loss of skin elasticity that occurs after patients have undergone significant weight loss, either through bariatric weight loss surgery or the more traditional means of diet and exercise. Following massive weight loss, the body is often unable to re-conform to the new, smaller dimensions, which leads to the presence of aesthetically undesirable excess, hanging skin.

 

Although not technically a medical problem, large amounts of excess skin can pose challenges in terms of hygiene, finding clothing that fits appropriately, and can have a negative impact on a patient’s emotional well-being by marring the true results of their weight loss efforts. For these patients, thighplasty offers not only aesthetic benefits, but can also serve as a final step in their weight loss journey, enabling them to finally appreciate the fruits of their weight loss transformation.

+Procedure

Thighplasty typically lasts 2-3 hours, and is performed using general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The three primary thighplasty techniques include: Inner Thigh Lift: lifts, tightens and sculpts the inner thighs using the incision made at the junction of the pubic area and the upper thigh region Bilateral Thigh Lift: lifts and tightens the skin along both the right and left side of the leg using an incision made at the top of the thigh Medial Thigh Lift: lifts and tightens skin, and removes fat from the upper region of the inner thigh using an incision beginning in the groin area, and running to the back of the buttock crease For patients who present with a significant degree of fatty tissue in the thigh region, liposuction can be performed in conjunction with a thigh lift to enhance the surgical results.

+Recovery

Following your thigh lift surgery, Dr. Celikkaya will place temporary drains to treat any fluid accumulation, and the drains will generally be removed 5-7 days after your surgery. In order to minimize swelling and promote skin contraction, you will also be provided with a specialized compression garment to wear during the first part of your recovery process. The duration of your post-surgical recovery period will be determined by the extensiveness of your thigh lift surgery, the capacity of your body to heal itself, and whether or not you had other procedures performed with your thighplasty; however, most patients should allow 7-14 days for rest and recuperation, and should minimize leg movement whenever possible during that time. Most post-surgical swelling or bruising generally abates within one month, and the majority of patients are able to recommence all of their regular daily activities within four to six months.

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