Inner Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift New Jersey (Thighplasty)

Time, gravity, and weight loss can cause the skin of the inner and outer thighs to lose tone and sag. Fat also can collect in the thighs, especially as men and women age.

If you are like many people, weight loss and exercise do not help tighten all the skin of the thighs. Liposuction can improve the contour of your thighs, but if you have loose skin, you must have a thigh lift (thighplasty) to tighten the skin and create smooth, younger looking thighs.

You are a good candidate for a thigh lift if you are in relatively good shape but have loose skin or excess fat in your inner or outer thighs. An outer thigh lift is usually combined with a lower body lift and buttock lift—procedures that generally take more time and require a longer hospital stay.

If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight (10 or more pounds), you should postpone surgery until you reach a healthy weight for your height; otherwise, your thighs may lose tone again after weight loss.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your desires, expectations, and concerns. He or she will review your medical history and examine your thighs to assess your skin tone. Your surgeon will then recommend a thigh lift alone or a thigh lift combined with liposuction. The procedure will be fully explained to you so that you know what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

The Procedure

A thigh lift takes approximately 2 hours. The procedure usually begins with liposuction, followed by the removal of excess skin. The length and location of the incisions is based on the amount of tissue that must be removed, lifted, and tightened.

The surgeons at Summit Medical Group are highly experienced in thigh lift surgery and will do everything possible to minimize your scars. The incision often can be made in the groin crease to hide the scar.

A general or local anesthetic may be used, depending on the extent of your procedure. Most people can leave the hospital a few hours after surgery. If you are having an outer thigh lift along with a lower body and buttock lift, however, your stay in the hospital will be longer.

Recovery and Results

You will receive thorough written instructions to prepare for and recover from your procedure. The instructions will include ways to prevent infection and when to follow up with your surgeon.

After your surgery, your incisions will be covered with dressings, and your legs may be wrapped in elastic bandages or compression garments to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess blood or fluid. The fluid is sometimes injected into your body during liposuction to decrease blood loss. You will be instructed how to change the dressings and when to return to our office to have your stitches removed.

Most patients are ready for discharge 4 to 6 hours after the procedure. You will be encouraged to walk during the first 48 hours. You will visit your surgeon 2 or 3 days after surgery so that he or she can remove your bandages, examine your incisions, and make sure you are healing properly. You will have additional follow-up visits so that your surgeon can monitor your progress.

You should avoid activities (including squatting and climbing stairs) that put pressure on or pull at your incisions. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume all your activities. Most patients experience some bruising, swelling, and soreness for several days to a week after the procedure. You can take oral over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage your discomfort if necessary.

Patients with jobs that do not require much activity can usually return to work in 1 week; however, if your job requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, or heavy lifting you will probably need to wait 3 to 6 weeks before returning to work. You should avoid vigorous activities or aerobic exercises for at least 6 weeks.

The smoother, tighter contours from thigh lift surgery are immediately apparent after the procedure; however, it can take up to 6 weeks for all bruising and swelling to resolve. The results are long lasting if you maintain a stable weight and stay fit. Over time, the natural effects of aging and gravity will cause your thighs to lose some firmness.

Call Summit Medical Group today at 908-277-8759 to make an appointment or for more information about how a thigh lift can give you smooth, youthful looking thighs.