Thighlift
Treatment for: Excess Skin and Fat from the Thigh
What is thighlift?
Thighlift is surgery to remove excess skin from the central upper thigh.
Who is a candidate?
Patients after weight loss who have hanging, redundant skin are candidates. Individuals are asked to stop smoking and attain a stable weight if they are considering this surgery. Thighlift is not a recommended technique to treat obesity.
How is thighlift done?
In the standard technique, an incision is made along the groin crease, and should be hidden there. Upper central thigh skin and fat are removed. This surgery results in removal of upper skin of the thigh, which smoothes the upper 1/3 to upper 1/2 of the thigh. This does not address the knee or outer thigh.
Is there an option other than this to contour the thigh while limiting the scar?
Some patients may do fine with liposuction alone. Your surgeon will need to discuss your potential options with you, as well as the pros and cons of the different procedures.
Does thighlift include liposuction?
Thighlift does not include liposuction, but may be combined with liposuction. This will need to be discussed with your surgeon.
Do I stay in the hospital after surgery?
If thighlift is combined with other procedures, you may, but if performed alone, it is often an outpatient procedure. An overnight stay in hospital may be beneficial for recovery.
What is recovery like after surgery?
There is discomfort associated with thighlift, when sitting, bending over, climbing steps. A urine catheter may need to remain in place for 2 to 5 days to avoid sitting and infection from toileting. Incisions will need to be kept clean throughout the day. Plans for 4 weeks off of work is reasonable, and this is when the discomfort usually subsides.
What are the risks of surgery?
Possible risks include discomfort, bleeding, infection, scar, difficulty healing. Other risks include numbness and swelling in the thigh and lower leg, that is often temporary. The scar associated with the procedure may be thickened and visible for up to a year after the surgery. Scar revision particularly toward the back might be requested.
What is the cost of surgery?
Thighplasty can run from $4000 to $6000, with less cost for lesser procedures. Cost may be higher if combined with other procedures, like liposuction.
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