Thigh Lift

Thigh lift surgery is a body contouring procedure. It is a popular option if you've lost weight recently and you're suffering from the loosening of the skin or if you're struggling to lose the last few pounds around your thighs. A thigh lift will typically lift and tighten any loose or sagging skin, which usually occurs within the inner thigh area. It is a procedure designed to give your thighs a firmer appearance.

Thigh lifts are carried out under general anaesthesia. Here are the typical steps of a thigh lift procedure:

1. After anaesthesia, an incision will be made in the thigh area - exactly where will depend on your surgeon, your personal circumstances and your treatment plan.

2. Any excess tissue is tightened, and skin is reduced and redraped giving your legs a more contoured, smooth appearance.

3. Treatment is often combined with liposuction, which will contour the area further and reduce the size of the thigh.

4. Incisions are closed using deep sutures, adhesive tapes or clips.

Are There Different Types of Thigh Lift?

There are different types of treatment depending on your problem area.

• Medial (Inner) Thigh Lift This procedure targets the inner thigh area. An incision is made where the pubic area meets the thigh. A portion of skin is removed, and the incision is closed, tightening the skin and giving contour to the area.

• Lateral (Outer) Thigh Lift This procedure targets the outer and front thigh area. An incision is made on the top of your leg along the 'knicker line'. A portion of the skin is taken away, and the remaining skin is tightened and attached to the incision area. This procedure stretches the skin along the front and outer sides of the thigh.

What Should I Expect From the Procedure?

Here are a few things to expect from the thigh lift surgery:

• As with any cosmetic procedure, you should ensure you have discussed the process and your expectations with your surgeon. Before you decide to undergo treatment, you should be satisfied with all the information given to you and the end result you are likely to achieve. You should also be well aware of any side effects and risks that might occur as part of this process.

• Before surgery, you will be administered with a general anaesthetic. This can lead to grogginess and disorientation when you wake up, and you will likely need to stay for at least one night in hospital after your procedure.

• The thigh lift procedure is a body contouring surgery that is considered to be major surgery. You should allow for enough time to recover, and you should be prepared for how long it might take to resume normal activities and for your scars to heal and begin to fade.

• In the days following the surgery, you will likely suffer from soreness, swelling and bruising, but you will be given pain medication to help manage this.

• You will see the effects of the surgery immediately, but it might take a few weeks for your final shape to develop. You should be prepared for scarring, but this should mainly fade over time. The effects of the thigh lift should be permanent, provided your weight doesn't fluctuate and you maintain a good level of fitness.