A thigh lift is a reshaping and tightening procedure that targets the inner thighs. During the surgery, excess skin and fat deposits are removed, allowing the tissues to be tightened and repositioned for a smoother, more toned contour.
If you are considering a thigh lift to refine and firm your thighs, here’s what you should know about the results and the recovery process.
There are generally two types of patients who may benefit from a thigh lift:
Those who have lost a significant amount of weight and wish to remove excess, sagging skin.
Those who have maintained a healthy diet and regular exercise routine but struggle to eliminate stubborn fat deposits or restore the skin’s natural elasticity in the thigh area.
Pre-operative Instructions
Do not smoke for 6 weeks before your surgery.
Avoid consuming alcohol for one week prior to your procedure.
Discontinue the use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication at least 15 days before your operation.
Stop taking oral contraceptive pills 20 days prior to your surgery.
Course of the Procedure
The procedure takes place in two stages:
1. Fat Removal (Liposuction):
All excess fat from the inner thighs is removed. Only the excess skin that does not retract following thigh liposuction is then surgically excised.
2. Removal of Excess Skin:
There are two incision techniques depending on the degree of skin laxity:
Moderate skin excess: A horizontal scar is made near the groin crease and extends to the buttock fold. This scar is completely hidden within underwear lines.
Significant skin excess: A T-shaped scar combines the horizontal incision with a more or less long vertical incision along the inner thigh.
At the end of the procedure, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and applies a dressing.
Duration of the Procedure
The thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Return to Work
A work leave of 1 to 3 weeks, starting from the 6th postoperative week, is required. The return to work depends on the nature of the job and the speed of recovery. Patients with desk jobs can often resume work after 2 to 3 weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs may need 6 weeks or more. It is recommended to start with light tasks and gradually increase activity according to comfort levels and the surgeon’s advice.
Result
The results are visible immediately and become permanent after three months. The entire upper thigh area is slimmer and more contoured, with firmer skin. The scar reaches its final appearance after one year.
Some discomfort may be felt in the thighs, and bruising and swelling will persist. Patients are required to wear a compression garment to protect the incisions and support the tissues during healing. It is important to be careful with movements during the initial recovery period, as the incisions may experience tension and pulling when standing, sitting, bending, or walking.