What is a thigh lift?
Thighs can sag due to aging, severe weight loss or after pregnancy. The inner thighs in particular can sag. Firming creams and intensive exercise usually do not provide sufficient results.
A thigh lift can be a solution. In this procedure, the excess skin and subcutaneous tissue of the upper legs is removed, usually on the inside and front. The skin is then tightened so that the upper legs look smoother, tighter and more beautiful. The skin structure, cellulite and the appearance of stretch marks do not change, but cellulite and stretch marks can then be less noticeable. The thigh lift is often combined with liposculpture.
Procedure – How does a thigh lift work?
You are expected at the o2 Clinic half an hour before your treatment. Before the operation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the operation procedure with you again. He will then mark your legs according to the operation plan. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
There are two techniques. In the case of moderate wrinkling of the upper legs, it is sufficient to remove skin under the groin-buttock fold. The scar will be under the bikini line.
In the case of larger deviations, it is necessary to remove skin and fatty tissue over the entire length of the upper leg, up to about a hand's width above the knee. The scar runs vertically on the inner back of the thigh (like the line of a trouser seam). This is called the extended thigh lift. This technique is often necessary when there has been a major weight loss. If necessary, the plastic surgeon will also combine both operations with liposuction or liposculpture. This means that excess fat is sucked away.
The treatment takes about 2 to 3 hours. An extensive thigh lift or a combined procedure takes an average of 3 to 3,5 hours.
Benefits
- After this procedure, the upper legs look firmer, lifted and younger.
- Chafing skin and associated irritation is reduced or avoided.
- Any imperfections in the skin are reduced or disappear
Disadvantages or complications
Fortunately, the chance of complications is rare. You can help reduce some of the risks by following the instructions you were given prior to your thigh lift.
Some possible complications may include:
- Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that may require removal)
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Post-operative bleeding
- Infection
- Change of feeling
- Permanent scars
- Damage to underlying structures
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic result.
- Free large scars
- Asymmetry of the thighs
Recovery – What to Expect After a Thigh Lift?
After a thigh lift, you will usually stay overnight in the clinic. If the plastic surgeon deems it safe, you may go home the next day.
After pain
The first few days after the thigh lift you will experience a pulling pain in the skin and muscles around the treated area. The operated area is sensitive, bruised and feels tight. In the first week after the thigh lift you will not be able to do much because severe muscle pain will hinder your daily activities.
Recovery
As with any surgical procedure, the body needs time to recover. The treated area will initially be blue, painful and swollen. The scars may also be red and raised immediately after the thigh lift. This should not alarm you, as it is a natural reaction of the body. Logically, recovery will take longer if the thigh lift is extensive.
The skin will feel hard for a few weeks, this is due to the scar formation. Sometimes the skin is more or less sensitive, this is a normal reaction to the operation and will gradually disappear. Swelling and bruising will slowly disappear. During the first six weeks you will wear a supporting compression pants day and night.
Scar cream
During your first check-up, you will be given a caring cream for the scars to take home. As soon as the wound is closed and the scabs have disappeared, you can start applying scar cream. By applying this twice a day to the closed wound, you increase the chance of a beautiful healing.
The result
The result of a thigh lift is often satisfactory when the patient has reasonable expectations. A thigh lift will never result in completely tight legs. There will always be a significant reduction in skin and a clearer leg contour.