The thigh lift is a procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat from your thighs to help improve their shape and contour. The procedure, which is often performed with liposuction, can target excess tissue on the inner or outer thighs. The reduction of excess skin and shaping of fat creates smooth transitional curves, an improved overall balance to your silhouette, and an aesthetically pleasing look to your thighs and hips. A medial thigh lift will reshape and tighten skin on the inner thighs using incisions hidden in the groin and medial leg. While a lateral thigh lift will shape your outer thighs but requires incisions that extend along the outer thigh from the groin to the hip. These incisions may be concealed with most bathing suits or underwear.
The best candidates for thigh lift are patients who are non-smokers, who are otherwise healthy, who are at a stable weight for over 6 months, and who have loose, excess skin of the hips and thighs that is not responsive to diet or exercise. The procedure is also ideal if you have had bariatric surgery or following major weight loss to improved shape and contour.
The procedure takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on the patient’s anatomy, and is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. An overnight stay will depend on individual medical condition and extent of surgery.
Most patients are able to return to work within about 2 weeks, while 6 weeks are required, before return to strenuous activity or lifting. The final result may not be apparent for up to a year.
Redness, drainage, swelling, temporary pain, numbness, bruising, fatigue (which may last several months).
Risks include bleeding, infection, hematoma, seroma, changes in skin sensation, scarring, damage to underlying structures, contour deformity at lateral wound margins, wound separation, asymmetry, unsatisfactory results requiring additional surgery.
Dr. Capuano consistently achieves excellent results with thigh lift surgeries. He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and he would be happy to discuss your options if you are considering a thigh lift.
Contact the office of the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery at (201)820-5280 to schedule an appointment.