Body Procedures
Thigh Lift
The Quick Facts about Thigh Lift
Length of Thigh Lift Procedure: 2 - 3 Hours
In or Outpatient Procedure: Outpatient
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and contour the upper thigh by removing excess skin and tissue. Loose, hanging skin is very common after weight loss and can cause a patient to feel uncomfortable with their appearance when they should be feeling proud. Using advanced thigh lift techniques and innovative technology, Dr. Gillespie will remove excess skin to sculpt the area and create a smooth, tightened contour to show off the patient’s newly slimmed thighs. In some cases, liposuction will also be performed to address fat deposits resistant to exercise and diet for added thigh definition.
How Is A Thigh Lift Performed?
During the consultation, Dr. Gillespie will offer his expert advice as to which technique he believes will provide the patient with their desired results. A customized surgical plan will be drawn from that conclusion.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will be prepped and the surgical site will be cleaned. The doctor will then mark the incision locations, and the anesthesiologist will administer the decided upon anesthetic. Depending on the technique, incisions will be made near the groin, on the inside of the thigh, or near the hip. Liposuction is almost always incorporated for optimal results.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will be prepped and the surgical site will be cleaned. The doctor will then mark the incision locations, and the anesthesiologist will administer the decided upon anesthetic. Depending on the technique, incisions will be made near the groin, on the inside of the thigh, or near the hip. Liposuction is almost always incorporated for optimal results.
Techniques
Inner Thigh Lift
The inner thigh lift is a technique performed on patients with excess skin just on their inner thighs. When the inner skin laxity is excessive, a vertical incision is added down to the knees. This is referred to as a vertical thigh lift. The result is slimmer thighs and the desirable “thigh gap.”
Medial Thigh Lift
This technique involves incisions on both sides of the groin, extending back to the buttock crease. Medial thigh lifts are used for patients with upper and inner skin laxity. This particular incision pattern camouflages any resulting scars in natural creases.
Outer Thigh Lift
Also known as a lateral or bilateral thigh lift, this technique uses incisions on both hips that extend forward and backward. The outer thigh lift offers dramatic contoured results. This is often combined with the posterior buttocks lift and is commonly referred to as the “Body Lift.”
Mini Thigh Lift
Patients who have mild skin laxity on the upper third of the thigh would benefit most from this technique. A mini thigh lift utilizes a shorter incision near the groin area. This technique leaves the least amount of scarring.
Posterior Thigh Lift
The posterior thigh lift addresses the back of the thigh as well as lower buttock area, where skin may be excessively sagging. This technique can reduce the appearance of cellulite.Once the appropriate amount of skin has been removed and tissue repositioned, Dr. Gillespie will then suture the incisions. Bandages and a compression garment will then be placed to dress the area. After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room where they will be tended to as they slowly wake from the anesthesia. The results of a thigh lift are immediate, but continue to improve over the course of a year. The surgical plan varies from patient to patient, so some patients' surgeries may include additional procedures such as a body lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction to name a few.
The inner thigh lift is a technique performed on patients with excess skin just on their inner thighs. When the inner skin laxity is excessive, a vertical incision is added down to the knees. This is referred to as a vertical thigh lift. The result is slimmer thighs and the desirable “thigh gap.”
Medial Thigh Lift
This technique involves incisions on both sides of the groin, extending back to the buttock crease. Medial thigh lifts are used for patients with upper and inner skin laxity. This particular incision pattern camouflages any resulting scars in natural creases.
Outer Thigh Lift
Also known as a lateral or bilateral thigh lift, this technique uses incisions on both hips that extend forward and backward. The outer thigh lift offers dramatic contoured results. This is often combined with the posterior buttocks lift and is commonly referred to as the “Body Lift.”
Mini Thigh Lift
Patients who have mild skin laxity on the upper third of the thigh would benefit most from this technique. A mini thigh lift utilizes a shorter incision near the groin area. This technique leaves the least amount of scarring.
Posterior Thigh Lift
The posterior thigh lift addresses the back of the thigh as well as lower buttock area, where skin may be excessively sagging. This technique can reduce the appearance of cellulite.Once the appropriate amount of skin has been removed and tissue repositioned, Dr. Gillespie will then suture the incisions. Bandages and a compression garment will then be placed to dress the area. After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room where they will be tended to as they slowly wake from the anesthesia. The results of a thigh lift are immediate, but continue to improve over the course of a year. The surgical plan varies from patient to patient, so some patients' surgeries may include additional procedures such as a body lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction to name a few.
For additional information on Thigh Lift, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for this procedure. *
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary and specific results are not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary and specific results are not guaranteed.