If you’ve been curious about cosmetic procedures, specifically thigh lifts, you’ve come to the right place. We will explain what a thigh lift is, what it does, and why people opt for it. Let’s find out!
What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift, medically referred to as thighplasty, is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgical procedure. Its principal goal is to refine the shape and appearance of your thighs. How does it do this? Well, it all comes down to eliminating excess skin and fat.
Consider your skin as an elastic band to paint a clearer picture. This band can lose its elasticity over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetics. It could lead to sagging skin that doesn’t return to its former shape and tightness, even after weight loss or exercise. That’s where a thigh lift comes into play. It’s a tool designed to tighten that metaphorical elastic band, achieving a smoother, firmer, and more contoured appearance for your thighs.
During this procedure, a cosmetic surgeon expertly removes the surplus skin and, in some cases, the underlying fat deposits. The remaining skin is stretched and repositioned to create a more toned look. The result? Legs that look younger feel smoother and appear more proportionate to the rest of your body.
Surgical Procedure of a Thigh Lift
The thigh lift surgery begins with administering anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure. Usually, general anesthesia is used, but local anesthesia with sedation might be an option in some cases.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon incurs the thigh area. Where exactly, you ask? The incision’s size and location vary depending on the specific type of thigh lift being performed and the desired change. The options range from an incision in the groin area, which extends downward, wrapping around the back of the thigh, to a minimal incision in the groin for less extensive procedures.
With the incision made, the real magic starts. The surgeon now has access to the underlying tissues. They proceed to remove excess skin and, in some cases, fat. You might wonder how fat removal is done, and it’s a valid question. Liposuction may be employed to contour further and shape the thighs. It allows the surgeon to create the most pleasing and natural-looking contours possible.
Once the excess skin and fat have been removed, the remaining skin and tissue are repositioned and tightened. The skin is then sutured back together at the incision site. In some cases, deep support sutures within the underlying tissues help to form the newly shaped contours.
Types of Thigh Lifts
Inner Thigh Lift
As the name suggests, an inner thigh lift concentrates on the inner area of the thighs. It’s particularly beneficial for those who have experienced substantial weight loss and are now left with excess, sagging skin in this area.
In an inner thigh lift, the surgeon usually makes an incision in the groin fold, allowing them to access and remove the surplus skin and fat. The remaining skin and tissue are then redraped and tightened, leading to a more firm and toned appearance of the inner thighs.
This procedure can significantly improve the overall leg contour, making daily activities more comfortable, enhancing clothing fit, and boosting self-confidence.
Outer Thigh Lift
In contrast, an outer thigh lift focuses on the outer thighs and, in some cases, the buttocks. This procedure aims to lift and tighten the skin around the outer thighs and hips, helping to create a more harmonious and balanced body silhouette.
During an outer thigh lift, the surgeon typically makes an incision that extends from the groin around the hip. Through this incision, they can eliminate excess skin and fat before repositioning and tightening the remaining skin to create a more defined and streamlined outer thigh and hip area.
An outer thigh lift can dramatically enhance the body’s aesthetics, providing a more proportional and pleasing body contour. As with the inner thigh lift, this procedure does leave a scar, but most underwear and swimsuit styles usually hide it.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
Health Considerations
Primarily, ideal candidates for a thigh lift should be in robust health. Like any surgical procedure, a thigh lift has potential risks, which can be magnified if you have any pre-existing health conditions. Therefore, if you have any chronic ailments like heart disease or diabetes, you should discuss these with your surgeon.
Being a non-smoker is another critical factor. If you smoke, most surgeons advise you to quit well before your surgery and during the recovery period. Moreover, your weight plays a crucial role. Following substantial weight loss, this procedure mainly benefits individuals with excess, saggy skin.
Lifestyle Considerations
In addition to health factors, lifestyle considerations are equally significant. One of the primary aspects is your expectations from the surgery. It’s essential to have a realistic understanding of what a thigh lift can and cannot do. A frank and open discussion with your surgeon about what to expect can help set realistic goals.
A thigh lift can enhance your body contours, but maintaining those results falls on you. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a generally healthy lifestyle are crucial to maintaining the effects of your thigh lift over the long term. If you’re not already living healthily, consider some lifestyle changes.