Questions about the Thigh Lift

Posted on 22. Oct, 2009 in Surgical Procedures

Unfortunately, one of the many things that we have to deal with when we age is a problem with loose and sagging skin. As we get older, skin loses elasticity, so it does not snap back into place as well. It also does not adhere to tissues underneath as well.

When you add the skin problems with a general loss in muscle mass and a buildup of fat deposits, you will end up with sagging, loose and unsightly skin. This seems to happen more often in specific areas, namely the upper arms and the thighs.

One solution to the problem in the thigh area is a thigh lift. This cosmetic procedure can quickly and easily tighten the skin in the area. However, it sounds like a scary surgery, so you probably have plenty of questions.

What is a thigh lift? Doctors use a combination of liposuction to remove excess fat and a surgical procedure to remove excess skin. The surgery itself is done under general anesthesia.

The process of the surgery involves several steps. An incision is made, usually on the upper leg, along the groin. Normally, the incision wraps around to the back of the thigh. With the cut made the surgeon can then remove excess skin, tighten up the area and suture the area together.

The seriousness of the amount of tissue that you need removed will have a direct impact on how large the incision needs to be. If the thighs need to be lifted on all sides, then the incision will wrap around the leg.

What will I face with recovery? The procedure will take several weeks to heal. You will most likely be given pain medication to control any discomfort, and then you may need to wear a compression style device.

Your outer stitches will need to be removed in about a week. The inner stitches will dissolve. Your surgeon will tell you how long you have to wait before you can continue with regular activity.

How long will the lift last? As long as you take care of yourself, the lift should be vey long lasting. You will have some scarring that will be permanent. Although the thigh lift results will be lasting, keep in mind that, as you age, you will face some loosening of the skin. It may affect your thighs somewhat, but it will not be anything like it would have been without the lift.

Remember that if you choose to have a thigh lift, make sure that you have all of your questions answered by your surgeon before you have any procedure done.