What is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure aimed at aesthetically improving the upper leg area by removing excess skin and giving it more firmness. This procedure is mainly carried out for people with a significant loss of volume in their legs and thighs, resulting in an excess of skin, for example, following extreme weight loss.

Why would you have a thigh lift?

Depending on the desired outcome, there are several types of surgery: an inner thigh lift, a bilateral thigh lift or a mid-thigh lift.

• The inner thigh lift addresses problems related to loss of skin elasticity and is performed through an incision in the junction of the thigh and pubic area to remove excess skin.
• A bilateral thigh lift is used to tighten the skin on the front and outside of the leg, through an incision made in the upper leg area.
• A mid-thigh lift reduces excess skin from the upper inner thigh, with an incision made in the groin area, which extends to behind the buttock crease.

Preparing for a thigh lift

Together with the specialist, you will decide on the most appropriate type of thigh lift for your particular case. You will also be given instructions that you should follow before the operation:

• Fasting time prior to surgery
• Medication to avoid
• Guidelines for taking antibiotics

Guidelines to follow after thigh lift surgery

You must not engage in any physical exercise after the operation to avoid putting pressure on the sutures. After about seven days your bandages and drains will be removed and you will be told what type of compression stockings to wear. Most of the discomfort will be treated with medication, although this will subsided after about a week. The sutures will be removed two weeks after the operation, and a few weeks later your legs will have recovered their normal appearance. A plastic surgeon performs a thigh lift.