Landon Plastic Surgery

Thigh lifts have seen an increasing popularity, as a consequence of the number of massive weight loss patients, after gastric bypass surgery or Lap-Band placement. The procedure is designed specifically to contour the loose inner thigh skin, which is largely affected by poor elasticity with advancing age and laxity after large-volume weight loss. Thigh lifts in our practice are only performed when the patient is within 10 to 15 pounds of their desired target weight.

The procedure is designed and tailored to ones individual needs. It is often done in conjunction with liposuction procedures, to add additional contour improvement. The principal areas of skin removal include the groin crease for a transverse lift or the inner thigh lift for a vertical lift or a combination of both incisions. The incision and final scars are highly dependent upon the amount of excess tissue and elastic properties of the skin to provide for the most effective contour improvement. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in our on site accredited operating facility.

Aftercare involves leg elevation for the first 24 to 48 hours. Showering is permissible at approximately 72 hours with assistance. Drains will be placed and present for 7 to 10 days in each leg, compressive wraps to the legs are routinely used, and lymphatic drainage is encouraged for edema control and contour improvement. The necessity for scar revision for thigh lifting averages approximately 5%, and the final contour of the thigh is expected at approximately 4 to 6 months.

More minor thigh lifting to manage skin laxity has a considerably shorter recovery period and often does not include drain placement.