Thigh lifts, also known as medial thighplasty, can improve the look of the inner thigh when aging, genetic predisposition or substantial weight-loss has caused excess skin to accumulate resulting in a sagging, “jiggly,” unattractive appearance.  A thigh lift removes excess skin and lifts the remaining skin resulting in smooth inner leg contours and a more attractive upper leg.  This procedure is not a substitute for weight loss.

The Procedure

A thigh lift is performed through an incision made in the inner thigh that can include any portion of the area from above the knee up to the curve of the pelvic area. Excess skin and fat is removed—using liposuction—and the incision is closed with internal sutures that will dissolve after about four months. If extensive excess tissue is removed, the incision may be longer.

Key Facts

Good Candidates: Adults of any age and gender who are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size.  Patients should be moderately fit, have good muscle tone, be a healthy, non-smoker and not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that would impair healing.  It is important to have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind.

Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Length of procedure: This procedure takes approximately 2 hours but times may vary from patient to patient depending on several factors.

Length of stay: Typically the patient will go home same day

Discomfort: Swelling, soreness and bruising can last several weeks and may take up to 3 months to resolve completely.  Pain level may be mild to moderate and controlled with pain medications but will vary from patient to patient.

Recovery: The patient will be required to limit physical activity, specifically use of the lower extremities to avoid stressing internal sutures as they heal.  It is very important to precisely follow post-op instructions given by Dr. Patrick Swier to ensure proper healing and exceptional results.  Patients are typically able to go back to work 1-3 weeks after surgery.

Final result: Improvement can be seen immediately but final results after the healing process can take 2 – 4 months.

Duration of results: Results will be long lasting as long as the patient follows all post-op instructions, maintains a healthy lifestyle, remains moderately active and substantial weight-gain does not occur.

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