What Is a Thigh Lift?
Also called thighplasty, a thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure that tones and contours the thighs. Your surgeon will remove excess, sagging skin and tighten the remaining skin, crafting a smoother, more toned appearance to the thighs. While this is not a weight loss procedure, liposuction may also be used to eliminate uneven or stubborn pockets of fat for improved contouring. The final result creates a slimmer thigh area that is in balance with your bodily contours and shape.
Benefits of a Thigh Lift Surgery
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Improve Laxity
Tighten your thigh skin for a smoother, more youthful firmness to your thighs.
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Enhance Contours
Eliminate uneven pockets of fat or skin texture.
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Boost Physical Comfort
Reduce friction between the inner thighs and improve comfort with more clothing options.
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Elevate Confidence
Feeling good in your body is a core element to feeling good about oneself.
Overview of a Typical Thigh Lift Procedure
Initial Consultation
Dr. Chiu will discuss your goals and conduct an exam. You can ask any questions you want, and Dr. Chiu will take the time to answer them fully. Based on this conversation, he will match you with optimal procedure options. You can also take this time to look at before-and-after photos and learn about procedure details.
Preparing for the Procedure
Once your procedure is scheduled, you will need to take a few steps to prepare for your thigh lift. These can vary, but typically include:
- Obtaining blood work test results
- Pausing certain medications
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery
Thigh Lift Procedure at a Glance
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours (longer for combined procedures).
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia for full patient comfort.
- Incisions: Placed either along the groin area and inner or around the hips.
- Process: Removal of excess skin and repositioning of tissues to tighten them.
- Wrapping Up:Each thigh lift incision is closed, and the patient can return home the same day.
Recovering from Your Thigh Lift
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The First Week
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal immediately following your procedure. Patients will start wearing a compression garment or elastic bandage to help with swelling and tissue support. Take this time off from work and focus on post-procedure care. While light walking is good for improving circulation, avoid any strenuous activity.
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The Second and Third Weeks
Swelling and bruising should continue to fade over this period. You can return to work, but continue to avoid strenuous activity. Most patients can return to light, nonimpact activities at about 2 weeks. Continue to care for the surgical sites per your post-procedure instructions.
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The Fourth Week to Sixth Week
You will likely be ready to return to normal activities during this period. Some edema may remain, but most general swelling should have resolved. Any discomfort should also fade as your tissues continue to heal.
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Beyond
Residual swelling should continue to fade. Your final thigh contours should be apparent within a few months of surgery. Any thigh lift scars are usually hidden in discrete locations (e.g., hidden in the groin crease). Additionally, they should become less noticeable over time.
What Are the Results Like?
Thigh lift results can be noticed soon after surgery, but it can take some time for your final results to become apparent. However, immediately after surgery, loose skin and excessive fat will be gone. As swelling and bruising continue to resolve, your full results will settle. A healthy lifestyle is the best foundation for long-lasting thigh lift results, with a focus on maintaining a stable weight. Fluctuations in weight can affect the quality of your long-term results. For example, significant weight loss can lead to new skin laxity.
Can You Combine a Thigh Lift With Other Procedures?
Patients routinely combine a thigh lift with one or more additional body procedures. The final duration and cost of the thigh lift will be adjusted based on combined procedures. While you can combine a thigh lift with a range of procedures, the most common include:
- Tummy Tuck: Tone, sculpt, and slim down excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.
- Brazilian Butt Lift: Improve volume and shape of the buttocks.
- Liposuction: Surgically remove stubborn pockets of fat.
Why Choose Dr. Chiu?
Dr. Chiu is a double-board certified surgeon specializing in core plastic surgery procedures. He is known for creating a judgment-free atmosphere where patients are at the center of the process without becoming overwhelmed. His exacting approach to precision creates refined results that his patients enjoy for years to come.
Book Your Consultation with Dr. Chiu
Dr. Chiu is proud to perform a thigh lift near you for patients in Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas. Start your journey toward seeing contoured, slimmed thighs when you schedule a consultation for a thigh lift at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc. Call our office or use our online form to take that first step and begin working with a board-certified surgeon who combines precision, technique, and a refined aesthetic eye.