An inner thigh lift, or thigh lift in general, can improve the look and feel of your thighs by removing and lifting loose skin and fat. Weight fluctuations and the aging process can leave a person with loose, excess skin on the inner and outer thigh. Aside from being an obvious cosmetic problem, in some people these conditions can lead to chronic irritation and infection around the thighs.

Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is mainly intended to remove and lift excess skin, so when a significant amount of fat is present, we may recommend that the patient lose weight or undergo liposuction.

There are several types of thigh lift surgery to meet the needs of each individual patient. One of the most common methods is the medial thigh lift, which tightens and removes excess skin from the inner thigh region. The incisions are made in natural body creases to make residual scars inconspicuous and easily hidden by regular clothing. After incisions are made, your plastic surgeon will lift and remove skin and tissue as necessary. Dissolvable sutures and drains are put in place to complete the operation.

Combining Thigh Lift Surgery With Other Procedures

In some cases, it may be appropriate to perform another surgery during the same setting. Liposuction is common; so are other surgical procedures that remedy the effects of massive weight loss, such as an arm lift or buttock lift. However, we do not perform tummy tuck surgery in the same setting as a thigh lift.

After Thigh Lift Surgery

Typical recovery time is 1-2 weeks after thigh lift surgery. A special compression garment is provided and will need to be worn for about 4 weeks. Patients are advised to begin walking the day after surgery. Light exercise can begin after 2 weeks and more vigorous activities after about 6 weeks. Bruising and swelling is normal and will subside gradually. The incision sites are raised for a period of time, but will eventually flatten out to become less noticeable.

If you have experienced significant weight loss and now have redundant skin that detracts from your improved body shape, thigh lift surgery may be a good solution for you.

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If you want to find out if you’re a good candidate for a Thigh Lift or to learn more about the procedure please reach out to Dr. Dreyfuss.

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Thigh Lift in Chicago FAQs

Thigh lift surgery is designed to reshape the thighs by eliminating excess skin and fat. It is often performed on individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or experience sagging skin due to aging.

The best candidates for thigh lifts are men and women in good health, can maintain a steady weight, and have excess skin or fat deposits on their thighs that do not respond to diet and exercise. A consultation with Dr. Dreyfuss can determine if you are a candidate based on your goals and medical history.

Thigh lift surgeries can improve the contours, tone, and proportions of the thighs, leading to a smoother and more youthful appearance. It can also alleviate discomfort caused by chafing or rubbing of excess skin.

Recovery from thigh lift surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing factors. Patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort initially, which can be managed with pain medication and wearing compression garments. Dr. Dreyfuss provides detailed post-operative instructions to promote healing and minimize complications.

While scars are inevitable with surgery, Dr. Dreyfuss uses advanced techniques to place incisions discreetly along natural skin creases or within clothing lines. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable.

Thigh lift surgery can be combined with procedures, such as liposuction, to further enhance body contouring results. Dr. Dreyfuss will discuss personalized treatment plans based on your aesthetic goals and recommend the most appropriate approach.

Thigh lift results are long-lasting provided patients maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. While aging and natural changes in the body may affect results over time, the improvements in thigh contours are generally permanent.

Like all surgical procedures, thigh lift surgery carries risks, such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation. Dr. Dreyfuss takes precautions to minimize these risks and ensures patient safety throughout the surgical process.

Preparation for thigh lift surgery includes undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation, discussing medications with Dr. Dreyfuss, quitting smoking if applicable, and following pre-operative instructions closely. These steps help optimize surgical outcomes and ensure a smooth recovery.