What is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is an operation performed to improve the shape and contour of your inner thigh. The operation can remove excess skin, unwanted scars, stretch marks and fat. There are a variety of different procedures depending on your particular problem(s), and the operation will be individualised and tailored to suit you.  

Thigh lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia and usually requires an overnight stay in hospital. A wedge or ellipse of skin and fat is excised from the upper inner thigh leaving a scar that runs along the upper inner thigh crease (well hidden). If the thigh needs to be tightened and not only lifted, then another excision of skin and fat is required leaving a scar running from perineum (inner groin) to the knee (T-shaped scar). The vertical scar can sometimes be shorter if you need a mild tightening only. In addition, liposuction is usually performed, which helps to remove additional fat from both inner and outer thighs. 

What can be expected at the initial consultation? 

At the initial consultation you will be assessed as to whether you are a good candidate for thigh lift. Your legs will be carefully examined to assess the amount of excess skin and fat. Your general fitness for the procedure will be evaluated and the potential for problems sought. It is important to know about past medical problems, medication that you are on, and whether or not you smoke.  

Your reasons for wanting the procedure will also be discussed. It is important that your expectations concerning the outcome of the procedure are realistic. If they are, you can expect to be happier with the result.  

Once you have been fully assessed, an operative plan tailored to your individual needs will be formulated. The incision to be used, the amount of skin and fat to be excised, and whether liposuction will be used as an adjunct will be discussed with you. 

Do not be hesitant to ask questions, now or at any other time. 

Medical aids or health insurance companies do not usually provide cover for this kind of surgery although occasionally a motivation can be done especially if you have lost large amounts of weight. 

Preparing for surgery 

Ideally surgery is performed when you are fit and healthy. No special diet or exercise program is required prior to thigh lift, but you should be close to your ideal weight. It is a good idea to have a good fluid intake for a few days before your operation.  You should not have been on a long-haul flight for 2 weeks prior to surgery.  

It is advisable to stop smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery and not to smoke until your wounds have healed - usually about two to three weeks after the operation. It is well known that there is a higher frequency of complications in patients who smoke.   

On the morning of surgery, you should wash well. Prior to surgery, the incision lines will be marked with a pen in your room. Mr. Barabas usually takes photographs for your records immediately before surgery.  

The Surgery 

Surgery will be performed in an operating theatre under general anaesthesia. A thigh lift takes between two and three hours. 

Following surgery, the wounds are closed with dissolving sutures, and drains may well be left in place for a day. Dressings will be applied. 

 What can be expected after the operation? 

Following the operation, you should be relatively pain free although you may feel some discomfort with movement. You will be given analgesic tablets to take regularly. Daily showers are encouraged. Someone will need to drive you home and help around the house for a few days. You will be given painkillers to take home with you. The drains if needed are usually removed before you go home. 

How long does it take to get back to normal? 

Healing is a variable process, and it may take you two weeks to feel like your old self again. People vary enormously in their recovery period.  

The scars are healed by the end of the first week, but continue to mature for up to a year, by which stage they should be thin, fine, inconspicuous lines. Massage of the scars with an aqueous cream helps but should only be started after 1 month. 

Bruising takes about 2 weeks to settle. Swelling can take up to 12 weeks to settle. To help diminish swelling and bruising cycling shorts should be worn for 24 hours a day and arnica, a homeopathic preparation, can be started from about day 2 post-op. 

Mobilisation should be gentle but begun early. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for six weeks, until you feel comfortable – your body will tell you if you are pushing it too hard. Do not drive until you really feel well – usually 2 weeks. Shower daily to stay clean.  

Depending on the procedure you have, you may be able to begin work after about one week (liposuction), and 2-3 weeks for a full inner thigh lift. 

What are the risks? 

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, thigh lift is normally safe and the results predictable. 

Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including the following:

• Sensory alterations in the area - numbness occurs in nearly all patients but is usually transient. Can take up to two years to resolve.  

• Bleeding (early or late) which can lead to fluid collections. These may require drainage with a syringe or, rarely, repeat open operation.  

• Infection at the operative site or elsewhere (e.g., pneumonia) 

• Loss of tissue - Usually small and treated with dressings.  

• Unsatisfactory scarring - usually not keloid, but scars can stretch or become raised and red.  

• Asymmetries or irregularities in contour, the commonest being dog-ears at the ends of the scars. These may require simple revision under local anaesthesia.  

• Seromas which are collections of clear fluid under the scar may need aspiration. 

• Clots in the legs which can migrate to the lungs.  

• Problems with anaesthesia, drugs, etc. These should be rare, and the risks will be explained to you by your anaesthetist.  

  
  

Will the new look last? 

Thigh lift produces excellent results for patients with hanging upper thigh skin and fatty excess. In most cases the results are long lasting, especially if after the operation you avoid weight gain, follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.  

Checklist before coming into hospital: 

• Bring all your usual medication, toiletries and pyjamas. 

• No smoking two weeks before surgery and six weeks afterwards (it is better to stop completely), and no aspirin (10 days) before the operation.