For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, excess skin may drape at the inner thigh, and in severe cases, down the leg towards the knee. A thigh lift in Troy is a body sculpting procedure that removes the excess skin to firm the appearance of the inner thigh.
Two types of thigh lift may be offered. The medial thigh lift places the scar in the crease of the groin and removes excess skin confined to the upper inner thigh. For skin that is loose and extends further down the leg, a vertical thigh lift may be performed. This also uses the scar in the groin crease, but also continues the scar down the inside of the leg towards the knee (think a hockey stick). A compression garment will need to be worn to help reduce swelling for about six weeks.
For a leg with significant excess skin, thigh lift helps restore the shape of the inner thigh. Patients report fitting better in pants, especially fitted ones. Patients report improved appearance with a slimmer, contoured leg.
The scar will be permanent, so for a vertical thigh lift, it will be visible if you wear shorts or short skirts. This is an operation with a difficult recovery period. The scar sits in the crease of the groin and can cause discomfort with walking and toileting. It is not uncommon to have a part of the skin separate and need additional time to heal. Swelling in the legs following surgery is not unusual, and many patients will require support stockings.
This is a cosmetic procedure, paid for by the patient.
4 – 6 hours (depending on the extent of procedure).
General anesthesia, you will be asleep and monitored the entire time.
Outpatient, you will go home the same day.
3-5 months for swelling to resolve, a year for the scars to fade.
Varies, but should be long lasting if weight does not fluctuate. Changes with age are expected.
Temporary swelling, bruising, and pain. Wound healing delays requiring additional care such as dressings are common.
All surgery carries risk. I recommend patients carefully weigh the benefits of having surgery against the potential risks which may arise. If you smoke, it is imperative that you quit six weeks both before and after surgery. Risks include pain, infection, bleeding, damage to skin, nerves, blood vessels, dissatisfaction with results, asymmetry, unsightly scars, blood clots in the legs which can travel to the lungs, and wound healing delays. A complete list of risks will be discussed with you before surgery.
After weight loss, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to deal with extra skin. If you are dealing with excess skin on the thighs that makes it difficult to go about your daily life, a thigh lift in Troy could help contour your legs and make you more comfortable in your body. Contact us to learn more.
Please take a look at the upcoming events hosted by Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell. We look forward to seeing you there!
