Thigh Lift: Discover Inspiring Benefits and Insights
If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight or struggle with loose, sagging skin on your upper legs, a thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, might be the next step in your body contouring journey. In this guide, we’ll explore what a thigh lift entails, who it’s suitable for, and the key benefits it can offer, particularly for patients in Richmond.
Understanding the Thigh Lift Procedure
A thigh lift, also called thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs. The goal is to reshape and contour the inner or outer thigh area, resulting in a smoother, more toned appearance. In addition to improving appearance, the procedure can help reduce discomfort caused by skin rubbing, irritation, and chafing between the thighs.
Why People Choose to Get a Thigh Lift?
- Many individuals consider a thigh lift for post-weight loss transformation, especially if they’re left with loose, sagging skin.
When the skin’s elasticity doesn’t return to normal, it can lead to a range of issues in the thigh area, such as:
- Dimpled or uneven skin texture (cellulite)
- Persistent skin irritation, including rashes and chafing
- Skin discoloration or minor bleeding from friction
- Excess sagging skin that makes clothing fit poorly or causes discomfort
- Thighplasty helps address these concerns by removing the extra skin and tightening the remaining tissue to improve both function and aesthetics.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Thighplasty?
- A thigh lift may be a good option if you’re experiencing loose skin or discomfort in your thighs and meet certain health criteria.
You’re more likely to qualify for the procedure if you:
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after surgery
- Are in good general health and have any chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure) well-managed
- Have reached a stable, healthy weight and maintained it for at least a year
- Do not plan to lose additional weight, which could affect the surgery’s results
- Before moving forward, your plastic surgeon will assess your overall health, skin condition, and personal goals to ensure the procedure is appropriate and safe for you.
How Common Is Thigh Lift Surgery?
- Thighplasty is becoming increasingly popular as more people achieve major weight loss through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 9,000 thigh lift procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2020 alone.
Though it’s still considered a specialized surgery, many patients are turning to it as part of a larger body contouring plan to complete their transformation and feel more confident in their skin.
How Long Does a Thigh Lift Take?
- On average, a thigh lift procedure takes around two hours to complete. However, the exact length of time may vary depending on the extent of the surgery and whether additional procedures are being performed at the same time.
Your surgeon will give you a more accurate time estimate during your consultation based on your specific treatment plan.
How to Get Ready for a Thigh Lift Procedure
- Before your thigh lift surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon. This is your chance to ask questions and get a clear understanding of what to expect. During the appointment, your surgeon will examine the skin and tissue on your thighs, discuss your goals, and explain the potential outcomes and risks. They may also take pre-op photos to help compare results after recovery.
You’ll receive personalized instructions to help you prepare for surgery. These might include stopping smoking, adjusting medications, or following specific pre-op guidelines to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
If you’re in Richmond, VA, and considering a thigh lift, Dr. Stanwix offers personalized consultations to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Learn more about body contouring and thigh lift procedures at Stanwix Plastic Surgery.
