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Thighplasty (Thigh Lift) Expert
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon- Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix, MD FACS
A common complaint that comes through Stanwix Plastic Surgery is regarding the excess skin and shape of the inner thighs. Congenital/genetic predisposition, weight loss (especially those on GLP-1s, such Ozempic or Wegovy), pregnancy, and other factors can lead to excess skin and sagginess of the thighs. Therefore, there is an uncomfortable feeling of the thighs rubbing, an unacceptable way they look in a bathing suit, and the need to hide or cover with leggings and longer shorts. The great news is that cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix, MD FACS, can appropriately address that area with hidden scars and advanced adjuncts. A thigh lift can address the skin and contour, while boosting confidence in different clothes and outfits. As one patient told Dr. Stanwix after surgery, “I am finally proud to show off my legs for the first time in 35 years!”
Dr. Stanwix performs all surgical techniques for thigh lift surgery and will discuss your individualized treatment plan during your initial consultation. The procedure that Dr. Stanwix chooses depends on the size of your thighs, volume, location of the skin, and other factors. Regardless of which technique is chosen, know that Dr. Stanwix is an expert in body contouring surgery and only performs meticulous surgery with your safety in mind.
There are three types of thigh lift (thighplasty) surgeries that Dr. Stanwix performs with subtle variations to provide for a tailored approach for your specific body. Dr. Stanwix is one of only a handful of plastic surgeons that performs a short scar (limited incision) inner thigh lift. This involves an incision inside the upper groin crease, and thus, is hidden within any clothes, bathing suits or bikinis. This is designed for those with minimal uppers skin excess only. The second technique involves a longer incision within the groin crease (medial incision), and is also hidden within most clothes, bikinis and bathing suits. Often, liposuction contouring to assure smooth and shapely results accompanies this procedure. This combination gets a great pull of the middle and upper thighs to deliver a lasting and amazing result and is the most common of the three main techniques. Lastly, there is a longer vertical scar thigh lift. This incision starts at the groin crease and travels down the inner thigh towards the knee. It can be combined with a medial thigh inner groin crease incision, by itself, or with a lateral extension in the bikini line. Those with excess skin and tissue towards the lower third of the thigh are candidates for this. Almost always this is accompanied by liposuction to provide a great refined result.
Dr. Stanwix performs this surgery in a fully accredited AAAHC surgery center and patients often want to combine it with other procedures (tummy tucks, arm lifts, breast lifts, facelifts, etc). Surgery takes anywhere from 1-2 hours and is done on an outpatient basis. Like many other body contouring surgeries, you should take it easy the first week or so after surgery to help with the healing process and speed up recovery time. Although you will not be doing any strenuous activity, most gentle daily actions and walking are very much encouraged starting the night of surgery. You will experience some mild pain in the surgical area, but Dr. Stanwix offers a quick recovery protocol including a nerve block as well as a pain medicine prescription.
You will be fitted and placed in a specialized surgical compression garment after surgery that you will wear for at least two weeks after surgery. Because Dr. Stanwix uses all dissolving sutures and skin glue, you will not need any sutures to be removed and will be able to shower the next day! Also, the best part is that there is NO drains after surgery! In terms of return to work and aerobic activity, it will be about 2-4 weeks depending on the job description before you can do so fully. Dr. Stanwix will see you throughout the postoperative period and provides you with detailed instructions specific to you for recovery and activity.
