Inner Thigh Lift
A thigh lift procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1-Anesthesia
Medications are administered for you comfort during the surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Step 2- The incision
Incision patterns vary based on the area or areas to be treated, degree of correction and patient and surgeon preference.
One common technique used for a thigh lift places incisions in the groin, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh.
The underlying tissue matrix will be reshaped and tightened, and skin will be reduced and re-draped resulting in more proportionate and smoother body contours.
You may qualify for a minimal incision medial thigh lift that involves an incision only in the groin area. Your surgeon will determine what’s appropriate.
Improving the contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip.
Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits. However, incisions may be extensive.
Step 3- Closing the incisions
Deep support sutures with underlying tissues help to form the newly shaped contours. Sutures close the skin incisions.
Step 4- See the results
The smoother tighter contouring that result from a thigh lift are apparent almost immediately, although initially obscured by swelling and bruising.
ANESTHESIA
General. You will sleep during the entire procedure.
LOCATION OF OPERATION
Hospital or outpatient surgery center.
LENGTH OF PROCEDURE
2 hours.
LENGTH OF STAY
This is an outpatient procedure. The patient goes home the same day.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
Moderate to severe. Anticipate 5-14 days of prescription pain medications.
Both are expected, but will improve within 4-6 weeks. Swelling may be reduced by keeping your legs elevated. As thigh swelling improves, you may notice swelling in your knees and ankles. Bruising improves in 10-14 days.
If drains are placed, they will be removed by Dr. Hainer or one of his staff in 3-7 days, depending on the output.
Removed in 2-4 days.
All stitches/sutures are dissolvable.
You may return to work in approximately 1-4 weeks if you have stopped taking pain medication. If you are able to elevate your feet during work hours, you may return sooner. If your job requires lifting, you should wait 6 weeks to return.
May be gradually resumed in 6 weeks.
If your scars are exposed while outdoors, you should protect them with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least one year to prevent permanent discoloration.
8-10 weeks.
Final results are seen in approximately 6 months to 1 year after scar maturation.
Special Care
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING!!!!!!!! Smoking is prohibited 4 weeks prior to and at least 4 weeks after surgery to allow for proper healing and best results.
