The purpose of the thigh-lift procedure is the correction of the sagging inner thigh skin and fat together.
Liposuction alone provides excellent contouring for most patients without skin excision. If liposuction has to be done, one or two small incisions are made at the thigh, allowing the surgeon to sculpt the desired contour by removal of the excess fat.
We perform this type of surgery usually under local anaesthesia after calming medication has been given. As a result of this technique, skin quality is usually unchanged. Skin contraction is possible following surgery and can give a more pleasant skin quality and can be expected after the excessive soft fatty tissue has been removed.
If the skin and fatty tissue are loose and hanging removal of them is desired either with or without the help of liposuction. The incision is placed in the thigh crease a little closer to the genital. It is as long as the area where the hanging skin is present.
Sometimes the operation is extended to the buttocks to solve severe problems of looseness. The shape of the extended incision at the buttocks depends on the severity of the problem and the location of it. A talented and inspired plastic surgeon may create the design which suits the body and solves the problems of thighs and buttocks simultaneously.
After any thigh or buttocks procedure has been done a special pressure garment is worn for approximately 15-20 days. During this time any swelling or bruising will be gradually diminished.
Hospitalisation is not usually required for liposuction alone, however if a thigh lift has to be performed, one day hospitalisation may be recommended. If a buttock lift has to be performed simultaneously then one day is needed.
Patients may return to light activities in a few days and it is recommended that strenuous activities are avoided for up to 20 days.
These techniques are very effective and often are all that is needed to eliminate unattractive legs and buttocks. Please see also Body contouring-Buttock lift and Liposuction
