Obesity, massive weight loss, and aging skin are the usual culprits for problems in the thigh area. Thigh lift surgery or thighplasty is commonly sought by people with these concerns, to remove the fat collection and sagging skin on the thighs that diet, exercise or liposuction alone cannot correct.
Thigh lift is not only a cosmetic surgery procedure meant to sculpt and enhance a person’s appearance. It is also a solution for people who have been suffering from skin irritation brought about by moisture and the friction resulting from both thighs coming in contact with each other. Losing weight through exercise and proper diet may do the trick for some, but for others, it will require more effort and help from plastic surgery.
What is Inner Thigh Lift?
Thigh lift has different types depending on the areas involved:
1. Inner Thigh Lift- targets the inner thighs
2. Bilateral Thigh Lift- tightens skin on the front and outer portion of thighs
3. Medial Thigh Lift- reduces the unwanted skin and fats on the upper inner portion of the thighs
The inner thigh lift is done by making short incisions at the junction of the thigh and pubic area. A portion of the excess skin and fat will then be removed to sculpt the thighs and improve the skin’s elasticity. The scar will be hidden in the groin crease.
Thigh lift is different from lower body contouring, which relies greatly on liposuction. While lower body contouring aims to remove fat and improve the shape of the thighs, thigh lift tightens the skin in addition to fat removal and contouring of the thighs.
At times, they are done together to achieve maximum results. You can inquire from your plastic surgeon on what would suit you best.
Are You A Good Candidate?
Granting that you have an excellent state of physical and emotional health, inner thigh lift surgery is for you if you have lost some weight and are within 20 pounds from your ideal body weight.
On the other hand, if the elasticity of your skin is good but you want to shed off the excess fats that diet and exercise cannot rid off, liposuction alone could be your option.
Risks Involved
Like other surgical procedures, the risks of inner thigh lift surgery are possibilities that can be lessened if you have an excellent health status and if your surgeon is properly trained to perform the procedure.
Some of the risks are as follows: bleeding, accumulation of fluid, nerve damage, asymmetry requiring revision, and reactions to anaesthesia.
Recovery Period
If drains were inserted during the inner thigh lift surgery, they will be scheduled for removal within a week. You will be instructed on how to care for your wound and monitor the amount of fluid coming from the inserted tube.
The down time following inner thigh lift surgery is around 1 to 2 weeks. You can resume work after 2 weeks but strenuous activities must be avoided for at least a month.
Swelling, bruising and discomfort are temporary and can be relieved by the medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Results
Optimal results may take weeks to months to be appreciated after all the bruising and swelling have subsided, but the results are lasting especially if you stick to a regimen of exercise and proper diet. Fluctuations in weight must be avoided to maintain the results.
Cost
The expenses covering the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia fee, and operating room charges may range from $3000 to $5000, depending on your geographical location, the extent of the surgery and experience or reputation of your surgeon.
If additional procedures are to be done in conjunction with the inner thigh lift, the rates may go higher. Being an elective cosmetic surgery procedure, it usually falls outside your insurance coverage. However, you can always inquire about possible financing options and payment plans.