What Causes Thigh Sagging?
Thigh sagging is a condition seen in both men and women. However, it is more common in women due to their higher body fat percentage compared to men. Other causes of thigh sagging include:
- Aging
- Rapid weight fluctuations
- Childbirth
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Unhealthy and irregular diet
- Incorrect exercises
What is Thigh Lift Surgery?
Thigh lift surgeries, also known as thighplasty, involve the removal of excess skin and fat to reshape the thighs, resulting in a more contoured appearance. This type of cosmetic surgery also alleviates pain and irritation caused by the constant rubbing of the thighs against each other.
Benefits of Thigh Lift Surgery
The benefits of thigh lift surgery include:
- Smoother thighs
- Reshaping of the thighs
- Reduction in the appearance of stretch marks
- Decrease in chafing rashes between the thighs
- Tightening of the muscles
- Elimination of sagging
- Improved appearance
Complications of Thigh Lift Surgery
Potential risks of thigh lift surgery include:
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Changes in leg sensation
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Numbness
- Poor wound healing
- Swelling
Who is a Candidate for Thigh Lift Surgery?
Thigh lift surgery may be considered after significant weight loss. Large weight loss can cause skin deterioration and loss of elasticity in areas like the thighs that store excess fat. This can lead to:
- Cellulite or lumpy skin
- Redness or irritation
- Bleeding and discoloration
- Skin sagging
How is Thigh Lift Surgery Performed?
Thigh lift surgeries are typically performed in hospitals or cosmetic clinics. On the day of surgery, patients can expect the following:
- The surgeon will mark the incision sites with lines before the procedure.
- The anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia.
- The surgeon will make an incision in the groin. Depending on the extent of the thigh lift, the incision may extend from the back of the thigh to the knee or from the hip to the back of the body.
- The surgeon will remove fat, reposition tissue, and tighten nearby muscles. Excess skin will also be removed.
- Stitches will support the new shape and help secure the deeper tissues of the thigh.
- The surgeon will close the incision with stitches, clips, or a special skin adhesive.
Preoperative Care for Thigh Lift Surgery
Before surgery, the procedure should be reviewed with the patients, and their questions should be answered. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine the skin and inform the patients about the goals, expected results, and potential side effects. The surgeon may also take photos of the thighs for before and after comparisons. During the preoperative meeting, patients will receive various instructions on how to prepare for surgery, such as discontinuing certain medications and avoiding alcohol consumption.
Postoperative Care for Thigh Lift Surgery
After the thigh lift procedure, patients need to rest extensively to allow the thighs to heal. For the first 10 days post-surgery, patients should rest as much as possible. During this period, they should take time off work and school to recover. The full recovery period will be communicated by the surgeon. After the operation, compression garments should be worn for at least 6 weeks. Most patients return to their daily activities within 6 weeks. The surgery involves large incisions that may be sensitive to movement, temperature, and touch. It is crucial to follow all instructions provided by the surgeon. Small tubes may be placed under the skin to drain blood and other fluids during the surgery, and these tubes should be carefully maintained. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. Post-surgery complications are common but usually not serious. Issues such as poor wound healing or fluid accumulation may require additional medical care but can be corrected. Surgical intervention is rarely necessary. The scars from the surgery will fade over time but will not disappear completely. As patients age or gain weight, some firmness in the thighs may be lost.
Recovery Process After Thigh Lift Surgery
After thigh lift surgery, patients who wake up from general anesthesia are taken to the recovery room. They may stay in the hospital after the surgery, or in some cases, the surgeon may discharge them the same day. Upon discharge, patients will receive instructions on how to care for the surgical area at home. They need to rest extensively post-surgery and avoid too much movement or strenuous activities until the doctor advises otherwise. The week after surgery, a follow-up appointment is necessary to check the healing of the surgical site.
Types of Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift procedures vary depending on the problems seen in the thigh. These variations also affect the location of the incision. Types of thigh lift surgeries include:
Liposuction with Thigh Lift
Combining laser liposuction with a thigh lift is known as liposuction with a thigh lift. Liposuction removes fatty areas in the thigh to improve its appearance.
Mini Thigh Lift
A mini thigh lift is performed to correct sagging in the upper thigh area. A small incision in the groin is sufficient for this surgery.
Inner Thigh Lift
Also known as medial thigh lift, this procedure tightens the inner thigh area. It involves an incision from the groin down to the knee or from the groin around the back of the thigh.
Outer Thigh Lift
Also called bilateral thigh lift, this surgery targets excess skin and fat near the hips and waist. The incision starts at the upper part of the thigh, wraps around the hip, and extends to the back.
Spiral Thigh Lift
This procedure shapes various areas, including the front, back, inner, and outer thigh, with an incision running from the hip to the groin.
