During thigh lift surgery, general anesthesia will commonly be administered to you. An incision is made near the top portion of your leg in the natural crease where the thigh meets your torso. This incision usually runs down to the middle point of the thigh. This allows enough space to perform surgical liposuction (if necessary) to eliminate isolated pockets of fat and to trim away your loose skin in the upper thigh. The remaining skin will be stretched upward so it is taut and secured with sutures. In some cases, an incision may be necessary in the outer thigh area or underneath the buttocks, based on the quantity of skin and tissue being addressed. This surgery at Kevin R. Hanz, M.D. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reshapes the entire thigh area, leaving a tighter, shapelier, more contoured appearance.

You should expect your thigh lift surgery to take about 2 – 3 hours. As soon as the procedure is over, you will be monitored and then allowed to go home to recover. There is typically bruising, swelling, and discomfort during the first few days of recovery. After several days of rest at home, many patients are up and walking slowly, which is necessary for circulation and healthy healing.

The total recovery time typically takes about 6 – 8 weeks. At-home wound care instructions given by Dr. Hanz will help the incision to heal so it is less visible. Even though there will be some scarring, the improved contour and shape of your legs will help you regain your self-esteem, and you can show off your thighs with pride.

Once leaving the hospital, you will begin your recovery at home with rest and proper aftercare. Recovering from this surgery is generally a lengthy process. Standing upright will be difficult the first few days, and a carefully followed at-home treatment protocol will be required to make sure the incisions heal properly.

Most women should expect the healing process to last about six months. Even though the primary recovery could take months, you should be able to resume a somewhat normal routine within several weeks and should wait to exercise for about two months. In the end, the mommy makeover procedure can be life-changing for women, giving them their self-confidence once again.

A thigh lift is the best choice to improve the contour and appearance of your legs. Since the procedure calls for skin tightening and addressing excessive fat, it can improve the visibility of cellulite or other skin irregularities (like stretch marks) on your legs. If you’re worried about cellulite or stretch marks, let Dr. Hanz know in your consultation so he can customize your surgical plan to match all of your goals.

If you maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise, you should maintain the results of your thigh lift for many years. Dr. Hanz suggests you be at or near a stable weight prior to thigh lift surgery so it is easy to keep your results.

Pregnancy or significant weight changes following your thigh lift can alter your results. During your consultation, Dr. Hanz will explain what will make your surgical results last.

Some patients pair a thigh lift with a tummy tuck or butt lift to create a lower body lift. Thighplasties are also a common part of after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover. In your initial consultation, talk to Dr. Hanz about your concerns and goals and he will help you create a surgical plan that gives you the results you want.

Although there are nonsurgical procedures for fat reduction and skin tightening, these are best for mild improvements. A thighplasty is the best way to address moderate to severe amounts of loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat on your thighs.

If you are considering nonsurgical procedures, ask Dr. Hanz for more information during your consultation. He will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both thigh lift surgery and nonsurgical options, as well as his opinion on which would be the best fit for your needs.