Do you ever stare at yourself in the mirror, gaze focused on the shape of your thighs? You’re not alone.
Nearly 60% of people aren’t comfortable in their own skin. About 68% said their overall body image impacts their confidence. Sometimes, exercising and dieting isn’t enough.
Even if you’ve lost fat recently, the excess skin could cause wrinkling. Thankfully, there’s an answer: thigh lifts.
What exactly is a thigh lift, and how can thigh lift surgery help boost your self-confidence? Keep reading to find out!
In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know to achieve smoother, shapely thighs. Discover your answer to excess, sagging skin with this guide today!
What is a Thigh Lift?
First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is a thigh lift, exactly?
Thigh lift surgery is also called thighplasty. It’s an invasive cosmetic surgery that can remove the excess skin and fat from your thighs. Most people schedule thigh lift surgery to shape and smooth their thighs after losing weight.
It can help you if you have unwanted, sagging skin around your thighs, too.
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. Collagen is a protein that’s abundant throughout the entire body. It plays a part in skin, nail, ligament, and bone health.
Without collagen, our skin no longer looks firm, smooth, or supple. Instead, aging and environmental factors can cause wrinkles and sagging. Weight loss can cause excessive skin as well.
A thigh lift could help you achieve your beauty goals.
You could feel more comfortable wearing shorts, swimsuits, or jeans as the shapeliness of your legs improves.
Before scheduling a thigh lift, make sure you maintain a steady weight for at least six months. It’s important to make sure you’ve achieved your goal weight, too. Otherwise, weight fluctuations could interfere with the results after surgery.
However, a thigh lift is a major surgery. As with any surgery, it can pose a variety of risks. Your chances of complications increase if you have underlying health issues, too.
Before considering invasive surgery, take the time to consult a licensed surgeon. A board-certified surgeon can help you explore your options. They’ll help you determine if you’re an ideal candidate, too.
You can explore Premier Cosmetic Surgery to learn more.
The Different Types
Before scheduling surgery, it helps to explore the different types of thigh lifts available. That way, you can choose a procedure based on your distinct needs.
Each thigh light can remove excess skin and fat from different areas. The incisions can differ as well.
Make sure to speak with your surgeon to determine which types of thigh lifts can help achieve your goals.
An inner (medial) thigh lift is the most common for this type of surgery. A medial lift will address sagging in the inner thighs. A surgeon will make an incision from the groin down toward your knee.
A mini thigh lift, on the other hand, requires fewer incisions. In fact, you’ll only need an incision in the groin area. This type of lift is ideal if you’re only focused on the upper-inner part of the thigh.
Otherwise, you might consider an outer (bilateral) thigh lift.
This type of thigh lift addresses the outer portion of the thighs. A surgeon will make an incision starting at your groin area. The incision will extend outward to the hip and lower back.
Vertical thigh lifts are ideal if you want to address excess skin in the area of the thighs. This procedure requires larger incisions, though. The incisions will extend down to your knees.
There is a higher risk of complications with this type of thigh lift, though.
Otherwise, talk to your surgeon about a lift with liposuction.
Sometimes, the thigh area has poor skin elasticity. Liposuction could help remove excess fat cells. This type of lift can prevent sagging skin.
Potential Risks
Remember, there are potential risks involved with any procedure. Before scheduling thigh lift surgery, speak with your surgeon. They’ll review the potential risks and side effects you might experience.
Serious complications aren’t common. However, some common risks can include:
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Fluid accumulation
- Skin discoloration
- Scarring
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Heart or lung complications
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Asymmetry
Take the time to consider these potential risks before scheduling thigh lifts. Your risk of complications can increase if you consume a diet high in processed foods. Risk also increases if you smoke or get limited physical activity.
The Procedure
First, you’ll need to stop taking medications that might increase your risk of bleeding, including:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen)
- Certain supplements
- Aspirin
Your surgeon will need to complete a medical evaluation to make sure you’re an ideal candidate, too.
You’ll remain under general anesthesia during the procedure. Then, your surgeon will make the appropriate incisions. The incisions they make will vary based on the type of thigh lift you discussed.
Then, the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat cells.
They’ll use sutures to close the incision.
The entire procedure might take about two hours. You’ll spend time in pre- and post-op, too. You might need to schedule a day for your thigh lift surgery.
Have someone drive you to and from the surgery.
Recovery
Your surgeon will place dressings against your incisions to reduce swelling. They might use a tube to drain excess fluids and blood, too.
Make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment to have these items removed.
You might experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain in the days after your procedure. These are normal. If you experience worsening pain symptoms or bleed through the sutures, call your doctor.
You should also call if you experience fever, chills, or numbness.
You’ll need a few weeks to heal. Refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercises.
Stop Sagging: Discovering the Beautiful Benefits of Thigh Lifts
Want to get rid of excess skin and sagging around your thighs? Consider a thigh lift. Thigh lifts can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
You can wear a bathing suit or shorts with renewed confidence.
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