Thigh Lift

The thigh lift is well suited for individuals who have loose, fatty skin and tissue in the upper thighs, thighs that rub together, and large thigh circumference. The procedure is especially helpful for those who have experienced massive weight loss and are left with sagging skin. To combat this condition, the excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is lifted in an effort to produce a more aesthetically pleasing contour.

When Is a Thigh Lift The Right Choice?

Individuals who successfully undergo thigh lift surgery often display one or more of the following characteristics:

Loose thigh skin and thigh tissue
Stable body weight
Non-smoker
Reasonable expectations for surgery

During a consultation with Dr. Ward, you can discuss if you are a good candidate for the thigh lift.

How the Thigh Lift Treats Loose Skin and Fatty Tissue in the Thighs

Surgical excision and liposuction are the two most widely used techniques for thigh lift surgery. Excision is used to remove the loose skin, while liposuction targets the fatty tissue just before the skin is redraped. A liposuction-only thigh lift may be conducted if the skin quality is adequate.

For the inner thigh lift, an incision is made in the groin area. If the treatment area involves the upper part of the inner thigh, Dr. Ward will make an incision from the groin area around the inner thigh to the buttock. For the bilateral thigh lift, an incision is made at the top of the leg extending along the bikini line.

Once the underlying tissue is exposed, the tissue is tightened and liposuction is performed to remove excess fat. Dr. Ward will then surgically remove the excess skin, and re-drape the remaining skin so as to produce a smoother, more taut surface.

The thigh lift is conducted in an outpatient facility using either general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference and needs.

Post-Operative Steps: What to Expect

Recovery is expected to last between 4-6 weeks. The tape and compression garment that is applied after surgery should be worn for approximately 3-4 weeks. Patients are often encouraged to begin walking the day after surgery in order to promote circulation in the legs. You will consult with Dr. Ward before the day of surgery in order to receive detailed post-operative instructions specific to your plastic surgery treatment plan.

If you have any questions about what the thigh lift can do for you, please call us at 817.861.0505. Arlington plastic surgeon James Ward MD can help you understand the process thigh lift surgery. Our office is centrally located in the USMD Hospital in Arlington, convenient for patients in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield and Duncanville.