The combined effects of aging, gravity, weight fluctuation and loss of skin elasticity contribute to loss of firmness in the thighs, causing them to sag and droop. A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes skin and fat from the thighs to improve the aesthetic contour of the legs. Patients who decide to undergo a thigh lift at Premier Image can look forward to a better overall shape and a more youthful look. Countless patients have seen marked improvements in the appearance of their thighs after a thigh lift procedure at Premier Image in Sandy Springs.
A Thigh Lift Procedure
Before surgery, a board-certified anesthesiologist administers intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia to ensure the patient is sedated or asleep when the procedure begins. The anesthesiologist is responsible for making sure the patient rests comfortably and can feel no pain throughout the procedure.
An important part of a thigh lift procedure is the location of the incisions. Incision placements are predetermined before the procedure. Their locations depend on the area being treated and the level of correction necessary to give patients the results they want. The three most common incisions are inner thigh incisions, outer thigh incisions, and groin incisions. The groin incision is the most minimal.
The surgeon begins each procedure by carefully marking the areas where he will make incisions. Incisions are carefully made along natural skin folds to ensure a noticeable scar does not form after surgery. The following steps are then used to complete the procedure:
- Skin and fat removal. Excess skin and pockets of stubborn fat are surgically removed. Liposuction is sometimes used to treat patients with a substantial amount of unwanted fat, ensuring a smooth and toned contour.
- Deep tissues are closed using dissolvable sutures. The skin is meticulously closed using sutures that will be removed at a later date.
Skin closure is a very important part of the procedure. Your doctor will take special care to ensure the skin is perfectly closed so patients receive a smooth and tight appearance after their procedure, with minimal scarring. Total procedure time is usually 2-3 hours.
Thigh Lift Candidates
A thigh lift is ideal for patients who have struggled to improve the appearance of their thighs using diet and exercise alone. Patients who are candidates for the procedure are usually those that maintain a stable weight, do not smoke, and are committed to a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine. Reasonable expectations and a positive mindset are important qualities to become a thigh lift candidate.
Patients who are interested in the procedure for the purpose of excess weight loss should know that even treatments like liposuction are intended for body contouring and resolving small areas of stubborn fat, not for weight loss. Good candidates for thigh lift and liposuction procedures are those who are at or near their ideal weight. The definitive way for patients to determine if they are a candidate is to attend an initial consultation at Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.
Thigh Lift Results
A thigh lift is a very popular procedure because it provides patients with remarkable results. As procedure-related swelling decreases, patients see the following:
- Trimmer and firmer thighs
- Better proportioned contours of the thighs
- Smoother, tighter skin
The combination of these results provides patients with an overall improvement in the appearance of their lower body. Additionally, patients experience a confidence boost as they become less self-conscious about their thighs. Their clothes fit much better and they are able to wear clothing styles they never thought possible.
Patient Reviews
-
- Brenda
Recovery from Thigh Lift
Patients are brought to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) immediately after their procedure. They are monitored by doctors and nurses while the effects of IV sedation or general anesthesia wear off. Pain levels are closely monitored. If necessary, pain medications are given to ensure no pain or discomfort is felt. After patients are awake and alert, they may be driven home by a family member or friend. If a thigh lift is performed as an inpatient procedure, patients are brought to a private room where they will stay overnight. The doctor will let the patient know if their procedure will be inpatient or outpatient well before their procedure date so arrangements with family and friends can be made.
Patients’ will have bandages, a compression garment, and a drain placed around their incision areas. This is to prevent infection, reduce swelling, and ensure proper healing. The first postoperative appointment with your surgeon occurs approximately one week after the procedure. Stitches are usually taken out and the drain is removed at this appointment. Patients are usually advised to continue wearing their compression garment for an additional 2-3 weeks.
Patients can usually return to work about 4-6 weeks after their procedure. They may also begin to resume light exercise during this same time frame. Patients typically begin with short walks and gradually ease their way into a normal exercise routine.
An Initial Thigh Lift Consultation at Premier Image
One of the reasons Premier Image is able to provide it’s patients with consistently beautiful thigh lift results is a thorough approach to the patients’ initial thigh lift consultations. Consultations consist of the following:
- A medical history review
- A physical examination, during which pictures are taken for comparison purposes
- A discussion regarding goals and desired results
If a thigh lift is an appropriate treatment option, the surgeon will give the patient all the information they need regarding the procedure. Procedures are always customized to help patients reach their aesthetic goals. One of the resources used to help patients make their treatment decision is before-and-after photos. Premier Image’s large collection of photos allows the doctor to show patients pictures of thigh lift results that will most closely match theirs. This enables patients to make their decision with complete confidence and go into their procedure feeling excited about their new look. Initial consultations are never concluded until a question and answer session is held. Your surgeon will encourage you to ask any questions or state any concerns so they can properly answer or address them.
Related Procedures: Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover, Liposuction
Thigh Lift FAQS
Patients will begin to see their results as soon as the post-procedure swelling begins to subside. This usually occurs a week or so after surgery. Patients will see marked improvements in the appearance of their thighs as swelling continues to go down. Patients see their final results once all the swelling has gone away. This can take anywhere from 6-12 months. Patients who follow the postoperative instructions of their surgeon closely will see their final results in the shortest period of time.
Patients who choose to have a thigh lift usually do so because diet and exercise have failed to help them reach their aesthetic goals. The procedure is usually not performed to help patients lose a substantial amount of weight. One of the requirements to become a candidate is the ability to maintain a consistent weight. This reduces the chances of weight gain after the procedure interfering with results. Patients who are concerned about their weight playing a factor in their candidacy for a thigh lift are encouraged to schedule an initial consultation at Premier Image to discuss their concerns.
There are risks associated with all surgical procedures. The risks specific to a thigh lift will be carefully explained to patients by their surgeon at their initial consultation. Because the surgeons at Premier Image take great measures to reduce the risk associated with a thigh lift, the overwhelming majority of patients find that the potential benefits of the procedure far outweigh the risks.
A thigh lift may be combined with other body contouring procedures for complete rejuvenation. The most common procedure that is performed with a thigh lift is an abdominoplasty. Patients who are interested in a combination procedure are advised to ask their surgeon about their options during their initial consultation.
All surgical incisions form scars. The incisions used to perform a thigh lift are strategically placed along natural creases and skin folds to ensure they blend with the skin after they heal. Patients who undergo a thigh lift typically do not have noticeable scars. They are able to wear any and all types of clothing and swimwear.
Patients see a substantial decrease in chafing after their thigh lift. They find it easier to walk and exercise in comfort.
Patients who wish to maximize their results may do so by following post-procedure instructions, eating a healthy diet, consistently exercising, and applying sunscreen to their incisions and areas around them (to help prevent uneven pigmentation).
Patients who are interested in a thigh lift will find out if the procedure is right for them during their initial consultation. Patients that undergo the procedure typically have no medical conditions that could impair healing, do not smoke, and have realistic goals and a positive mindset.
Patients are encouraged to bring a list of medications and herbal supplements they are currently taking to their initial consultation. Patients who would like to bring pictures for their surgeon to review may do so. Many patients find it helpful to write down a list of their questions and concerns before their consultation.
Patients who are ready to schedule their initial thigh lift consultation can easily do so by contacting the Premier Image office in Atlanta, GA at (770) 457-6303.
If you live near Sandy Springs, GA, Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery offers thigh lift among its services, and is conveniently located at 6085 Barfield Rd #100 Sandy Springs, GA 30328
