Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
Performed by Dr. Elliott in Atlanta GA
Many people undergo months or even years of hard work and self-discipline in order to lose weight and become healthier. Unfortunately, these patients often find that their post-weight loss body does not look the way they anticipated, due to excess skin. While our skin is naturally very elastic, skin that has been stretched too much or for too long may never return to a firm, taut appearance on its own. When this excess, loose skin appears on the thighs, a thigh lift can help.
The thigh lift procedure removes unwanted skin and firms the remaining skin for a more shapely appearance. Depending on the amount and location of the tissue that will be removed, the incision may be along the top of the outer thigh or it may be in the groin area. Thighplasty using only an incision in inner thigh area is called a medial thigh lift, and it is typically used for patients with significant inner thigh skin excess. It is the most common type of thigh lift.
It is important to note that a thigh lift is not a replacement for healthy diet and exercise, nor is it a form of weight loss. Thigh lift patients who want to lose weight should reach their goal weight before surgery and should be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as future weight fluctuations can reduce the results of the thigh lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have fat removed during my thigh lift as well?
For some patients, both fat removal and skin tissue removal are necessary in order to achieve their expected, realistic results. In this case, the procedure will most likely involve a combination of liposuction and thighplasty. You and Dr. Franklyn Elliott will discuss your expectations as well as the details of your procedure during your one-on-one consultation.
What can I expect during the recovery phase of my thigh lift?
Because there are a number of variables in each surgery depending upon the patient, the recovery experience varies. Most patients can return to work within 2-3 weeks after their procedure, and the first 2 weeks after surgery are focused on careful everyday movements to avoid inordinate stress on the operative sites. However, generally patients return to most of their normal activities after about 6-8 weeks. You will discuss the recovery period, as well as instructions to help your recovery go more smoothly, with Dr. Elliott during your pre-surgery consultation.
Can I have a thigh lift at the same time as other post-weight loss procedures?
It is very common for a thigh lift to be combined with other post-weight loss procedures, as significant weight loss often results in loose skin on multiple areas of the body. If you have several cosmetic surgery goals, combining multiple procedures into one surgery can save you recovery time as well as surgical costs.
