How is a Thigh Lift Performed?
Undergoing a thigh lift procedure can be extremely beneficial for people who wish to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper portion of their legs. As we age, it’s natural for excess fat deposits and loose sagging skin to accumulate on the thighs, making our legs look heavier, older, and less fit than many of us would like. However, like many other cosmetic surgery procedures, a thigh lift is not a one-size-fits-all procedure.
Depending on the needs of each individual patient, I can perform a thigh lift in different ways. Thigh lifts are intended to help refine the upper leg area by removing excess fat, skin, and/or tissue. However, in order to help explain how different thigh lift techniques can help my patients, I have taken some time to discuss the various ways this plastic surgery can be performed.
Medial Thigh Lift
A medial thigh lift, the most commonly performed type of thigh lift, is designed to help patients who are not satisfied with the shape of their legs or those who wish to remove loose skin after weight loss. During the surgery, an incision is made in the inner thigh. Once the incision is made, I am able to lift and remove excess skin and fat to tighten the thigh area.
Lateral Thigh Lift
The lateral thigh lift, sometimes referred to as an outer thigh lift, is able to tighten the skin found on the front and outside of the leg. I begin the procedure by making an incision at the top of the leg (where the lower edge of underwear would be). In some cases, the incision may wrap around to the hip or buttocks area. I then remove some skin from the area before lifting the remaining skin up and attaching it to the same area to provide a smoother, leaner texture.
Mini Thigh Lift
A mini thigh lift may be the best option for patients who only experience sagging tissue in the upper third of the leg. This procedure involves only a short incision in the groin area and removing small amounts of skin and fat. Although a mini thigh lift offers less dramatic results, it generally produces only minimal post-surgery scarring and often requires a shorter recovery period.
Regardless of which variety of thigh lift surgery is the best fit for your aesthetic needs, the thigh lift process begins by finding an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. During thigh lift consultations, I take time to present each patient with all of their procedure alternatives to ensure we determine the most helpful type of procedure for their unique needs and preferences. For more information on thigh lift surgery or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for additional cosmetic surgery tips, videos, news, and more.