A thigh lift is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the upper area of the thighs, for a smoother, leaner body contour. The procedure is often recommended for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and now deal with sagging, overhanging skin that can cause irritation and skin rashes. A thigh lift is often the next step when diet and exercise have not restored the thighs to the appearance the patient was hoping for.
Who’s it for?
A thigh lift is appropriate for women and men in San Diego in good health who have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for them. The surgery may address the following concerns:
- Loose, hanging skin due to skin laxity or weight loss
- Difficulty fitting into clothing due to flabby thighs
- Isolated pockets of fat in the upper thigh that have not responded to diet and exercise
A thigh lift is not a weight loss surgery and should be performed on patients who have already achieved a healthy weight. The procedure may be recommended alone or in combination with other procedures, including liposuction, abdominoplasty or a lower body lift.
About the procedure
Dr. Kaweski peforms the thigh lift at La Mesa Surgical Center on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Incisions are placed in the groin area for an inner thigh lift or around the upper thigh for an outer thigh lift. Care is taken to place incisions inside areas typically hidden by clothing so scarring will be minimal.
A thigh lift procedure may take up to three hours to perform, depending on the amount of work to be done. Once excess skin and fat are removed from the area the underlying structure is tightened and the skin is replaced and sutured closed.
After the procedure
A small drain is usually placed In the incision after thigh lift surgery to prevent fluid buildup and infection. A compression garment is also worn for a number of weeks to minimize swelling and promote healing of the area. Discomfort after the procedure can be effectively
managed with oral pain medication. San Diego patients may return to work within 2-3 weeks, but should avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
What about results?
The results of a thigh lift can be seen once initial healing takes place around the surgical area – usually within 1-2 weeks. As long as a healthy weight is maintained after surgery, the results of a thigh lift should last a lifetime. A thigh lift provides a sleeker contour to the hip and thigh area helping clothing fit more attractively and raising self-confidence levels. If you are interested in this procedure, contact
our office at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaweski.
A thigh lift provides a sleeker contour to the hip and thigh area helping clothing fit more attractively and raising self-confidence levels. If you are interested in this procedure, contact our office at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery in the San Diego area at (619) 464-9876 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaweski.
