SynergyMD Plastic Surgery

Thigh Lift Procedure Steps

Jun 10, 2022 @ 11:39 AM — by Joseph M. Brown, MD, FACS
Tagged with: Body Procedures Cosmetic Surgery Thigh Lift Thigh Lift Guide

A thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten excess skin down the thighs. While this procedure can deliver fantastic results, it is extensive, and you should be well aware of the risks and required recovery prior to proceeding with a thigh lift. Below we have an overview of the thigh lift procedure steps.

Thigh Lift Procedure Steps

Fortunately, your cosmetic surgeon in Tampa Bay will be more than happy to make sure that all of your questions are answered. By attending a consultation and discussing your goals, you and your surgeon will be able to determine whether or not a thigh lift is the best option for you.

If it turns out that a thigh lift will meet your needs, then you can discuss all of the specifics with your surgeon. This will include the type of incision you need, any preparations you need to make, and plans for your recovery. Every thigh lift is a little different, but these are the general steps that you can expect during the procedure.

Step 1: Anesthesia

You will be sedated during your procedure. General anesthesia is generally the recommendation, but you may have alternative choices based on your current health and your surgeon’s experience.

Step 2: The Incision

There are a number of incision types that can be used during your thigh lift in Tampa. The approach will depend on your physiology, goals, and ultimately your surgeon’s professional judgment.

These are the primary incision types:

Step 3: Addressing Excess Skin

Once the incision is made, your surgeon will stretch and arrange your skin. They remove any excess in order to give your thighs a smooth and attractive contour. Have you elected to combine your thigh lift with liposuction? Then a cannula will be inserted to remove a safe amount of excess fat.

Step 4: Closing the Incision(s)

Once your surgeon has been able to re-contour your thighs, they will close their initial incision(s). This step is important to your healing and the visibility of your scarring later, so your surgeon will take their time.

As much as possible, your cosmetic surgeon will endeavor to hide the signs of your procedure along the natural folds of your body. Those that cannot be hidden by folds in the skin will be placed in areas that are likely to be covered except in the most intimate settings.

Fortunately, cosmetic surgeons are highly trained to create scars barely visible to the untrained eye. Are you concerned about what your scars may look like? You can ask your surgeon if you can look through examples of their work post-recovery before you commit to having the procedure.

Step 5: Recovery

A thigh lift is a major surgery. You can expect between 2 and 4 weeks of serious recovery with several more weeks of taking it slow. Before committing to a thigh lift, discuss the recovery procedure with your cosmetic surgeon.

You will want to secure time off work as well as moderate child care for at least two weeks if those are necessary with your current lifestyle. On average, patients can return to a semi-normal schedule in 2 to 3 weeks. But talk with your doctor to get a more accurate estimate.

Deciding on a Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is a serious commitment with inherent risks. If you have questions regarding potential risk factors, the process, and recovery, talk to your cosmetic surgeon in Tampa Bay.