Thigh lift cosmetic surgery for slimmer, firmer thighs

Procedure Summary

Although various ‘body lift’ procedures have been available since the 1960s, it is only in the last 20 years that surgeons have gained such a detailed knowledge of the structures of skin and fat that they have been able to perform consistently successful operations with minimal risk of complications. Nowadays, anyone undergoing thighplasty plastic surgery can feel confident that the procedure will give them slimmer, firmer thighs. Although, it should be noted that the rejuvenating effect may be reversed as you get older or if you put on weight.

Are you a candidate for a thigh lift?

The ideal thighplasty patients are people who are more or less the correct weight for their height with otherwise immovable fat deposits and excess skin on the thighs. This is the kind of ‘excess baggage’ that can’t be shifted by regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet. This stubborn fat and slack skin can often occur after substantial weight loss has taken place and, to some extent, by the natural ageing effect of sagging skin.

As one woman in her 40s put it, “I considered a thigh lift but before I committed to it I wanted to be absolutely sure that it was necessary. So, I underwent a regime of healthy eating and regular exercise for over 8 months to see if conventional methods would make any impact. They didn’t. I felt good and I looked good, apart from these flabby, saggy thighs. So I had my thigh lift to remove what I couldn’t remove myself.”

It is essential to communicate your precise needs and expectations to your surgeon in your initial consultation to ensure that a thighplasty is the most appropriate procedure for your particular problem.

Undergoing a thighplasty procedure

A thigh lift will usually take up to 3 hours and is carried out under general anaesthesia. Although some surgeons are happy to let their patients return home afterwards, most recommend an overnight stay in hospital.

The surgeon usually carries out the procedure by making a large, oval-shaped incision at the top of the thigh. Excess skin and superfluous fat will be removed, and then the remaining skin will be pulled together over the oval gap and stitched in place. Thigh lifts may also be performed by a suture, or threadlift, method. This involves inserting threads with tiny teeth into the thigh through a small insertion. The threads are pulled upwards and secured, and the insertion is stitched.

Up to 2 weeks off work will be required to recuperate. Extreme care must be taken with cleanliness while the area is healing to prevent infection. Sutures will be removed at 7 to 14 days and firm elastic bandages will be applied to aid healing and minimise any swelling. Sometimes temporary tubes will be inserted to drain excess fluid from the area of surgery. Vigorous exercise should not be attempted until approximately six weeks after the operation.

As one patient  described her post-operative state, “At first I could hardly move at all, so I was glad to stay in hospital and make sure I was on the right track before I came home. Once the stitches came out and the bandages were removed, I could see that I was left with quite large scars. However, they are below my bikini line and they should fade with time.”

There is always some degree of risk associated with plastic surgery. As well as possible risks of nerve damage and infection, a thighplasty could potentially leave your thighs with a slightly asymmetrical appearance. As with all cosmetic surgery, it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner after the procedure. This will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications

Who should carry out your thighplasty procedure?

Only fully trained and qualified surgeons with experience gained in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission (in the UK) should perform thigh lift cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons tend to specialise in one particular area and, as thighplasty is not a widespread procedure in the U.K., it could take time to find a suitably experienced surgeon to carry out the operation.

A thigh lift procedure can cost up to £6,000. If it is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.

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