Thigh Lift

Thigh plasty removes excess fat and sagging, redundant skin on a person’s inner or outer thighs.  Because it involves a lifting and tightening of skin in the thigh region, people have called this procedure a thigh lift.

The contour of your thighs can become lumpy or disproportional after massive weight loss or during the aging process as skin quality decreases.  With a thigh lift, Dr. Ljung can tuck and contour this area to exhibit a more appealing proportion and tone.

Are You a Candidate for Thigh Lift Surgery?

If you are experiencing problems with excess, sagging skin in your inner or outer thighs, this procedure may be right for you.  If excess fat has accumulated in your inner thigh area or elsewhere, Dr. Ljung may recommend thigh lift surgery combined with liposuction.

Each patient will be evaluated on an individual basis.  Body contouring procedures such as thighplasty are often combined with other body contouring surgeries to address sagging skin in different areas.  This comprehensive approach can help a patient enjoy the rewards of weight loss as they exhibit a tighter and smoother body contour.

Candidates should be:

  • Non-smokers
  • With realistic expectations
  • At a stable body weight
  • Motivated to improve body shape

During a consultation with Dr. Ljung, you will discuss the benefits, risks, costs and other details of the procedure.  He will inquire about your medical history and general health to determine if you can safely undergo a surgical procedure.

How Thigh Plasty Works

Thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure normally performed under general anesthesia.  Operating time is roughly 2 to 3 hours, which will vary depending on concurrent procedures.

Thigh Lift Before Thigh Lift After

The medial thigh lift is the most common technique, which involves removal of excess skin and fat residing on the innermost portion of your thigh.  Dr. Ljung will mark your thighs before surgery.  After anesthesia is administered, he will make an incision in the inner crease of the leg in order to remove excess skin.  Liposuction may also be performed to remove persistent fat.  The skin is then redraped and sutured to exhibit a smoother appearance.

What Happens After Thigh Plasty

You will be sent home with gauze and tape covering the incision sites, and (possibly) surgical drains to remove any fluid that accumulates.  Dr. Ljung will provide specific post-operative instructions to be followed during your recovery from thigh lift surgery.  He will probably advise you to walk around the day after surgery, but light exercise will need to be postponed for at least 2 weeks.  A special elastic garment will be worn to promote skin contraction and minimize swelling, which may need to be worn for as long as 1 month after surgery.  Thighplasty is a relatively extensive procedure, so recovery takes time.  It may be 4 to 6 weeks before you can return to your normal routine.

Contact Azalea Coast Plastic Surgery to learn more about thigh lift plastic surgery in Wilmington or Jacksonville.