A thighplasty, commonly known as a thigh lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and subcutaneous tissue within the thigh region. The tissue addressed during a thigh lift in Houston often occurs as a result of the natural aging process, significant weight loss, and/or pregnancy. This procedure is sometimes part of a mommy makeover.
If you are considering a thigh lift, you may also benefit from liposuction, which can be done simultaneously. This is advantageous because it removes excess fat from the thigh at the same time as the excess skin is removed, leaving you with a slimmer, more contoured thigh.
During your thigh lift consultation with Dr. Erika Sato, she will discuss expectations and goals for the procedure.
If you are also thinking about having liposuction to complement the thigh lift, please read the liposuction page for more information on the procedure.
You may be a candidate for a thigh lift if you are in good health and over 18 years old. Dr. Sato will examine you and review your medical history in order to determine whether a thigh lift is right for you. If you anticipate significant weight loss, she may suggest that you wait until your weight loss goal has been reached.
If performed alone, a thigh lift is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation and a local anesthetic at in-office operating room or under general anesthesia at an ambulatory surgery center.
If a thigh lift is performed as part of a larger set of procedures such as post-bariatric surgery, the surgery may be done under general anesthesia in a facility with overnight capabilities.
Depending on the patient’s desires, this procedure could target the inner or outer thigh. An inner thigh lift, which is much more common, requires an incision in the groin area that sometimes extends around the back of the thigh along the infra-gluteal crease (crescent thigh lift) or an incision that extends from the groin area to the knee along the medial aspect of the thigh (vertical thigh lift).
A crescent thigh lift is indicated if the loose skin is limited to the upper 1/3 of the inner thigh. A vertical thigh lift is indicated if the loose skin involved more than the upper 1/3 of the inner thigh.
Outer thigh lifts are relatively rare and are only performed on a specific subset of patients because liposuction and/or body/butt lift will usually produce better results for this troublesome area.
You will likely experience some pain and bruising that may last several days. If you have swelling, it will start to resolve within 3-4 weeks. If you have drains placed intra-operatively, you will be provided with drain teaching. Any drains will be removed in the post-operative clinic.
Most patients take 7-10 days off from work to allow for recovery. You can then gradually resume normal activities. It is best to avoid strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
Although a thigh lift does create scars, Dr. Sato takes care to place the incisions where the scar will be covered by most swimwear and lingerie.
Thighplasty procedures vary in price based on a number of factors. The total surgical time, the anesthesia used, the amount of tissue removed, and the techniques utilized all play a role in determining the cost of a thigh lift.
Contact the office of Dr. Erika Sato to arrange a consultation regarding your thigh lift in Houston. Dr. Sato has the experience needed to achieve effective and natural results.
