Thigh Lift Surgery (Thighplasty) – Fort Worth, TX
Overview
Many patients will complain of excess skin along the inner thighs after weight loss or thigh skin that become loose with age. A thigh lift, also known as a thighplasty, surgically removes the excess skin from the inner thigh, outer thigh, or both. Our plastic surgeons will listen to the patient’s concerns and goals and then assess the area to determine a treatment plan for a thigh lift or lower body lift. During the thigh lift, the surgeon will use liposuction to remove any pockets of fat, then shape the remaining muscle and tissue for smooth contours. The inner thigh lift is often combined with breast or arm lifting procedures.
Surgical Technique
A thigh lift is performed to address the inner thighs and/or outer thighs (lateral thigh lift). During an inner thigh lift, an incision is made near the top of the thigh (along the crease where the torso meets the leg) and runs down the inner aspect of the thigh toward the knee. Once the incision is made, a large section of tissue is removed from the top inner thigh area, and excess skin will be removed. Liposuction may be used to sculpt the area into a more desirable contour. The soft tissue structures and muscle are pulled tight and secured to result in a toned, smooth surface.
Combination Procedures
A thigh lift can often be combined with another body contouring procedure, especially if it involves another area of the lower body. A common combination surgery for patients is a thigh lift and butt lift. Patients who require an outer thigh lift will generally need to address the buttocks as well. During this approach, the outer thighs are pulled up and tightened, then secured with sutures along the crease at the bottom of the buttocks. In addition to a tighter appearance, most patients see a drastic improvement in skin irregularities, such as dimples from cellulite.
During/After Surgery
All thigh lift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility as an outpatient procedure. They typically take around 2-3 hours to complete. However, it could take longer if it is combined with another procedure. Recovery will vary, but typically takes 2-6 weeks. Scarring is part of this procedure, but with proper scar care they should heal nicely and fade over time. Patients will see a marked improvement in the contour of their thighs, as well as a smoother, firmer skin tone.