Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift

Massive weight loss and the aging process can cause significant skin redundancy and laxity in the thighs. This problem most commonly involves the inner thigh, although other thigh parts may get affected as well. Friction between the redundant skin and clothing can lead to chronic skin irritation and rashes, causing constant discomfort to the patient. The patient may also feel embarrassed because of the appearance of the thighs.

A thigh lift is a surgery done to remove the redundant and saggy skin in the thigh. At the same time, the remaining skin in the thigh is tightening to reshape the thigh. The aim is to make the thigh looks slimmer and with better shape and contour.

For skin laxity limited to the inner thigh, a medial thigh lift or extended medial thigh lift is sufficient to restore the thigh’s contour. If skin laxity also occurs in the lateral thigh and abdomen, then a more extensive procedure such as lateral tension abdominoplasty combined with a thigh lift is required. Usually, liposuction is done concurrently to remove excess fat in the thigh.

Preparation

1. Inform the doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergy. All medical conditions must be treated and stabilized before surgery.

2. Stop smoking at least one week before surgery. Smoking is harmful to wound healing and increases the risks of other post-operation complications.

3. Stop the following medications and supplements from one week before surgery until one week after surgery.

   1. All supplements containing vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, and other ingredients that increase bleeding during the procedure. Other supplements, traditional medicine, and herbs, in which ingredients are unknown, have to stop as well.

   2. Medicine that increases bleeding during the procedure such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin. However, you may need to consult your physician who prescribed the medication before you stop them.

4. On the day of surgery, wear simple and comfortable clothing. Do not wear any makeup. Do not wear any jewelry and metal objects on the face and body.

Surgery

Duration: 2-4 hours

Anaesthesia: General Anaesthesia

Hospitalization: At least one day

Recovery: Back to work in 7 days, light exercise after one to 2 weeks, heavy exercise after at least one month. * The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Technique:

1. Medial (Inner) Thigh Lift: This operation is done to address skin laxity confined to the inner thigh. An incision is made in the groin, which may extend to the back of the thigh. For more severe cases, an additional vertical incision is required along the inner upper thigh.

2. Circumferential Thigh Lift: This operation is for severe cases of thigh laxity involving the whole thigh. An incision is made around the upper thigh’s circumferential, usually with an additional vertical incision along the inner thigh.

Post-operative Care**

1. What to expect: Swelling usually peaks on the second to third day after surgery and will gradually subside after that.

2. Tight sensation in the thighs may be present for one to 2 weeks.

3. Use a supportive garment to support the thighs for the first month.

4. General care:

   1. Avoid smoking for at least one month. Smoking increases the risk of wound complications.

   2. Sleep on the back and avoid sleeping on one side.

   3. Adequate rest and adequate sleep are helpful for a speedy recovery.

   4. Be relaxed and calm. Contact the clinic if there are any queries.

5. Medicine: Finish the oral antibiotics as prescribed. Take the painkiller as prescribed when necessary.

6. Wound care: After removing the wound dressing, clean the wound with a clean cotton tip soaked with sterile water/saline. Apply antibiotic ointment.

7. Physical activity: Avoid heavy physical activity and exercise for at least one month.

8. Follow-up: Come back one week after surgery for review.

9. Emergency: If there is heavy bleeding, a rapid increase in swelling or severe pain, immediately contact the clinic/doctor for advice.

** The instructions in this list are only for general guidance. If you have any specific queries or concerns during the post-operative recovery, please contact the clinic for further advice.