Plastic Surgeon & Medical Spa Serving Norman, Edmond, Oklahoma City & Nearby Central Oklahoma
Thigh lift surgery removes excess skin and fat from the upper leg, helping to produce an ideally contoured, smooth, and firm appearance. In so doing, thigh lift surgery can greatly impact the appearance of your entire lower body, improving clothing options, comfort, and self-confidence in the process.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your thighs, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jayesh Panchal can help. Call our Edmond office at 405-340-9949 or our Norman location at 405-310-6767 to schedule a consultation today.
Types of Thigh Lift
There are two primary types of thigh lift:
- Inner Thigh Lift. This option focuses on the inner part of the upper leg
- Outer Thigh Lift. This option focuses on the outer thighs, buttocks, and hips
There are several incision options that can be used for thigh lift surgery. Dr. Panchal offers the full range of options, including the mini thigh lift option which may be suitable for people who do not have significant amounts of laxity or fat present. During your initial consultation, we will carefully assess your problem areas to help you determine which option will best meet your needs.
A complete thigh lift, also known as a spiral lift or a 360° lift, is a possibility for patients who have excess skin and fat throughout the thighs and hips. With this technique, the entire thigh can be sculpted, eliminating lumpy fat, sagging skin, and similar issues from the inner, outer, and back of the thigh. A complete thigh lift will also tone the buttocks and define the hips.
Good Candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery
The best candidates for thigh lift surgery are men and women who have sagging skin and excess fat deposits along the inner and/or outer thigh.
Good thigh lift candidates must:
- Be nonsmokers and in generally good health
- Have maintained a stable weight for at least six months
- Have the resources and support to take time off from all duties
- Be willing to carefully follow pre and postoperative instructions
It is also important that you have realistic goals. Results are dependent on factors including the amount of excess skin and fat being removed, your body’s natural healing abilities, and your willingness to follow care instructions. All of this will be discussed in greater detail during your time in our care.
When the thighs alone are impacted, one procedure may be sufficient to reach your goals. If surrounding body parts are similarly impacted, a more comprehensive body lift procedure may be necessary.
Depending on your needs, a body lift may include:
Dr. Panchal offers both female and male breast reduction services.
What Happens During a Thigh Lift?
During thigh lift surgery, excess fat and skin are removed from the upper leg to reveal underlying musculature and improve definition. Inner thigh lift focuses on the inner part of the thigh while outer thigh lift may extend to the buttocks and hips. These procedures can also be combined when 360° contouring is needed.
Are Thigh Lifts Painful?
Thigh lifts are performed under anesthesia. You will not feel any discomfort during your procedure.
There will be some bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the days following thigh lift surgery. These are handled with medications, compression garments, and rest. We will provide you with specific instructions for pre-surgical planning and postsurgical limitations to help mitigate any discomfort and ensure the most pleasing outcomes.
What Are the Benefits of Thigh Lift Surgery?
Thigh lift surgery improves the contours of the upper leg. This can enhance clothing options, reduce discomfort, and produce a more desirable shape for the lower body.
Each person is unique. If you are curious to learn how a thigh lift could benefit you, give us a call to schedule a consultation at our Edmond or Norman office today.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Thigh Lift Surgery?
General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, and poor incision healing. Risks specific to thigh lift include asymmetrical results and scar migration.
Dr. Panchal is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs thigh lifts in accredited surgical facilities where patient safety is a priority.
Our team will work directly with you, providing you with pre and postoperative instructions that will help to reduce your risks. Following these instructions can make your recovery much more comfortable and may help ensure the best possible results.
Are There Procedures to Help the Small Scars From the Lift Fade Faster?
You start to reduce the appearance of scars before they even form. Before and after surgery, you will need to avoid blood-thinning medications, herbs, and supplements, along with vasoconstrictors such as nicotine. Following surgery, you will need to keep incisions dry and clean, and to consistently wear your compression garment. You will also need to avoid placing pressure on your incisions by limiting activities for at least a week.
After scars have formed, you can use ointments, gels, and scar sheets to reduce their appearance. Scar revision surgery may be an option as well. We can provide direction and discuss options during your follow-up visits to help ensure you are happy with your results.
Thigh Lift Recovery
Your recovery from thigh lift surgery will be unique. However, most people need to take 7 to 14 days off from work and all other demanding activities following the procedure. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are all possible during this time. Compression garments, over-the-counter medications, and prescribed calf and mobility exercises can help. Dr. Panchal will provide you with specific instructions based on your needs during your follow-up visits to help ensure your continued comfort.
By week six, many people are able to resume all normal activities, though Dr. Panchal may continue to recommend limiting certain activities for a bit longer. This is different for each patient.
It can take up to six months for the swelling from a thigh lift to subside completely and scars may be thick and visible in the months following recovery. Proper incision care will help guard against infection and assist in producing smaller scars. When cared for properly, scars will continue to fade over the course of a few years.
Taking Care of Yourself
From incision healing through maintaining your results, the care you take of yourself will play the largest role in your lasting satisfaction. Choosing healthy foods and avoiding all forms of tobacco will help reduce the visibility of your scar. Committing to daily exercise will help ensure the longest lasting thigh lift results.
If you struggle with either of these things, consider working with a nutritionist and personal trainer to develop a plan that will work for you.
Can I Combine a Thigh Lift With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
Yes, you can combine a thigh lift with other cosmetic procedures.
It is common for patients to pair a thigh lift with liposuction, especially when addressing both excess skin and fat deposits. Additionally, patients who have undergone significant weight loss may combine a thigh lift with a tummy tuck or a buttock lift.
Combining procedures can streamline recovery. This approach allows patients to heal from multiple surgeries at once. As a result, they don't have to take as much time off from work.
How Long Does a Thigh Lift Surgery Take?
A thigh lift surgery usually takes between 2 to 3 hours. However, the exact length of time depends on the complexity of the procedure and the extent of the treatment. The duration may increase slightly if you combine other surgeries with the thigh lift, such as liposuction.
Is There a Specific Weight Requirement for Undergoing a Thigh Lift?
There is not necessarily a specific weight requirement for undergoing a thigh lift. However, ideal candidates should be at or near their goal weight.
Dr. Panchal generally recommends that patients maintain a stable weight for several months before surgery.
Candidates with a BMI over 30 may need to lose weight before surgery to reduce risks and achieve optimal results. Being at a healthy weight also ensures that the thigh lift results are more effective and long-lasting.
What Should I Avoid Doing in the Weeks Leading Up to Thigh Lift Surgery?
In the weeks leading up to thigh lift surgery, you should avoid some activities and habits to ensure a safe and smooth procedure:
- Avoid Smoking and Nicotine: Patients should avoid smoking and using nicotine products at least four weeks before and after surgery. Smoking can impair healing.
- Avoid Certain Medications: It's also important to avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that could increase bleeding risks.
- Watch Your Diet: Limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy diet can support the body's recovery process.
How Long Do the Results of a Thigh Lift Last?
Thigh lift results are generally long-lasting. This is especially true if patients maintain a stable weight.
Aging and natural skin elasticity changes may affect results over time. However, many patients enjoy their improved thigh contours for years after surgery.
To prolong the results, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Why Choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa?
People choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa because of Dr. Jayesh Panchal's unparalleled expertise and dedication to patient care.
Dr. Panchal's list of awards includes being recognized as the "Best of Best" by Oklahoman Magazine, receiving the "Best Body Enhancement" award at the 2012 Aesthetic Awards, and being named a "Super Doctor" and "Top 10 Doctor" at both the state and metro levels. His "Compassionate Doctor" and consecutive "Patient's Choice" awards highlight his patient-first approach, with 95% of his patients willing to refer their loved ones to his practice.
Dr. Panchal ensures personalized care by being available 24/7 for his surgical patients.
Contact Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa to Learn More
If you are ready to learn what thigh lift surgery can do for you, please contact Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical spa at 405-340-9949 or 405-310-6767 today. We serve the greater Oklahoma City area with offices in Edmond and Norman.
