People who have experienced great weight loss should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments. However, after losing a lot of weight, sometimes people are frustrated with the excess skin they are left with. In particular, the skin on the arms, abdomen, and thighs have a tendency to sag and droop. So, after all of their hard work dieting and exercising, some people can be very disappointed with their “after” body, even if they have lost a lot of weight.
A thigh lift procedure removes excess skin and sometimes excess fat if it is needed from inside the thigh, on the outside of the thigh and even on the knee. Usually performed for ptosis (sagging skin), thigh lifts can include some liposuction to remove any excess unwanted fat. Meeting for a consultation with Dr. Firouz is your first step towards a successful surgery involving a lift of the thigh region in Beverly Hills. At the consultation, he will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure as well as the extent of surgery that needs to be performed. The amount of skin that needs to be removed in conjunction with the area that needs to be treated all determines the length of incisions (and future scarring), the length of the surgery itself, and the amount of time it may take to heal.
The Thigh Lift Procedure and How it is Performed
Great care is taken to place incisions in the most inconspicuous locations while providing Dr. Firouz with the necessary access to excess skin, fat, and other tissue. Typically, the incision is placed in the groin area, above the bikini line. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the incision can move towards the buttocks, around part of the thigh or around most of the thigh. If severe ptosis is present or if the knees need to be lifted as well, vertical incisions may be made along the inside of the leg.
During the procedure excess skin, fat and tissue is removed. Deep sutures help to support the remaining skin, tissue, muscles and ligaments. Thigh lifts are performed under general anesthesia. Often the patient can go home the same day, but if the surgery was more extensive Dr. Firouz may want you to stay in the hospital for a day or two. After the surgery drainage tubes will be put in place (to help minimize swelling and get rid of excess fluids), and you will be put into a compression garment to be worn for several days (and may extend into a couple weeks.). Compression garments not only support your new shape and contour but also help to minimize swelling.
Recovery After Surgery
You will need to take antibiotics and pain medication for several days after the surgery. Most people take about two weeks off from work and it will be important to not drive during that time, as well. You should be back to most normal activities in six weeks and strenuous activities shortly after that.
Risks Involved in a Thigh Lift Procedure
All surgeries come with some level of risks and complications. For a thigh lift surgery performed in Los Angeles, these potential yet rare side effects include swelling and hematomas. Dr. Firouz will discuss all possible risks during your consultation, as well as answer any other questions you may have. People who may not be candidates for this procedure include people with vascular diseases, who have had varicose vein operations or who are diabetic or in poor health.
The benefits of this procedure are significant. So many people who have baggy, hanging skin around their thighs are incredibly embarrassed by it. After losing all that weight they usually want to be much more active and wear all of the athletic clothing they felt they couldn’t wear when they were heavier. Thigh lifts can help them reclaim their more active lifestyle and allow them a wardrobe free of “disguises.” And while Thigh Lifts always come with scarring, for many people the benefits of having smaller, smoother thighs is worth it.
