Thigh Lift

Other names

• Thigh dermolipectomy
• Thigh plastic

Brief description

After great weight loss or alternating periods of weight gain and loss, it is common to develop a flabby “bulging” in the thighs’ inner portion. As the skin here is relatively thin, it does not shrink enough after a weight loss, leading to a local skin excess.

The thigh lift aims to remove this skin excess, providing a more natural and less flabby thigh contour. In some cases, it may be associated with a local liposuction.

The scars

The thigh lift scar lies next to the groin fold, reaching out in variable extents (depending on the amount of skin excess to be removed) backwards towards the subgluteal fold (immediately under the buttock), and, in case of pronounced sagging, almost up to the knees.

Due to the thigh weight, which causes continuous traction, a scar stretch is usual during the healing period.

Postoperative period

During the first months, the thigh root shows a relative insensitivity and is subject to “swelling” periods that fade away spontaneously.

Over the months, especially if supported by regular lymphatic drainage, you will gradually reach the final outcome.

No result should be deemed definitive before 6 to 18 months after surgery, the required time for tissue adjustments and scar maturation.

By obese patients, after the 8^th day, the elimination of certain amount of yellowish liquid through one or more stitches may occur. This phenomenon, called lipolysis, is merely the liquefaction and elimination of residual fat next to the scar area, combined with a seroma production, without implying a complication.

You should avoid intensive movements, especially with wide open legs. The natural traction acting on the scar through walking and gravity already causes usually a scar stretching during early stages. The lower the traction on the scar, the less its stretch.

Among the infrequent, though possible, complications of a thigh lift we can mention: hematoma, seroma, infection, necrosis, dehiscence (wound reopening), keloid, thrombosis (thrombus formation within the heart or a blood vessel), or embolism (thrombus-caused obstruction of a vein).