Inner Thigh Lift
As we age, most people experience fluctuations in their weight. Excess skin and fatty tissue gets deposited in various parts of our body. These deposits can be difficult to manage with diet and exercise alone.
Inner thigh lift surgery is a body shaping procedure performed to create thinner and firmer inner thighs.
Indications.
Inner thigh lift surgery is indicated in patients with loose skin, massive skin folds, and fat bulges in the inner thigh region. This procedure may be an option if you are healthy, are a non-smoker, and have no preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease, which can increase your risk of complications. It is important that you have a positive outlook and realistic expectations prior to proceeding with surgery.
Surgical procedure.
You will be given general anesthesia at the beginning of the procedure, which means you will feel no pain and will sleep throughout the procedure.
The procedure begins by instilling tumescent fluid. The fluid contains adrenaline, which helps minimize bleeding and bruising, and helps in removal of the tissues later on during the procedure. It also includes local anesthesia. Excess fat is removed using power assisted liposuction. Crescent-shaped incisions are made on each thigh, along the natural creases of the groin. Special surgical instruments are used to resect excess skin from the upper inner thighs. Your surgeon may place drains (thin tubes) to remove any excess fluid and then close the surgical wounds using absorbable sutures and apply bandages. Your thighs may be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and to provide support to your new contour as you heal.
Post-Operative Care.
Inner thigh lift is an outpatient procedure where you are sent home the same day. You will be prescribed pain medications to alleviate any discomfort, and antibiotics to prevent infections. You can expect swelling, which may peak in the first three days, to improve in two to six weeks. You will be instructed to keep your legs elevated to minimize swelling. Bruising should improve within five to ten days. Your drains and bandages will be removed within the first week.
Do not apply excessive force on your surgical wounds during the healing process. Inform your doctor immediately if you see any excessive discharge from your surgical site, chest pains, shortness of breath or unusual heartbeats.
You may resume
sedentary work within one to two weeks
driving in one to two weeks
exercises in about four weeks
Surgical recovery varies from patient to patient and your doctor will give you specific instructions about diet, wound care, medications, activity restrictions, and follow up.
Advantages.
Inner thigh lift is performed in such a way that the scars form in the natural creases of the groin, so they are hidden.
Risks and complications.
Some of the potential risks include
Injury to adjacent nerves or blood vessels
Improper wound healing
Bleeding
Infection
Persistent pain
Skin discoloration, swelling or loss
Unfavorable scarring
Recurrent looseness of skin
Need for revision surgery
Smoking and/or any preexisting medical conditions can put you at increased risk for complications.
Inner thigh lift is an excellent solution for saggy and bothersome thighs. Most patients are benefited with more smoother and youthful thighs.
