One of the areas that can create concern is the thighs. Here, muscle and skin can become droopy and unattractive with wrinkles and folds. To restore the smooth contours of the thighs, many people consider thigh lift surgery.

What is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical technique that is performed to improve the appearance of the thighs. Various methods may be considered to successfully correct loose, sagging skin on the inner or outer thigh area.

Candidates for a thigh lift – Is it right for you?

Thigh lift surgery is often sought by adults who have lost a substantial amount of weight. Good candidates for this procedure are:

  • At a stable weight
  • In good general health and do not have medical conditions that may affect healing
  • Committed to avoiding tobacco use several weeks before and after surgery
  • Aware of what can and cannot be achieved with their lift procedure

A thorough consultation and examination with Dr. Michelle Cabret can help you understand what thigh lift surgery can do for you and how to make the most of this beneficial procedure.

Why choose us?

Austin Cosmetic Surgery is a state-of-the-art facility, delivering high-quality, concierge-style care, with a comprehensive approach to thigh lift surgery with the goal of helping you look and feel your best. We are equipped with an onsite operating room for the ultimate in patient safety in a private, exclusive setting. Dr. Michelle Cabret has over 20 years of experience in private practice as a cosmetic surgeon.

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“Beauty and Wellness Perfected”

At Austin Cosmetic Surgery, we have a holistic approach, as  beauty and wellness go hand in hand. Something that sets us apart from other surgeon’s offices is that we are very hands-on in our post-operative care. We see most of our thigh lift patients two to four times within the first two weeks of recovery and we continue to check in throughout the process.

For Dr. Michelle it is not so much about the procedure itself, but the people she meets along the way, and seeing them delighted with the results, with sculpted, firm thighs, looking youthful and balanced. We provide a concierge level of service to our patients. From initial consultation to every other visit with us, we are committed to the highest level of personal, comprehensive care.

What can a thigh lift do for your figure?

Thigh lift surgery can correct loose, sagging, and redundant skin. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients do not need to stay overnight in the hospital.

This treatment can:

  • Remove sagging skin
  • Reshape thigh contour to be firm and sculpted
  • Recontour the thighs that have hanging skin after a dramatic weight loss
  • Smooth bumps and lumps
  • Remove excess fat for an attractive, balanced figure
  • Remove sagging skin folds
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What is the thigh lift procedure?

Overall, thigh lift surgery takes approximately two hours. A thigh lift will be performed in an accredited surgery center under general anesthesia. There are several thigh lift techniques that may be employed during the outpatient procedure. Common methods include:

  • An inner thigh lift or medial lift is the technique in which the inner aspect of the thigh is lifted.
  • Bilateral thigh lift surgery tightens the skin on the outside and the front of the thigh.

Before administering anesthesia, our cosmetic surgeon will mark the thighs while you are standing upright. After the anesthesia is administered, an incision is made in the groin area where the resulting scar will be easily hidden.

The tissue of the thigh is lifted, and excess skin and tissue is trimmed. Sutures are placed in the deeper plane of tissue to secure muscle and fat. Stitches are also placed to close the incisions.

What is the recovery time after a thigh lift?

The recovery time from thigh lift surgery is only a few weeks, and results from the procedure change the shape and overall appearance of the legs for the long term. A thigh lift can be the final achievement in major weight loss, providing a satisfying sense of completion, and firm, sculpted thighs, at last! Your recovery will depend on several factors, such as your level of health and fitness before surgery and whether you had complementary procedures.

Immediately after surgery, a compression garment is applied around each thigh. Some patients may have drains placed to prevent fluid accumulation within the surgical area. If drains are placed, they are typically removed a week to ten days after surgery. At this time, stitches may also be removed. Swelling and bruising are expected side effects of thigh lift surgery. These may not be noticed due to the compression garments covering the thighs.

These garments must be worn for two to three weeks. By the time they are removed, much of the swelling and bruising will have disappeared. You will be provided with detailed instructions that outline how to care for incisions and drains if these were placed. Post-operative instructions also cover medication use, specific concerns to look for and when to return to our office for a follow-up visit.

Complementary procedures

Thigh lift surgery may be one aspect of comprehensive body lift. Patients may combine their thigh contouring procedure with liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat on the thighs or surrounding area. A buttocks lift, abdominoplasty, arm lift, or other contouring procedure may also be performed in combination with this surgery to improve the overall body shape and appearance.

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Thigh Lift FAQ

What are the risks of a thigh lift?

How soon after a thigh lift can I work out?

How soon after a thigh lift can I return to normal activity?

What are the risks of a thigh lift?

The surgical risks of thighplasty are similar to any surgery, these include:

  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation in the surgical area
  • Blood clots
  • Swelling
  • Lingering numbness or pain
  • Poor wound healing

How soon after a thigh lift can I work out?

Understandably, exercise is an important aspect of maintenance after your thigh lift procedure. To protect healing tissues from unnecessary trauma, we advise patients to postpone aerobic exercise and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks after a thigh lift.

How soon after a thigh lift can I return to normal activity?

Patients will begin walking right away after their thigh lift and will need to walk short distances each day to prevent blood clots from forming. We prepare patients to expect a week to 10 days of recovery at home before returning to work. As comfort improves, walking can increase. Patients can safely drive when they are no longer taking prescription pain medication. Many normal activities can be resumed within a few weeks, minus strenuous exercise. By 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, most normal activities will be possible.

Schedule a consultation with us – We are here for you.

To learn more about the thigh lift procedure, schedule a consultation with us online, or give us a call. We proudly serve the communities of Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Barton Creek, Spicewood, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Cabret is also honored to serve patients in and beyond Scottsdale, AZ.

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