Published by Dr. Brandon Richland, MD
Thigh lift surgery, also known as thighplasty, reshapes the thigh area by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure aims to improve the appearance and contour of the upper legs, especially useful for those who have experienced significant weight loss.
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs. The surgery involves making incisions, typically in the groin area, to access and remove the unwanted tissue. The incisions are then closed, resulting in a tighter and more toned appearance.
Different techniques, such as a bilateral thigh lift or a spiral thigh lift, may be used based on the patient’s needs. Recovery usually takes at least two weeks, during which the patient must follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing.
Newport Beach, CA, is renowned for its advanced medical facilities and experienced plastic surgeons, making it an ideal location for thigh lift surgery. The area offers access to state-of-the-art clinics and highly skilled specialists who provide personalized care and attention.
Patients can also enjoy a serene and picturesque environment for their recovery, adorned with beautiful beaches and pleasant weather. This combination of high-quality medical care and a tranquil setting can contribute to a more comfortable and effective recovery process.
Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with sagging or loose skin on their thighs are excellent candidates for thigh lift surgery. The procedure can also benefit those with stubborn fat deposits that haven’t responded to diet and exercise.
Good candidates should be in overall good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results. A thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon will help determine if the individual is suitable for the surgery.
Selecting the right plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California (CA) is crucial for the success of your thigh lift surgery and achieving the desired results. It’s important to consider certifications and experience.
Board Certification
Ensure the plastic surgeon is board-certified by recognized boards such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Certification indicates that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and adheres to high standards of practice.
Experience
Look for a surgeon who specializes in thigh lift procedures. Experience matters, and a surgeon with a proven track record in thigh lift surgeries is more likely to deliver satisfactory results.
A successful thigh lift consultation involves clear communication between the patient and the plastic surgeon. Patients should be prepared to discuss their goals and medical history while the surgeon provides detailed information about the procedure and recovery.
Asking the right questions helps ensure you understand the procedure and set realistic expectations. Consider including these questions in your discussion:
Discussing these questions helps you stay informed and comfortable with the procedure.
During your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, including any conditions, allergies, or previous surgeries. They will also ask about your goals to tailor the procedure to your needs.
A physical examination of your thighs helps the surgeon determine the best technique. Expect to discuss the types of thigh lifts, such as inner or outer thigh lifts, and what recovery will look like.
The surgeon may photograph your thighs for comparison in post-operative assessments. You’ll also receive pre-operative and post-operative care instructions, ensuring you’re well-prepared for every step.
A thigh lift procedure aims to contour and improve the appearance of the thighs by removing excess fat and skin.
When considering a thigh lift, it’s important to understand some key medical terms. Thighplasty is another word for a thigh lift. Incisions refer to the surgical cuts made to remove excess skin and fat. Sutures are the stitches used to close these incisions.
Anesthesia is administered to ensure that the patient feels no pain during the surgery. Depending on the extent of the procedure, this can be either local or general anesthesia.
There are several types of thigh lift surgeries, each designed to target specific areas of the thigh. The inner thigh lift or medial thigh lift focuses on removing excess skin from the inner thighs. An outer thigh lift or lateral thigh lift targets the outer areas, lifting and tightening the skin.
A mini thigh lift involves smaller incisions and is ideal for patients with minimal excess skin. The spiral thigh lift combines aspects of both inner and outer thigh lifts, offering a more comprehensive approach.
The thigh lift procedure involves several steps. First, anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the surgery. Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes precise incisions along the targeted areas. These incisions can vary based on the type of thigh lift being performed.
After making the incisions, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin to achieve the desired contour. Finally, sutures are used to close the incisions, and the area is bandaged to minimize swelling.
Patients can expect to see the full results of their thigh lift within six months, with a smoother and more toned appearance becoming evident as the swelling reduces.
The cost of thigh lift surgery varies widely and can be influenced by several factors including surgeon experience, and facility fees.
The cost of thigh lift surgery in Newport Beach, CA can range significantly. Prices generally fall between $5,000 and $23,000. This number often does not include essential components such as anesthesia and operating room fees, which can add to the total expense.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost is around $6,378, while other sources, such as RealSelf, report an average closer to $9,225 based on patient reviews.
It’s crucial for patients to discuss these details directly with their surgeon’s office to get an accurate estimate of the total cost.
Thigh reduction surgery is often considered a cosmetic procedure, and as such, insurance coverage can be limited. It’s important to know what factors determine coverage and what out-of-pocket costs may be involved.
Most health insurance plans do not cover thigh lift surgery because it is typically classified as cosmetic rather than medically necessary. This includes the costs associated with the surgery itself, anesthesia, and any necessary medical tests.
There are instances where insurance may cover a thigh lift if it is deemed medically necessary. For example, if a significant amount of weight loss has led to excessive skin that causes medical complications such as skin infections or mobility issues, coverage might be considered.
For those whose insurance does not cover the surgery, many plastic surgeons offer financing plans. CareCredit and other medical financing companies may provide options to make the procedure more affordable over time.
There are several non-surgical alternatives for those who wish to improve the appearance of their thighs without undergoing surgery.
Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting): This fat-freezing procedure targets and eliminates stubborn fat cells without surgery. It’s an ideal option for reducing fat deposits on the inner and outer thighs.
Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments: These treatments use RF energy to heat the skin, promoting collagen production and tightening loose skin. This can improve skin elasticity and make the thighs appear firmer.
Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can reduce fat and tighten the skin by stimulating collagen production. This is particularly effective for areas with mild to moderate sagging.
Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound energy targets fat cells and stimulates collagen, providing a dual benefit of fat reduction and skin tightening.
Topical Creams and Lotions: Some products contain ingredients like retinoids, caffeine, and peptides, which can improve skin texture and firmness. Although results are usually less dramatic, they can be beneficial for maintaining skin health.
Thigh lift surgery offers significant benefits, such as improved thigh contours and reduced excess skin, but it also comes with potential risks and drawbacks. Both aspects should be carefully considered.
Benefits:
A thigh lift can drastically enhance the appearance of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat. This results in firmer, smoother skin and better overall leg contour.
For individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, this surgery helps to address skin laxity, making them feel more comfortable and confident. Moreover, the results of the surgery are long-lasting when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Risks:
Thigh lift surgery is an invasive procedure that carries risks such as infection, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. Patients might also experience prolonged swelling and bruising.
Thigh lift surgery, like all surgical procedures, carries potential side effects, risks, and complications. These can range from common issues such as pain and swelling, to less frequent but more serious problems.
Common Side Effects:
Patients often experience swelling, bruising, and pain after surgery. These effects are usually temporary and can be managed with medication and proper care. Scarring is also common, as incisions are necessary for the procedure.
Risks:
Thigh lift surgery carries risks like anesthesia complications and asymmetry. Bleeding and deep vein thrombosis are also possible. Some individuals may experience seroma, where fluid accumulates under the skin.
Complications:
Infection and major wound separation can occur post-surgery. Fat necrosis, where fatty tissue under the skin dies, is another complication. Consistent monitoring and follow-up visits are essential to address any complications early.
Preparation for thigh lift surgery requires specific steps to ensure a smooth procedure and optimal recovery. These steps often involve making dietary changes, stopping certain medications, and avoiding other activities that might complicate the surgery.
Prior to surgery, patients might be asked to undergo lab tests or evaluations to determine their readiness for the procedure.
Patients are usually advised to stop smoking several weeks before surgery. Smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications.
Certain medications, like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, may need to be discontinued. These substances can increase bleeding and affect recovery. The surgeon will provide a precise list of medications to avoid.
Maintaining a stable weight is crucial before surgery. Significant weight fluctuations can impact skin elasticity and the final results of the thigh lift. If weight loss is desired, it is best to achieve this prior to the procedure.
Rest and hydration also play vital roles in preparation. Patients should ensure they are well-rested and properly hydrated leading up to the day of the surgery. Adequate rest and hydration help the body cope better with surgical stress and promote faster recovery.
The recovery process following a thigh lift surgery involves careful adherence to post-operative instructions and a series of progressive steps to ensure proper healing. Here’s what you can expect in terms of recovery time, swelling, physical activity, and follow-up care.
Thigh Lift recovery typically takes several weeks, with significant improvements usually seen around six months post-surgery.
Initial Days: During the first few days after surgery, patients may experience pain, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication can help manage discomfort.
First Week: Light walking is encouraged to aid circulation. Most patients begin this with the help of a friend or family member.
Second Week: Many can return to work, provided their job isn’t physically demanding.
First Month: Physical therapy may start if recommended. Engaging in mild exercise helps reduce stiffness.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-ups with the surgeon are crucial to track healing progress and address any concerns. Small tubes might be placed near the incision sites to drain excess fluids.
Long-term, it’s essential to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least six weeks. Full recovery, which includes the final aesthetic results, can take up to six months, during which swelling and bruising will gradually subside.
The results of a thigh lift can be long-lasting, providing an improved appearance and feel of the thigh area. These results, however, depend on several factors, including lifestyle choices and the natural aging process.
A thigh lift typically offers durable results, provided that an individual maintains a stable weight. After the initial recovery period, which can take several months, the skin becomes firmer and smoother.
Factors such as significant weight fluctuation can affect the longevity of the results. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise help in maintaining the improved contours of the thighs.
While sagging skin may eventually return due to the loss of skin elasticity with aging, the procedure offers substantial improvements that shouldn’t easily regress if weight is managed. The commitment to proper care and maintenance greatly impacts how long the benefits of a thigh lift will be enjoyed.
A thigh lift patients can expect to see tighter, smoother skin and an overall improvement in confidence.
After undergoing thigh lift surgery, results typically include a more toned appearance in the thigh area. This is achieved by removing excess skin and fat, which helps in reducing the sagging skin often present after significant weight loss.
Patients may notice minor scarring, which tends to fade over time but doesn’t disappear completely. The improved skin quality and contour should remain stable, especially with a consistent weight and healthy lifestyle. Visible results can be immediate, but the final appearance may take several months to fully develop.
Thigh lift Scars from the surgery are usually strategically placed to be less visible. The smoother look and elimination of sagging skin often lead to increased confidence in wearing a wider range of clothing.
Before and after photos can provide important insights into potential results and help patients set realistic expectations for their own outcomes.
Thighplasty before and after photos showcase the transformation achieved through this surgery. These images typically highlight improved skin tightness, reduced sagging, and better leg contours.
Patients who have lost significant weight often turn to thigh lifts to address remaining excess skin. Comparative photos help prospective patients see the extent of changes they might expect.
Real patient photos are often provided by board-certified surgeons and can be found on professional websites like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and RealSelf.
Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is one of the best, most respected, top Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Newport Beach, California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.
Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.
To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.
Dr. Richland is actively involved with healthcare and medical societies, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Contact Dr. Richland’s Newport Beach Plastic Surgery office today by calling 949-867-6005, or visit RichlandMD.com to schedule your personalized plastic surgery consultation in Newport Beach.
Cover Image Credit: Melnyk58 / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Brandon Richland, MD.