Also known as a thighplasty, a thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to reshape and smooth the appearance of the upper thighs so that the patient finds them more attractive. This is done by removing excess fat and loose skin, and recontouring the area so that it creates the slimmer silhouette desired by the patient.
What to Expect From a Thigh Lift Procedure?
The exact procedure of a thigh lift may vary a little depending on the issue that affects you the most. If you are most concerned about excess fat, you may be given liposuction in the area first. This breaks down the excess fat so that it can be easily removed, which your surgeon will do using suction, applied via a cannula that moves to and fro under the skin. If your main issue is sagging skin, your surgeon may create an incision so that it can be tightened, and the excess cut away and discarded. Your thigh lift may include both elements. Your surgeon will advise you what you can expect to happen based on your individual circumstances.
Reasons to Get a Thigh Lift?
There are a number of reasons why patients may be considering a thigh lift. These include the following:
You have stubborn thigh fat
Stubborn pockets of fat are those that typically don’t respond to diet and exercise. They can occur anywhere on the body, but many patients find that their upper thighs are particularly affected. Excess fat in this area can create a lumpy, cottage cheese-type effect, as well as causing the skin to stretch beyond its usual capabilities.
You have excess skin on your thighs
Excess skin is the other pain reason for patients to seek a thigh lift. It is particularly common if you have lost weight, either naturally or with surgery since the skin doesn’t always retract back firmly over the body. Excess skin makes issues like chafing more likely, it can look unsightly and affect how you feel about your appearance.
Your thighs are affecting your confidence and self-esteem
Although it is possible to learn to live with areas of the body that we are less than happy with, our concern about their appearance can significantly affect our confidence and self-esteem. If you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about the appearance of your thighs, you may find yourself doing everything you can to avoid showing them. This could mean changing the clothes that you wear to cover them, choosing swim skirts rather than a bikini to try and hide them, or refusing to change clothes in front of your partner.
Your thighs are affecting your health and wellbeing
Thigh chafing is one of the most common health problems affecting this area of the body. It occurs when your inner thighs rub against one another, damaging your skin. In addition to causing redness and soreness, it can even lead to blister-type lesions which can be extremely painful. Regular chafing is uncomfortable enough, but if you regularly perform in a sport, the condition can make your participation agonizing and even impossible.
You aren’t looking to lose weight
It’s crucial that candidates for a thigh lift realize that the procedure isn’t designed to help patients lose weight. In fact, it is highly recommended that patients are of a stable, healthy weight before they consider undergoing the surgery. This is because, while fat cells will enlarge with weight gain, meaning that your thighs could potentially grow, any significant weight loss could see you left with sagging skin. Both of these occurrences could reverse the effects of your thigh lift, rendering the initial surgery pointless.
If you would like to find out more about thigh lift surgery, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to see if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, please call our Miami Aesthetic office in Miami, FL today.
