With age and after weight loss our skin can begin to weaken, resulting in sagging. This hanging tissue and excess skin can be impossible to remove with diet and exercise alone. With a thigh lift, you can achieve the toned thighs and improved body contour you desire.

What is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that is performed when the skin has stretched, resulting in sagging around the inner thighs. This often occurs after weight loss, and the thigh lift can be combined with other post-weight loss procedure to achieve full-body rejuvenation. The thigh lift can address this hanging tissue and excess skin to help patients achieve toned thighs with improved contours.

Who is a Candidate for Thigh Lift?

A number of factors can cause the skin and tissue to become stretched, the biggest being a dramatic weight loss. This can also occur after pregnancy, with age, or due to hereditary factors. Whatever the case, you may be a candidate for the surgical thigh lift if severe sagging of the inner thighs is hurting your confidence or preventing you from seeing the results of your weight loss efforts. The thigh lift is not a solution to weight loss, and those that have reached their goal weight will find the most successful results in the long run. Future weight loss or gain could reverse the efforts of the thigh lift. It is also important to remember that the thigh lift can take some pounds off in loose skin and tissue, however, large amounts of stubborn fat may be better addressed with liposuction technique. Liposuction can also be performed at the same time as the thigh lift for optimal recontouring. Dr. Newman will meet with patients to determine if they are a successful candidate.

The Thigh Lift Procedure

The thigh lift is typically performed using general anesthesia to ensure that the patient feels no discomfort during the process. There are several different incision patterns that can then be made depending on the location and severity of the patient’s loose skin and tissue. These will address the inner and/or outer thighs and can include:

  • A small incision in the groin only
  • An incision from the groin, extending downward and ending at the back of the thigh
  • An incision from the groin, down to the knee
  • An extended incision from the groin, up and around the hip and to the back

Regardless of what type of incision is required, Dr. Newman will ensure that they are placed within the natural contours of the body where scarring can be well concealed. After the appropriate incisions are made, the underlying tissue will be tightened, and the excess skin will be removed. At the same time, liposuction techniques may be used to address pockets of stubborn fat in the area and provide precise sculpting. Incisions will then be closed with sutures.

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I have been a patient of Dr. Newman’s for years and have always been extremely pleased with the quality and personal attention he has provided. He takes the time to ensure he is providing the exact care I need. His staff is always friendly, accessible and very professional. I live in Ohio and on several occasions have made trips to Florida for Dr. Newman’s services. Once you see Dr. Newman you will never consider another surgeon. – Debbie D.

Downtime and Recovery

After a thigh lift, patients should plan for about 1-2 weeks of rest with time off work. Each patient’s recovery will be different depending on the techniques used during the procedure. However, every patient can expect some degree of discomfort and swelling, which can be easily managed with pain medication provided by Dr. Newman and the help of an ice pack. It is important to take it easy for the first few weeks, following all movement restrictions given by Dr. Newman. Much of the initial swelling from a thigh lift will resolve in two to three months, but some swelling can linger for up to a year. After this time, patients can see the true results of their thigh lift procedure for improved contours and reduced sagging.

To learn more about the thigh lift or our other body contouring procedure, contact our office and schedule your consultation with Dr. Newman in St. Petersburg, FL.

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