What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and a more proportionate appearance. At Cultura Dermatology and Plastic Surgery in Washington, DC, double board certified Dr. Kelly Bolden, FACS, specializes in customizing this procedure to address each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals, ensuring their results enhance appearance and confidence.
Most commonly indicated in patient following massive weight loss, a thigh lift involves the removal of an extensive amount of skin. A thigh lift incisions vary in placement depending on the degree of thigh laxity and redundancy.
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Advantages of the Thigh Lift
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Improved Leg Contour
Removes loose, sagging skin and fat from the thigh area.
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Enhanced Comfort
Reduces chafing and discomfort during physical activities.
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Better Fitting Clothing
Creates a slimmer thigh profile, making clothes fit comfortably and look more flattering.
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Boosted Self-Esteem
Increases confidence in appearance, particularly when wearing shorts or swimsuits.
What Does a Thigh Lift Treat?
Sagging Skin
Sagging skin can be excised for slimmer, more toned upper thighs. This can help prevent chafing and discomfort that comes with excess skin.
Stubborn Fat
A thigh lift can contour the thighs by removing stubborn fat from the upper thighs and even the surrounding areas like the hips and abdomen. Liposuction is often used in conjuction with a thigh lift in patients with heavy thighs to debulk the fatty area and allow for better closure and prevent scar separation.
Common Related Procedures
For more comprehensive body reshaping, thigh lifts can be combined with other procedures, including:
- Liposuction: alone or in conjunction with a thigh lift, for a contoured sculpted look.
- Tummy Tuck: Flatten and tighten the abdominal area.
- Buttock Enhancement: Lift and augment the buttocks for a balanced look.
Based on your goals for treatment and possible combination procedures, Dr. Bolden will help you select the right incision pattern from these options:
- Inner Thigh Lift: Involves an incision at the fold where the thigh meets the pubic area, allowing for the removal of excess skin and fat from the inner thigh.
- Outer Thigh Lift: Involves a more extensive incision that may wrap around the hip or buttock, depending on the amount of excess skin.
- A minimal, or crescentric thigh lift, relies on removing the fat and excess skin through a crescent shaped incision near the inner groin crease.
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Thigh Lift Procedure
Under general anesthesia, the thigh lift procedure involves making the predetermined incision. Dr. Bolden then carefully removes excess skin and fat, reshapes the underlying tissue, and tightens the skin to create a more toned and youthful thigh contour.
Read morePreparing for Thigh Lift
Preparing for a thigh lift includes an initial consultation with Dr. Bolden, during which she will provide detailed instructions. This may involve adjusting medications, stopping smoking, and getting blood tests to ensure a safe and smooth procedure.
Read moreThigh Lift Incision Options
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Inner Thigh Lift
Involves an incision at the fold where the thigh meets the pubic area, allowing for the removal of excess skin and fat from the inner thigh.
Read more -
Outer Thigh Lift
Involves a more extensive incision that may wrap around the hip or buttock, depending on the amount of excess skin.
Read more
Recovery from a thigh lift varies but generally includes wearing compression garments to minimize swelling and support the new contours. Dr. Bolden and her team will provide comprehensive care instructions and support, ensuring a successful recovery.
The cost of a thigh lift at Cultura Plastic Surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and whether additional surgeries are planned. Dr. Bolden will thoroughly discuss cost and financing options during a consultation.
What to Expect From a Thigh Lift Consultation
Consultations with Dr. Bolden are thorough and involve evaluating your specific conditions, discussing your aesthetic goals, and determining the best surgical approach. This consultation helps with setting realistic expectations and planning for a successful outcome.
