Thigh Lift FAQs Columbus OH

• 1. What is a thigh lift?

  A thigh lift is a surgery that involves removing excess skin from the inner and upper thighs and even down to the knees in some cases. It recontours the thighs to make you look fitter and in better shape.

• 2. Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?

  People with a lot of excess sagging skin on their medial, or inner, thighs after significant weight loss are good candidates for a thigh lift. Those who are at a stable weight and do not have a medical condition that may increase risks or hinder healing are also good candidates.

  Patients who do not smoke or are willing to quit are ideal candidates for a thigh lift. Having realistic expectations is key.

• 3. Where are the scars from a thigh lift?

  A medial thigh lift scar will likely be in the groin crease, running vertically down to the knee. An inner thigh lift may create a scar near the groin crease. These post-surgical marks will be well-camouflaged.

• 4. Is liposuction performed at the same time as a thigh lift?

  Liposuction can be done with a thigh lift, usually in the inner thigh area, to help reduce the size of the upper inner thigh. It also helps create smoother contours after a thigh lift.

• 5. What is the level of pain that comes with a thigh lift?

  Because thigh lifts are performed under general anesthesia, patients will experience no pain during their thighplasty procedure. Injections of local anesthetic prior to incision closure can aid in preventing post-surgical pain. Any pain and discomfort experienced during the thigh lift recovery process can be reduced with pain-control medication as directed.

• 6. Are drains used with a thigh lift?

  During recovery, surgical drains may be placed under the skin to drain excess blood or fluid that may accumulate after a thigh lift surgery.

• 7. What kinds of dressings are used after a thigh lift?

  Your legs may be wrapped with ACE bandages at first, covering the feet to the groin to reduce bruising, swelling, and fluid accumulation. They should only be removed when showering and should be worn for a week or two. Shorter wraps covering the knee to the groin should be worn for 12 hours for four more weeks.

• 8. What other procedures can be performed at the same time as a thigh lift?

  It is common for patients to get a lower body lift or butt lift along with a thigh lift. Some also opt to get the thigh lift with an arm lift, tummy tuck, or breast lift. These are all standard surgeries for people with significant weight loss.

• 9. Will the thigh skin stay tight after the procedure?

  The results of a thigh lift are generally permanent, so your skin will remain relatively tight. However, its firmness will be affected by the normal aging process and weight fluctuations.

• 10. How can I lessen the appearance of scars after a thigh lift?

  The scars from a thigh lift procedure may fade over time, but they will not completely disappear. It helps to try microneedling or laser treatments to lighten the appearance of the scars and flatten their texture.

• 11. How soon can I return to regular activities after a thigh lift?

  You can resume normal daily light activities after two weeks. Light household chores, walking, or driving will not negatively affect your recovery. They can improve blood circulation, which helps in healing.

• 12. Will my insurance cover a thigh lift?

  Insurance does not typically cover the cost of thigh lift surgery, since it is usually a purely cosmetic procedure. However, some insurance plans may offer coverage if the excess skin on your thighs negatively affects your movement or triggers recurrent infections. Ask your insurance carrier first before booking a consultation for a thigh lift.