Factors like weight loss, aging, and genetics can cause sagging or loose skin that does not improve with diet and exercise. Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Calgary, AB, offers expert care and personalized solutions for smoother, firmer thighs that complement your body’s shape.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift tightens the skin, reduces sagging in the inner or outer thigh, and makes the upper legs look more proportionate to the buttocks, abs, and legs. Fitness and weight loss may help strengthen and tone this area but may not address saggy, flabby, or dimply skin. This procedure will help you attain sculpted, more youthful-looking thighs.
Thigh Lift Candidates
As with other cosmetic procedures, thigh lift surgery is a personal decision. Good candidates are individuals who:
- Have maintained a relatively stable weight for at least six months.
- Have excess soft tissue along the inner or medial thigh region and/or the outer thigh.
- Are healthy, with no underlying medical conditions or illness which may impair healing.
- Are non-smokers.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle, including following a nutritious diet.
Types of Thigh Lifts
Your thigh lift will be tailored to your needs and goals. While the overall process may look similar, different techniques can focus on specific areas of the thighs, tissue laxity, and excess fat.
Medial Thigh Lift
This is the most common type of thigh lift, focusing on the inner thigh area. It tightens the skin from an incision that begins at the groin and runs down the inner thigh toward the knee. From this incision, Dr. Dawes trims excess tissue to form new contours along the length of the leg.
Outer Thigh Lift
Also called a bilateral thigh lift, this technique focuses on the outside area of the thighs. The incision begins at the groin and runs toward the hip, following a discreet bikini line pattern. From that incision, Dr. Dawes lifts the sagging lateral tissue toward the hip to create beautiful new contours.
Mini Thigh Lift
If your problem area is localized to the upper, inner thigh, a mini thigh lift may be ideal. This limited-incision procedure can restore a slimmer, tighter shape to the uppermost length of the inner thigh.
Lift With Liposuction
During the standard thigh lift procedure, the focus is on loose tissue shaping and excision. However, the lift can be complemented by liposuction when localized pockets of fatty tissue remain.
Recovery Expectations
- Recovery from a thigh lift typically involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which gradually improve over the first few weeks.
- Patients need to wear compression garments at all times for six weeks.
- Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but strenuous activity should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks.
- Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job.
- Full results become visible as swelling subsides, with final contour improvements appearing within 3-6 months.
Thigh Lift FAQs
Does Thigh Lift Surgery Eliminate Cellulite?
Cellulite is a tricky issue that doesn’t typically respond to diet and exercise, nor can it be eliminated with creams, lotions, or potions. It may not even improve with a thigh lift. It’s important to seek thigh lift surgery for its intended purpose, which is to reshape your thighs and correct moderate to severe tissue laxity.
When Dr. Dawes lifts and tightens the skin and muscle, your cellulite may diminish throughout your recovery. That said, there’s no guarantee that this will be permanent. Cellulite results from the skin being tethered by fibrous septae that hold it to the underlying muscle tissue. These septae are not severed during thigh lift surgery.
When Can I Exercise After My Thigh Lift?
You can begin walking short distances the day after your thigh lift. Initially, this may be limited to walking around the house. Longer walks and other exercises must wait several weeks.
Rushing your return to exercise after your thigh lift could increase your risk of complications such as hematoma, seroma, bruising, swelling, and pain. On a more significant scale, exercising too soon puts your incisions at risk. Rest assured, the brief hiatus from exercise will pay off in the form of beautiful results.
How Do I Prepare for a Thigh Lift?
Preparing for a thigh lift involves several important steps:
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before surgery (they can affect healing).
- Talk to Dr. Dawes about stopping medications like blood thinners to reduce your chances of excessive bleeding.
- Arrange for assistance after surgery, as mobility will be limited during the initial recovery period.
- Prepare a comfortable recovery area at home with extra pillows and necessary supplies nearby.
- Follow any pre-operative instructions from Dr. Dawes, such as fasting before the procedure and taking prescribed medications.
When Will I Be Able to Sit Comfortably After a Thigh Lift?
Most patients can sit with minimal discomfort within 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, it is important to follow Dr. Dawes’s advice to avoid placing too much pressure on the treated area.
Use a pillow or cushion to reduce strain, and sit in a reclined position to minimize tension on the thighs. It is also best to avoid prolonged sitting during the initial recovery period to prevent swelling and aid in proper healing.
Gradually, as swelling and tenderness subside, sitting will become more comfortable. Always listen to your body and adjust your sitting position to minimize discomfort.
How Should I Manage Swelling and Bruising After a Thigh Lift?
Swelling and bruising are normal after a thigh lift, but managing them properly can speed up recovery and improve comfort. Here are some practical strategies that can help:
- Wear compression garments to provide extra support for healing tissues.
- Elevate your legs while resting to minimize fluid buildup.
- Apply cold compresses during the first 48 hours after surgery to alleviate bruising and reduce inflammation.
- Stay hydrated and follow a low-sodium diet to prevent fluid retention.
- Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting, which can worsen swelling.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications to ease discomfort.
- Follow all post-operative care instructions closely.
- Contact Dr. Dawes if swelling or bruising worsens unexpectedly.
Why Choose Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC?
Schedule a Thigh Lift Consultation Today
Smoother, firmer thighs can enhance your body contour and boost your confidence. At his Calgary practice, Dr. Dawes combines extensive surgical expertise with a patient-centred approach.
If you are considering a thigh lift in Calgary, schedule a consultation with Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC Plastic and Dermatologic Surgery today. Call 403.571.3141 or book online.
