Thigh lift
Thigh lift surgery is designed to tighten the skin of the inner part of the thigh and remove excess fat when an isolated liposuction is insufficient.
This occurs when the volume of the thighs has decreased significantly, after a diet or bariatric surgery for instance, and the skin has been stretched or when the skin loses elasticity due to age.
A thigh lift will therefore reshape and slim the thighs while smoothing the skin.
Before the procedure
This aesthetic surgery procedure involves a significant follow-up. Patients will need 2 to 3 weeks of convalescence after this procedure.
In the case of significant weight loss following a diet or bariatric surgery, prior approval can be requested to obtain partial reimbursement by the French National Health Insurance.
Patients need to stop smoking at least 1 month before the surgery.
The procedure
Thigh lift is always carried out under general anesthesia and the stay in hospital is usually just one night but can be longer if necessary.
The scar will be on the inner side of the thigh for an optimal result around the entire circumference of the thigh. In the case of a single scar in the groin crease, as it is sometimes presented, the thigh lift will have no effect on the middle and lower part of the thigh and there is a high risk of vulvar widening after the procedure.
After the procedure
A prophylactic anticoagulation treatment using heparin injections is systematically prescribed for 10 days following surgery in order to avoid phlebitis and pulmonary embolisms. Compression tights should also be worn for the 10 days following surgery.
The stitches are dissolvable and a compression garment is needed for 2 months following surgery. Walking can be resumed on the first day post-op and sport activities can be resumed slowly and progressively about 6 weeks after surgery.
The dressing will be changed on the second day, after the first shower. Baths should be avoided for the first month following surgery. The scars situated in the inner part of the thigh need to be protected from the sun for the first year after the surgery!
The pain after a thigh lift varies and can be quite considerable over the first few days. The necessary analgesics will be prescribed by the anaesthetist.
