Thigh Lift Philadelphia (Thighplasty)
The thighs can be a challenging area for both men and women to tone and tighten. Whether due to natural aging or significant weight loss, the loose and sagging excess skin can remain on the thighs. Our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. R. Brannon Claytor, can perform our Philadelphia thigh lift to contour your inner and outer thighs, smoothing loose skin.
- Thigh lift overview
- What to expect during and after thigh lift surgery
- Thigh lift scars
- Combining thighplasty with other procedures
- Thigh lift recovery
- Risk of a thigh lift procedure
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift (or thighplasty) is a surgical lift procedure performed to remove and tighten excess skin around the thighs in order to form a more aesthetically pleasing, proportional frame.
What are the different types of thigh lifts?
A medial thigh lift or an inner thigh lift contours the inner thighs. This thigh lift removes excess skin and lifts what remains.
An lateral thigh lift or outer thigh lift focuses more on the outer thighs. Often a more complex procedure, this lift is typically combined with liposuction to remove excess fat around the the buttocks and hips before tightening the skin.
What happens during a thigh lift procedure?
This plastic surgery requires surgical incisions along the thighs of varying size based on how much excess skin must be removed. The location of the incisions are usually around the groin area on the medial (inner) side of the thigh and can be adjusted based on clothing preference or the overall reduction of visibility. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes anywhere from one to three hours depending on the severity of the loose, excess skin.
What should I expect after thigh lift surgery?
After surgery, thigh lift patients are dressed in a compression garment to limit swelling. You will be able to remove the garments and shower your first-day post-op. Discomfort is generally minimal in a smaller lift, but when large amounts of skin are removed, medication for discomfort aids in the recovery process. You will be able to ambulate yourself immediately after surgery.
Will I have noticeable scars with my thigh lift results?
There have been many advances in minimally invasive scars for medial thighplasty. Patients no longer face the unsightly hockey stick scar around the groin area, which was traditionally experienced with the classic procedure. Dr. Claytor’s approach using precise incisions on the inside of the thigh now allows the scar to be hidden so you can get back to wearing that bikini!
Scars maximally fade within six months after the procedure. Scar massage, selected lotions, and even some skin treatments will aid in minimizing scarring.
Combining liposuction at the time of the medial thighplasty removes any excess fat and allows the wound to be closed under minimal tension with absorbable sutures which results in optimal scarring. Dr. Claytor will discuss this option with you during your initial thigh lift consultation.
Real Patient Thigh Lift Before and After Results
Click here to view photos of thigh lift results in our gallery »
Can this lift be combined with other procedures?
As you discuss your personal goals with Dr. Claytor, you may learn that you are a candidate for additional procedures, as well. Since thigh lifts solely tighten and tone the thighs, it is common to combine a thigh lift with a total body lift to fully restore your body proportions. A body lift often includes a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm lift, liposuction and breast procedures. A thigh lift could also be included in a mommy makeover, a set of body contouring procedures for women post-pregnancy to shape their breast area, abdomen and thighs.
When can I resume regular activities after a thigh lift?
Light activity is normally possible after less than two weeks, while most physical activity is permissible at four to six weeks.
What are the risks of the thighplasty procedure?
The most common complications of this plastic surgery are aesthetic results that don’t match the patient’s expectations. Dr. Claytor will go over your treatment plan during your consultation to decide the optimal surgical plan for you. This may include combining liposuction with your procedure to provide optimal results.
It is important to be honest about your medical history during the initial consultation. Poor nutrition and smoking can have an impact on your wound healing. Post-op infection is a risk of any surgery so it is important to follow post-operative hygiene instructions.
Schedule a thigh lift consultation near Philadelphia
To learn more about thigh lift in Philadelphia and to see if you are a good candidate for this plastic surgery, call (610) 527-4833 to schedule a consultation with our Main Line Top Doctor, Dr. Claytor. Our plastic surgery practice serves patients from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line and surrounding areas.
Contact us to schedule your consultation »
Areas Served:
- Bryn Mawr
- Philadelphia
- Main Line
