Thigh lift surgery – also known as thighplasty – is a specialist cosmetic surgery procedure performed to improve the appearance and contour of the thighs.
Mr Chris Fenn, consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has considerable experience in performing thigh lift surgery on those who want to redefine the shape and look of their thighs.
What is a thigh lift?
Thighplasty surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper legs, creating smoother, tighter and more aesthetically pleasing thighs.
It can be combined with liposuction, buttock lift, arm lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery and full body lift surgery.
What are the benefits of a thigh lift?
Following significant weight loss, many people find themselves left with folds of loose, sagging skin which they are unable to shift through further dieting or exercise. The sense of achievement enjoyed by those who have reached their weight loss target is often clouded by their disappointment in the surplus skin left behind.
In addition to the aesthetic problems, the thighs can sometimes become irritated and sore from the skin rubbing.
By surgically removing the skin and fatty excess, the thighs appear slimmer and taut, creating a more proportionate and visually attractive figure. This often leads to an increase in self-esteem and body confidence.
In addition, men and women who had previously hid their wobbly thighs behind loose trousers, jeans or skirts generally feel more able to wear fitted clothes after their thigh lift surgery. They are also more likely to participate in activities which require minimal clothing – such as swimming.
Am I suitable for thigh lift surgery?
Thighplasty may be an option for you if you have loose excess skin on your thighs which you have been unable to get rid of through exercise or dieting.
It is worth bearing in mind that thigh lift surgery is not a treatment for weight loss. With this in mind, it is better to reach your target weight before you consider surgery. Similarly, it is important to understand that thigh lift surgery focuses specifically on the inner or outer thighs and is not effective at globally improving the whole circumference of the thigh.
If surgery is something you are considering, the first step is to organise an out-patient appointment with Mr Chris Fenn. After a physical examination and discussion about your medical history, Mr Fenn will be able to confirm your suitability for the operation.
To ensure you make an informed decision about the surgery, Mr Fenn will also discuss the risks associated with thigh lift surgery and will encourage you to ask questions. He will recommend that you take your time to think about the surgery before you decide to proceed.
What does thigh lift surgery involve?
Performed under a general anaesthetic, thigh lift surgery usually takes between 2-2 ½ hours depending on the volume of skin and fatty tissue to be removed. In most instances, it involves a 1-2 night stay in hospital.
There are different types of thigh lift procedure – again depending on the amount of excess to be removed and from where. Mr Fenn will discuss the most suitable thigh lift for you during your consultation.
Medial inner thigh lift
A common type of thighplasty is the medial inner thigh lift which is used to remove loose skin and surplus fat from the inner, upper thigh area. It is also effective at debulking the excess in this area, getting some separation and gap between the two thighs.
Cuts are made in the crease of the groin and the loose skin is excised. The remaining skin and underlying tissue are lifted up, tightened and sutured back into place, leaving the scar well hidden in the crease from groin to buttock. Often this procedure is accompanied by some liposuction to the inner thigh area.
Vertical inner thigh lift
If you have lost a significant amount of weight and the loose skin is excessive, you may need a vertical thigh lift. Similar to the medial inner thigh lift, incisions are made in the fold of the groin. To address the more pronounced bulk and skin excess in the thigh area, the cuts are then extended vertically down the inner thigh to the knee.
The loose skin and fat are removed from the inner thigh and the remaining tissue is tightened and reshaped. The skin is then repositioned and stitched back together, leaving a ‘T’ shaped scar in the groin crease and down the inner thigh.
Whilst the scar is sizeable scar, it becomes less visible once fully healed.
Outer thigh lift
An outer thigh lift involves an incision that extends from the groin around the hip. Again the loose skin and fatty excess is removed and the underlying tissue is tightened. The skin is sutured together to create the new thigh contour.
This is often combined with an abdominoplasty or circumferential body lift.
How long does it take to recover?
For the first week after the operation, your thighs may feel tight, bruised and a little sore. Sitting and moving around may also feel uncomfortable. Painkilling medication usually helps to relieve the pain and discomfort.
You will be fitted with an elastic compression garment which will help to minimise discomfort and support the new thigh shape whilst it is healing.
As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, you will be advised to stay mobile but to avoid any rigorous activity for several weeks after the surgery.
You can usually return to work between 2-4 weeks, depending on the nature of your job.
Close follow-up and regular reviews with both Mr Fenn and the cosmetic surgery nursing team are encouraged to ensure the wounds are healing as they should be.
How much does thigh lift surgery cost?
If you would like to know the price of a thighlift, contact Mr Fenn’s secretary, Claire Bartle-Coates on 0113 218 5971, email Claire.bartle-coates@spirehealthcare.com or complete an on-line enquiry form.
How can I find out more about thigh lift surgery?
For further information or to book a consultation with Mr Chris Fenn, call his secretary, Claire Bartle-Coates on 0113 218 5971, email Claire.bartle-coates@spirehealthcare.com or complete an on-line enquiry form.