Thigh Lift
As we begin to notice signs of aging in our faces, the thigh region is showing the aging process even more. With its excess skin and fat, it droops more than any other area of the body. If liposuction cannot improve this area due to flaccid skin or weak (jiggly) skin, then the only practical option is a thigh lift. Plastic surgeons now have newer and more limited incisions for inner thigh lifts.
A medial inner thigh lift is usually performed under general anesthesia. Liposuction is often used as an adjunctive procedure to the inner thigh lift, and liposuction can be performed either before, after, or during the procedure. The patient is usually placed in the frog position, and an incision is made as depicted in Figure 22-3. The excess skin and fat is then removed, and the patient’s incision is closed with supportive sutures. These sutures eventually dissolve after about four months. If the patient has extensive excess tissue, that is, the diameter of the leg is quite large, occasionally the incision includes a vertical portion to be continued down the leg toward the knee. The incision is designed prior to the operation, with the patient in the standing position and her feet approximately twelve inches apart or more, depending on how extensive the thigh lift will be. The surgeon will mark the area of redundant skin and fat.
Figure 22-3. Medial thighplasty.
Illustrations by Sandy Nern/Studio 8 Graphics
Following the operation, soft dressings are placed over the incision sites. The operation is usually done as an outpatient procedure, but some physicians keep their patients overnight. Postoperatively, patients must drastically limit their activities. During recovery, the patient’s best position is a supine position, with the legs slightly separated; another suitable position is a standing position.
Postoperatively, patients will not be allowed to sit for at least two weeks. Standing and reclining are fine, however. I recommend showering daily using antibacterial soap to keep the area clean. Occasionally, a few areas in the incision may separate (usually only very small areas); these can be treated with daily dressing changes until the area heals completely. Most patients are back to their activities in about two-and-a-half weeks, and back to full activity in four to six weeks.
Used in combination with liposuction and/or the medial thigh lift, the thigh lift results in a beautiful improvement of the lower body area. The incision will take one year to fully mature, and vitamin E and silicone-based products such as Scar Fade can help. The incision is usually placed in a reasonable location so as to help conceal it when a patient wears underwear.
Pain Factor: Moderate
Recovery Time: Initial: 2 weeks Complete: 6 weeks
Risk Factor: Minimal if a patient is in excellent health
Courtesy of WedMD.
