All-Inclusive Thigh Lift Surgery

How Is Thigh Lift Surgery Performed?

Thigh lift, medically known as cruralplasty, is an aesthetic surgical procedure aimed at removing sagging and loose skin that occurs in the thigh area, especially the inner and/or outer thigh, following aging, genetic predisposition, or significant weight loss. The main goal of this surgery is to provide the thighs with a tighter, smoother, and more proportionate appearance to the body contours. The surgical process consists of several critical stages, including preparation, the surgical procedure, and recovery.

1. Pre-operative Preparation and Detailed Consultation

The first and most important step of thigh lift surgery is a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. In this meeting, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s thigh structure in detail:

Assessment: Skin elasticity, the degree of sagging, the extent of loose skin (whether it is limited to the groin or extends to the knee), and the accumulation of excess fat in the area are examined.
Incision Plan: The type of incision to be applied is determined according to the severity of the sagging. The incision type determines the scope of the surgery and the location of the resulting scar.
Medical History: The patient’s general health status, chronic illnesses, regular medications, and especially smoking habits are thoroughly questioned. Smoking must be strictly discontinued before and after the surgery, as it seriously jeopardizes wound healing.
Setting Expectations: The patient’s expectations are matched with realistic outcomes, creating a clear understanding of the post-operative appearance.

2. Surgical Incision Types and Application Areas

Three main different incision techniques are applied in thigh lift operation, depending on the severity of the sagging:

Limited (Mini) Thigh Lift: Preferred if the sagging is limited only to the upper inner thigh and groin area. The incision is hidden in the groin crease and may sometimes be extended slightly towards the buttock crease. The scar is planned to remain within the underwear or bikini line.
Standard (Inner Thigh) Lift: This is the most commonly applied type. It is used when the looseness extends down to the knee area. The incision starts from the groin crease and extends vertically down the inner surface of the thigh to a point near the knee. This provides tightening in both the vertical and horizontal planes.
Extended Thigh Lift: Applied if there is significant sagging in both the inner thigh, outer thigh, and buttock area after massive weight loss. The incision starts from the groin crease, runs down the inner thigh to the knee, and may sometimes be extended towards the outside of the buttock. This technique provides the most comprehensive contouring.

3. Execution of the Operation

The surgery typically lasts 2 to 4 hours and is most often performed under general anesthesia.

Fat Removal (Liposuction): The surgery may begin with liposuction, if excess fat accumulation is present, to improve the thigh contour and reduce tension. After the fat is removed, the skin can be shaped better.
Removal of Skin and Tissue (Excision): Excess skin and the underlying loose tissue are removed along the meticulously marked incision lines. The skin is pulled taut and carefully contoured to smooth the thigh.
Closure: The incision lines are closed in several layers, usually using absorbable sutures, to reduce tension and improve the quality of the scar. This generally eliminates the need for suture removal.
Drainage and Dressing: Temporary drains may be placed to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid in the surgical area (not mandatory). Finally, a special compression garment (girdle) is applied to control swelling and support the thighs’ new contour.

4. Recovery Process and Results

Hospital Stay and Compression: The surgery may typically require an overnight or two-night stay in the hospital. Continuous use of the compression garment for several weeks, as directed by the surgeon, is vital for rapid reduction of edema (swelling).
Activity Restriction: In the first few days, excessive movement other than walking, especially squatting or stretching motions that strain the incision line, must be strictly avoided. Light daily activities can be resumed within a few days, but return to strenuous exercises and sports usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Permanent Scars: Thigh lift surgery results in permanent scars. However, these scars are positioned in the least visible area, such as the groin crease or inner thigh, depending on the technique applied.
Final Result: The thighs achieve a tighter and smoother appearance after the surgery, but it may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and the final result to settle.

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Thigh Lift Surgery (Thighplasty)

A thigh lift surgery (medically known as thighplasty or thigh lift) is a body contouring procedure performed to improve the appearance of the thighs.
Here is a detailed description of the surgery:

What is Thigh Lift Surgery (Thighplasty)?

Thigh lift is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess sagging skin and sometimes excess fat from the thigh area that has not responded to diet and exercise.
Goal: To make the thighs look smoother, firmer, and more proportionate to the body’s overall contours.
Common Reasons: It is mainly preferred to correct the loose and sagging skin on the thighs that results from significant weight loss or due to aging and genetics.
Benefits: In addition to providing a more aesthetic appearance, it can also reduce friction (chafing), irritation, and hygiene issues caused by the sagging skin.

Core Steps of the Procedure

A thigh lift is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or an accredited surgical facility. The duration of the surgery and the shape of the incision (scar) vary depending on the area needing correction and the degree of sagging.
Anesthesia: General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is administered for the patient’s comfort.
Incision: The surgeon makes incisions in the determined areas. Incision types include:
Medial Thigh Lift (Inner Thigh Lift): This is the most common type. The incision usually starts at the groin crease and may continue down the inner thigh. For mild sagging, a minimal incision only in the groin area may be sufficient (Mini Thigh Lift).
Vertical Thigh Lift: For cases with a large amount of excess skin, a vertical incision is made along the inner surface of the thigh, extending from the groin to the knee.
Lateral/Bilateral Thigh Lift (Outer Thigh Lift): Targets the outer and front portion of the thigh. The incision often starts at the groin crease and can extend around the hip to the waist (often combined with a lower body lift).
Tissue Removal and Contouring: The surgeon removes the excess skin and, if necessary, excess fat via liposuction. The remaining tissues are repositioned and tightened with sutures to support the new thigh contour.
Closure: The incision lines are closed using sutures, surgical tape, or clips. Drains may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid accumulation during the recovery process.

Recovery Process

Immediately After: Bruising and swelling are expected. Medications are prescribed to manage pain.
Compression Garment: A tight corset/compression garment must be worn around the thighs to reduce swelling and support the new contours.
Activity: Most patients can walk lightly within a few days, but strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting should generally be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Scars: Since a thigh lift requires extensive incisions, it will leave permanent scars. These scars may initially be thick and red, but they will fade and become less noticeable over time (within 12–18 months). Surgeons attempt to position the scars where they can be concealed by underwear or swimwear.

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What is the main goal of the surgery?

To give the thighs a tighter, smoother, and more proportionate appearance to the body contours.

How many different main incision types are used in thigh lift surgery?

Based on the severity of the sagging, primarily three different incision techniques are applied: Limited (Mini), Standard (Inner Thigh), and Extended Thigh Lift.

Who is a suitable candidate for thigh lift surgery?

Individuals with significant skin laxity and sagging in the thigh area, who are in good general health, and who accept that the surgery will result in a permanent scar are suitable candidates.

What does the surgeon evaluate during the pre-operative consultation?

They meticulously examine skin elasticity, the degree of sagging, the spread of loose skin, excess fat accumulation, the patient’s medical history, and expectations.

Why is it mandatory to quit smoking before surgery?

Smoking must be strictly discontinued before and after the surgery, as it seriously jeopardizes wound healing.

Where is the Limited (Mini) Thigh Lift incision made?

It is preferred if the sagging is limited only to the upper inner thigh and groin area; the incision is hidden in the groin crease.

Where does the Standard (Inner Thigh) Lift incision start and end?

The incision starts from the groin crease and extends vertically down the inner surface of the thigh to a point near the knee.

To whom is the Extended Thigh Lift technique applied?

This most comprehensive technique is used if there is significant sagging in both the inner thigh, outer thigh, and buttock area after massive weight loss.

How does the incision type affect the outcome of the surgery?

The incision type directly determines the scope of the surgery, thus the degree of tightening, and the location of the resulting scar.

How long does a thigh lift surgery take?

The surgery generally lasts 2 to 4 hours.

Under what anesthesia is the surgery performed?

Operations are most often performed under general anesthesia.

Why is starting the surgery with Liposuction (Fat Removal) common?

If excess fat accumulation is present, liposuction helps the surgery by improving the thigh contour and reducing tension.

What is removed during the surgery?

Excess skin and underlying loose tissue are removed along the meticulously marked incision lines.

How are the incision lines closed?

The incision lines are closed in several layers, usually using absorbable sutures, to reduce tension and improve the quality of the scar.

Are drainage tubes used after the surgery?

Yes, temporary drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation in the surgical area, but this is not mandatory.

How long is the hospital stay after the surgery?

The surgery may typically require an overnight or two-night stay in the hospital.

How long should the compression garment be worn?

In accordance with the surgeon’s instructions, continuous use for the first few weeks is vital for the rapid reduction of edema.

Which movements should be avoided during the recovery period?

Excessive movement other than walking, especially squatting or stretching motions that strain the incision line, must be strictly avoided in the first few days.

When can light daily activities be resumed?

Light daily activities can be resumed within a few days.

When is it possible to return to strenuous exercise and sports?

Return to strenuous exercises and sports usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.

Does thigh lift surgery leave a permanent scar?

Yes, thigh lift surgery results in permanent scars, but these scars are positioned in the least visible area possible.

What happens to the scars over time?

Scars positioned in the groin crease or inner thigh, depending on the technique applied, continue to fade and soften over time.

When do the final results of the surgery settle?

The thighs achieve a tighter and smoother appearance after the surgery, but it may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and the final result to settle.