Thigh Lift Overview

Enhance Your Body Contours and Proportions With a Thigh Lift in Austin

The thighs and hips are among the most common areas for stubborn fat and loose, sagging skin to accumulate. These issues, which can result from extreme weight loss, aging, or genetics, can disrupt the proportions and contours of your figure, damage your self-esteem, and even impact the way your clothes fit. Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone aren’t always effective in eliminating excess skin and fat in these parts of the body. However, our expert plastic surgeons at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery offer a transformative procedure called a thigh lift, which can help you restore your firm, toned thighs.

What Is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to eliminate excess skin and fat deposits from the thighs and hips, creating a more youthful, contoured appearance.

This surgery is often used to help patients remove the loose, sagging skin that’s left over after losing a significant amount of weight, typically as a result of either gastric bypass surgery or GLP-1 treatment.

What are the Benefits of a Thigh Lift in Austin?

A thigh lift is an impactful surgical procedure that can provide all of the following benefits:

  • Removal of excess skin and/or fat deposits from the thighs
  • Firmer, more toned thighs
  • Enhanced bodily proportions and contours
  • Improved muscle definition
  • Increased wardrobe options and better-fitting clothes
  • Improved mobility and athletic performance
  • Improved self-confidence
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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

Adults looking to remove excess skin and/or fat from their thighs could be good candidates for a thigh lift in Austin with our team. The procedure is a popular choice for individuals who have recently lost a lot of weight through bariatric surgery or GLP-1 treatment. Ideal candidates for the surgery should also meet the following requirements:

  • Be in generally good physical health
  • Not be currently pregnant or nursing
  • Be non-smokers or willing to temporarily quit
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Be relatively close to their ideal weight

What to Expect During Your Thigh Lift Surgery in Austin

Your thigh lift process will begin with a private consultation, during which you’ll discuss the treatment with one of our expert plastic surgeons. They will want to understand your specific aesthetic goals for the procedure as well as your current health and medical history. You and your provider will then work together to create a treatment plan that’s custom-tailored to your needs.

You’ll likely be administered general anesthesia before your thigh lift surgery. Once you’re peacefully asleep, your surgeon will make an incision in your groin–or along your groin and inner thigh–that can typically be hidden within your bathing suit or shorts.

They will then begin carefully removing excess skin from your thighs and hips as needed. If necessary, they may also use liposuction to remove excess fat deposits and give your thighs a smoother, more even contour. When they’ve finished making the needed adjustments, they will close the incision with sutures and bandage the treatment area.

You will need to be monitored for a couple of hours following your thigh lift surgery, but after that, you can have a friend or family member drive you home.

How Should I Prepare for My Thigh Lift Procedure?

Preparation for a thigh lift is essential to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Follow these steps for optimal results:

  • Medication Adjustments: Avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that may increase bleeding risks.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise leading up to surgery to support healing and recovery.
  • Quit Smoking: Nicotine hinders blood flow and can impede the healing process. Avoid any exposure to nicotine products (including vaping and second-hand smoke) at least six weeks before and after surgery.
  • Plan for Recovery: Arrange for help at home, such as a friend or family member, during the first few days post-surgery. Set up a comfortable recovery area with essentials like pillows, medications, and easy access to necessities.

What Is the Thigh Lift Recovery Like?

Recovery after a thigh lift in Austin can be more involved than many procedures; this is simply due to the way our legs are involved in virtually all of our movements. Recovery from these procedures generally requires around three weeks before easing back into your normal routine. Due to the tissue removal and re-draping, it’s advised to consider bed rest for up to seven days. This helps avoid putting any pressure on your thigh tissue and speeds up the recovery process.

You’ll need to wear a special compression garment for several weeks following your procedure, and you can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and soreness. To keep pressure off of your sutures, you’ll also need to avoid sitting for up to two weeks. It will be approximately six to eight weeks before you can participate in strenuous exercise.

Because of your lack of mobility during your thigh lift recovery, you need to plan for this prior to your procedure. Create a recovery nest with all the entertainment you can find. If you sleep upstairs, you’ll need to create your nest downstairs for at least a week.

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Why Choose Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery for Your Thigh Lift in Austin?

At Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, you’ll be under the expert care of our highly educated and trained plastic surgeons. All of our award-winning surgeons believe in taking a personalized, patient-centric approach to cosmetic care. They put in the time and effort necessary to get to know their patients on a personal level, allowing them to understand each individual’s unique situation, needs, and goals. This equips them to provide aesthetic treatment of the highest quality, consistently achieving results that are both transformative and natural-looking. To learn more or schedule a consultation, reach out to our office at (512) 815-0123 today.

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Thigh Lift FAQ

How long does thigh lift surgery take?

When will I see the full results of my thigh lift?

Are there risks associated with thigh lift surgery?

Will my thigh lift results be permanent?

How much excess skin will the procedure remove?

Can a thigh lift get rid of cellulite?

Should I get a thigh lift or liposuction?

How long does thigh lift surgery take?

The length of your thigh lift surgery will depend on the specifics of your treatment plan. On average, though, the procedure takes around two to three hours.

When will I see the full results of my thigh lift?

Although your thigh lift will provide immediate results, they will not be visible right away due to swelling, bruising, and the presence of your compression garment. Most patients can see the full results of their procedure after around six months, but it can sometimes take up to a year.

Are there risks associated with thigh lift surgery?

Although a thigh lift is a very safe procedure when performed by our skilled plastic surgeons, it is an invasive surgery, which means it comes with certain risks. Some of the risks of the procedure include infection, poor wound healing, skin loss, and accumulation of fluids. Other possible side effects can be asymmetry of your legs and numbness or changes in skin sensation in the surgery areas.

Will my thigh lift results be permanent?

While the results of a thigh lift are long-lasting, they depend on maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or aging can affect the results over time.

How much excess skin will the procedure remove?

The amount of skin removed depends on your anatomy and goals. During your consultation, your Austin Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon will discuss the extent of removal to achieve a smoother, more contoured appearance.

Can a thigh lift get rid of cellulite?

A thigh lift primarily addresses excess skin and improves the contour of the thighs. While it may reduce the appearance of cellulite, it is not explicitly designed to eliminate it.

Should I get a thigh lift or liposuction?

If you have excess fat with good skin elasticity, liposuction may be sufficient. However, if loose skin is present, a thigh lift is recommended. During your consultation, we will help determine the best option for your needs.

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