Thigh Lift

If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your thighs, perhaps you should consider a thigh lift. Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Dulin provide the expertise to determine the best approach for correction of your areas of concern. Both doctors are very skilled in the area of thigh lift and contouring.

Time, gravity and weight loss can all have a negative impact on the skin of the inner and outer thighs causing it to lose tone and sag. As a result, the smooth appearance and contour of youth is lost. The thighs are typically an area for fat collection, and generally, the inner thighs are affected sooner than the outer thighs. This fat collection or excess fat results in an unpleasant contour, and for some, it does not respond to weight loss or exercise.

When the skin tone is good and the primary problem is excess fat, liposuction can provide great improvement. However, for many, liposuction alone is not the answer. The skin tone may not be as firm as necessary, and liposuction alone can sometimes worsen the problem leaving thinner thighs but hanging, sagging skin.

A consultation with either Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin will include not only a medical history but a direct physical exam to assess skin tone and determine whether excess fat is the sole contributor to the patient's concerns. If skin tone is also an issue, both techniques (i.e., liposuction and thighplasty) will be discussed and possibly employed.

Thigh Lift
The surgery to lift only the inner (medial) thigh usually takes about two hours, and can include liposuction followed by the removal of the excess skin literally from the upper inner thigh all the way down to the knees. Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin will mark the areas for skin removal while the patient assists by wearing either a swimsuit or panties, so that the final scars will be hidden beneath the garment. If liposuction is indicated, this is performed first.

The thigh lift requires only a short incision which extends from the anterior (front) part of the thigh/groin crease around to the buttock crease. The excess skin is removed and the remaining skin edges (flaps) are sewn together under significant tension. The patient is placed in a compressive garment which goes from the waist to just above the knees. In the recovery period, the tension on the wounds is accommodated by keeping the knees bent and the knees about shoulder length apart for about one week. Return to social activities is about three weeks when the swelling and bruising have gradually decreased at that time.

The outer (lateral) thigh lift often times including the buttocks is a more extensive surgical procedure than just the inner thighs alone. It is long and more tedious but can be very rewarding to the patient as well as the surgeon. Lateral thigh lifts can easily take eight hours. Again, Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin will mark the areas for skin excision while the patient wears either a swimsuit or panties in order to assist in hiding the scars. The incisions will result in a much longer scar that starts in the buttock crease, extends into the groin and up over the side of the abdomen, over the flanks and across the back.

The Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with thigh lift surgery. In addition to the risks of all surgeries, thighplasty incisions can dehisce (the wound opens). If this occurs, the problem is treated with dressing changes and oral antibiotics and typically responds well.

Your specific condition and goals will be discussed in depth in your consultation with Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin. So if you're considering a thigh lift, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today.