THIGH LIFT

Overview

Skin laxity affects aesthetics of the thighs in many patients. This is aggravated by the presence of cellulite and excess fat deposit. While liposuction is effective in removal of fat, tightening of the saggy skin would require thigh lift. In cases where excess fat deposit and skin laxity occur concurrently, liposuction and thigh lift can be performed together to improve the shape and contour of the thighs.

For skin laxity limited to the inner thigh, a medial thigh lift or extended medial thigh lift is suffice to restore the contour of the thigh. If skin laxity occurs in the lateral thigh and abdomen as well, then a more comprehensive procedure such as lateral tension abdominoplasty combined with a thigh lift is required.

Objective

To restore the attractive contour and shape of the thigh by removal of loose skin

Preoperative Preparation

• Treat and stabilize all existing medical conditions, if any.
• Stop smoking at least one week before surgery
• Stop one week before surgery

All supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginko, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that encourage bleeding during surgery
Medicine that exacerbate bleeding during operation such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. You may need to consult the physician who prescribed the medicine before stopping the medicine

Surgery

Duration of Surgery: 2-4 hours
Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia
When to Go Home after Surgery: Go hone the same day or one night stay in hospital
Back to Work: 1-2 weeks
Technique:
For medial thigh lift, the incision is limited to the groin area. In more extensive medial thigh lift the incision is extended from the groin downward and wrap around the back of the thigh. If the thigh lift is combined with a lateral tension abdominoplasty, then additional incision on the abdomen is made. Liposuction of the thigh may be performed if indicated.

Recovery

• Swelling may persist for one to two weeks
• Patient can start ambulate one day after operation
• Patients are required to wear a compression garment for at least one month.
• Light exercise after 2 weeks
• Full vigorous physical activity can be resumed after 4-6 weeks