Thigh Lift Candidates
Dramatic weight loss or the aging process can take its toll on your thighs. The skin in the thigh area can become loose and can start to sag. A thigh lift is a great option for Halifax patients plagued with an excess of loose skin on their thighs.
What Is Thigh Lift Surgery?
A thigh lift is the procedure that is performed to remove excess skin and enhance the contour of the thighs. It can target the inner thighs, upper thigh, or the outer thighs (also known as the saddlebag area). You and your plastic surgeon can determine your specific thigh lift needs during a consultation appointment.
Why a Thigh Lift?
There are many reasons why people may wish to undergo thigh lift surgery. A thigh lift can be performed to remove sagging, loose skin after extreme weight loss or liposuction. Also, some women seek thigh lift surgery if they have gained and lost a lot of weight with the birth of a child. Lastly, some people undergo the procedure to remedy the drooping or sagging of the skin that results from aging.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is considered a good candidate for a thigh lift. The best candidates are those who have a lot of loose or excess skin on their outer or inner thighs. Patients who are still overweight and have a lot of hard fat on their thighs are not considered good candidates; patients should first lose weight and reach a health weight for their body type before undergoing surgery. Excess fat can be reduced through diet and exercise, and then the patient may be a good candidate for a thigh lift.
Other characteristics that help determine whether or not a person is a good candidate include:
- Having a relatively stable weight
- Having loose skin on the inner or outer thigh
- The lack of any medical conditions that could possibly impair the healing process
- Being a non-smoker
- Having realistic goals as to what a thigh lift can do
- Being committed to leading a healthy life that includes proper nutrition and exercise
Recovering after a Thigh Lift
In most cases, thigh lifts are done under general anesthetic and are considered outpatient surgery. There are different approaches to the surgery that are determined by your lift needs; the location of the incision and its length will be customized to the patients needs. Some scarring is inevitable, though scars are typically well concealed.
Once the thigh lift is completed, it is a good idea for you to rest for a few days. As soon as you are comfortable and strong enough, you should engage in some light walking, as this will help speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. You may be given a compression garment that will help reduce swelling and support the area for the first few weeks of your recovery. Most patients will be able to return to work within a couple of weeks. There may be some mild discomfort, which can be controlled through pain medication.
Learn More about Thigh Lifts
Thigh lifts are a great option for people who have loose or sagging skin as a result of aging or major weight loss. The procedure can help you look and feel your very best. If you are considering a thigh lift, contact the Landings Surgical Centre for a consultation today.
