Thigh lift surgery reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body.

If fitness and weight loss efforts have not achieved your goals for a body that is firmer, more youthful-looking and more proportionate to your overall body image, a surgical lift may be right for you.

Thigh lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours.

In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be recommended.

In general, candidates for a thigh lift are:

• People whose weight is relatively stable
• Individuals with excess soft tissue along the inner or medial thigh region and/or the outer thigh
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what thigh lift surgery can accomplish
• Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and fitness

Preparing for your thigh lift includes discussing a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle with your plastic surgeon, including:

• Why you want the procedure, your expectations and desired outcome
• Your medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Your use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

Your plastic surgeon may also:

• Evaluate your general health and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Examine and measure your body, including recording detailed measurements and taking photos for your medical record
• Discuss your surgical options
• Discuss likely expected outcomes of the surgery and risks or potential complications.

There are different types of thigh lifts that target certain areas of the thighs for specific results:

Medial Thigh Lift

targets the inner thigh. During an inner thigh lift, an incision is made at the area where the thigh and pubic area meet. A wedge of skin and fat is then removed and the skin is closed, leading to skin tightening, an improved leg contour and enhanced skin elasticity

Lateral Thigh Lift

is designed to tighten skin on the front and outside of the leg. During a lateral thigh lift, an incision is made at the top of the leg where the lower edge of your underwear would be. A certain amount of skin is then removed before pulling the remaining skin up and attaching it to the same area. Through this technique, a lateral thigh lift serves to tighten skin along both the right and left side of the leg. This procedure is especially helpful to those who have excess skin after significant weight loss.

During your thigh lift surgery consultation your plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment options and the results you can expect from your surgery.

The results of thigh lift surgery are visible almost immediately, but it may take several weeks for your final results to fully develop. Over time, some visible scars will remain, but your results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. Scars also improve with time with maximum improvement requiring one year. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your results should be relatively permanent.

Follow-up with a plastic surgeon is the best way to ensure long-lasting results from the procedure

During your recovery from thigh lift surgery, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect.

Most people are advised to take seven to 10 days off work for recovery time. During this period, patients must remain in either a reclining or standing position to help the healing process. Some bruising and swelling may occur after surgery, which could last up to one month. The majority of patients recover well after a thigh lift, with most returning to all normal activities within four to six months.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your thigh lift surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

If you experience any shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery.

It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

The results of a thigh lift are visible almost immediately. However, it may take several months for the final results to fully develop.

Following a thigh lift, skin quality is dramatically improved both in appearance and feel.

Some visible scars will remain, but the overall results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness.

As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your initial improvement should be relatively permanent.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of thigh lift surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

The risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Use this checklist as a guide during your thigh lift surgery consultation:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• How can I expect my thighs to look over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my thigh lift?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?