Loss of skin elasticity can cause the thighs to look saggy, flabby, or dimpled in appearance. This can happen for many reasons, but it is most frequently associated with major weight loss. The good news is that this saggy skin can be lifted and tightened through a procedure known as the thigh lift, resulting in a more shapely, contoured appearance.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your inner or outer thighs, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vivian Ting at Veritas Plastic Surgery in Walnut Creek, CA.

Why People Decide to Get a Thigh Lift

Patients choose to get a thigh lift because they develop significant laxity around their thighs. This can result in their legs looking flabby or the skin taking on a dimpled appearance. A thigh lift may be the best option for patients who find this laxity to be intolerable and do not mind some mild scarring.

The most common reason to choose a thigh lift is extreme weight loss. Patients who undergo these dramatic fluctuations are often left with saggy skin, which prevents them from seeing the trim, athletic legs they long for. A thigh lift can help get rid of this excess skin, producing a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Your Initial Consultation

Before getting a thigh lift, it is important to sit down with Dr. Ting for a one-on-one consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Ting will perform a physical evaluation and ask questions about your medical history. This information is important for verifying that you are a good candidate for a safe, successful procedure.

Additionally, the consultation provides an opportunity for Dr. Ting to set clear expectations about what a thigh lift can and cannot accomplish. Though this procedure can make a big difference in reducing skin laxity, it will also leave some visible scars, and the best candidates for a thigh lift will have a clear understanding of what the final outcome will entail.

What to Expect from the Procedure

The thigh lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and unable to feel any pain or discomfort while the surgery takes place. Thigh lifts are performed on an outpatient basis and usually take roughly two hours.

During your thigh lift, your surgeon will make either a longitudinal incision or a smaller incision along the groin. Once the incision is made, liposuction may be used to remove excess fatty tissue. The skin is then lifted and pulled tight for a sleek and contoured appearance.

A thigh lift may be combined with a tummy tuck to produce the best possible results for patients who wish for a flat and firm abdomen.

Recovery After Your Procedure

Your recovery from a thigh lift will depend on the extent of the procedure. It takes between seven and ten days for most patients to feel ready to return to work. Dr. Ting will likely advise that you wait at least a month before resuming vigorous exercise. Also, note that the pain associated with a thigh lift is minimal and can be easily managed with medication. Some bruising and swelling may also occur but should subside within one month.

Before your procedure, Dr. Ting will give you full aftercare instructions. Compliance with these instructions is vital for reducing the visibility of your scars.

What Kind of Results to Expect

Before having a thigh lift performed, patients need to clearly understand the kind of results they can expect.

Most patients who get a thigh lift will be happy with the way their thighs look and feel. But it is important to note that some visible scars will remain, though they will fade a little bit over time. You can generally conceal your scars by wearing shorts, though the scars may be visible if you wear a bikini bottom.

While the results of a thigh lift should prove long-lasting, it is natural to lose some of your skin’s firmness as you age.