Thighplasty Surgery
What Is Thighplasty?
Thighplasty, also known as a thigh lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the thighs. This procedure is typically sought after by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, aging or changes due to pregnancy, resulting in excess, sagging skin or a dimpled appearance on the thighs.
The primary goal of a thigh lift is to reshape the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. In 2020, over 9,000 thigh lift procedures were performed in the United States.
Types of Thigh Lifts
- Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift: Targets the skin and fat on the upper part of the inner thigh, focusing on improving tone and proportion.
- Bilateral Thigh Lift: Focuses on the skin on the front and outside of the thigh.
- Vertical Thigh Lift: This type involves a vertical incision that starts at the groin and extends down to the inner knee.
What Is Inner Thigh Lift Surgery?
Inner thigh lift surgery, also known as a medial thigh lift, is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the inner thighs. The goal of an inner thigh lift is to create a more toned and proportionate appearance by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the remaining skin.
Recovery from inner thigh lift surgery involves some downtime, with most patients may need to take several weeks off from work and other daily activities. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are common postoperative symptoms, but these gradually subside during the recovery period.
How Is Thigh Lift Surgery Done?
Thighplasty typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Patients are given medications, which may include general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
- Incisions: The pattern and length of incisions vary depending on the specific areas to be treated and the degree of correction desired. For the inner thigh, incisions might be made in the groin, potentially extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh. For more extensive reshaping, such as that involving the outer thigh, incisions might extend from the groin around the hip and across the back.
- Closing the Incisions: After the excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is lifted, the incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives or surgical tape.
- Results and Recovery: The results can be observed almost immediately, though the final appearance will become more apparent once the initial swelling and bruising subside.
The choice of surgical techniques and the extent of the surgery depends on the individual's body type, the amount of correction needed, and patient and surgeon preferences, ensuring that the incisions are as inconspicuous as possible, often hidden by clothing. However, it's crucial to have realistic expectations and understand that thigh lift surgery is not primarily for fat removal but rather for improving the shape and tone of the skin after significant weight loss or due to aging.
Does a Thigh Lift Help With Cellulite?
Cellulite results from fat pushing against connective tissue beneath the skin, creating a dimpled appearance. While thigh lifts can improve the overall appearance of the legs by making them look more contoured and less saggy, they do not address the structural issues that cause cellulite.
In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a thigh lift might be combined with liposuction to remove excess fat deposits. However, liposuction itself does not improve cellulite and can sometimes even make its appearance more noticeable. Therefore, those looking to specifically target cellulite might need to consider other treatments that focus on the fibrous bands beneath the skin’s surface or treatments that help in skin tightening and fat reduction.
Find a provider in San Antonio, TX
Baptist Medical Network offers comprehensive services for thighplasty, including those affecting the appearance and contour of the thighs. Our team of professionals provides comprehensive care in body contouring. Schedule a consultation with one of our thighplasty sureons to learn more about your options.
Insurances Accepted
Let's help put your mind at ease. We're prepared to care for you and your loved ones at every stage of life. We accept various medical insurance plans at our Baptist Medical Network locations in San Antonio so you can get the care you need for your condition. For questions about your coverage, please contact your insurance provider directly or visit our patient resources page for your billing and insurance questions. If you have specific questions regarding insurance coverage at any Baptist Medical Network location, call us at 210-600-9110.
