Thigh Lift
What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the inner and/or outer thigh area, tighten the skin and improve the contour of the legs. The effects of aging, gravity, dramatic weight loss and weight gain and loss of elasticity can cause the skin to sag on the inner and outer thighs. A thigh lift can be combined with other body contouring procedures such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction to dramatically improve your contour.
How is a Thigh Lift performed?
A thigh lift is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. There are many variations on how to perform this procedure and Dr. Epstein will discuss which techniques will give you the best possible results. For an inner thigh lift, generally an incision is made in the crease of the groin area extending down the inner thigh several inches. The skin on your thigh is separated from the fat and muscle below by pulling the flap of skin upwards. Excess skin is removed and the rest of the skin is stretched back into place. The incision is stitched together and the other side is completed. For an outer thigh lift, the incision is made at the hip and generally the same process is followed as above. A thigh lift takes approximately 2 hours, but may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.
What to expect during the recovery period:
- Discomfort, bruising and swelling are normal and can be controlled with medication. Swelling can last for several weeks after surgery
- Light walking should be done as tolerated during the first 48 hours, avoid stairs, squatting and activities that place tension on this area for the first 3-5 days
- Sutures will be removed approximately 7-10 days after surgery, however most of the time Dr. Epstein uses sutures that don’t have to be removed
- A compression garment must be worn up to 3 weeks post-surgery
- There may be some numbness in the areas treated, but feeling will return in 6-8 weeks
- Return to light activities and work 7-10 days post-surgery, with very limited lifting and bending
- Resume full activities 4-6 weeks post-surgery
- The scars will be red for months and will not reach their final appearance until approximately 12-18 months post-surgery
In private practice since 1992, Dr. Michael A. Epstein has received critical acclaim for his exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques. An active member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he has been featured on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide. A trusted resource who is highly respected by both the media and his peers, Dr. Epstein’s training, education and surgical skills have made him one of Chicagoland’s leading and most gifted plastic surgeons. His offices are in Northbrook, Illinois.
