Leg lift or thighplasty can be performed on either the outer thighs and/or the inner thighs or both.  The need for removal of excess skin can be brought on with age, pregnancies, excessive weight loss, etc.  If the legs are large from fatty depositions, then my preference is to "stage" the leg lift by first reducing their size by liposuction and then lifting them several months later when the swelling from the removal of the fat has subsided.  This insures a better result by reducing and firming the the legs via the two procedures.  More commonly than not, these procedures are part of a body lift that I utilize in my practice at the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic.  It is unusual for a patient to have localized fullness/looseness of one area without having similar issues in others areas.  However, some patients do have only one or two areas of concern and those findings, upon an examination in our office, will determine my recommendations for that particular patient.

Except for liposuction, these types of body contouring procedures produce scars which are placed in as inconspicuous a place as possible.  The inner thigh lift scar is placed within the groin crease.  The outer thigh lift scar is placed at the juncture of the flank and upper hip region slightly below where you might wear your belt.  Regardless of the scars from these lifting procedures, they tend to heal very well with time and rarely require revision.  As with any incisional scar, post-operative taping will keep them from widening.  Whether a few or several inches of skin and fat are removed when tightening the legs, the incisional placement and length of scar are individualized and patients are usually ecstatic about their results.

If an outer and/or inner leg lift is done without a corresponding body lift, then typically, the procedure(s) can be performed in our surgical facility on an out patient basis.  Drains may or may not be used.  A spandex garment is usually worn for several days to retard swelling and provide a layer of comfort to the leg itself as the process of healing takes place.  Down time is measured in days not weeks, however, exercise is not allowed for several weeks to prevent problems with wound healing.  As always, the results are forthcoming several months following the procedures and good attention to my post-operative instructions will help facilitate rapid healing.

If you or someone you know can benefit from this informaion and/or procedure(s), please contact us at your convenience.