What is a thigh lift?

Ageing or slimming can cause the skin on the inner and outer sides of the upper legs to sag. In addition, for those who have lost a lot of weight, it can also result in excess skin. Sometimes this causes folds of skin that make it difficult to walk. An operation to remove the excess skin is often the only solution, sometimes in combination with liposuction. The doctor will look together with you in front of a mirror and explain what you can expect after such a procedure. The quality of your skin will not change after this procedure, but your contour lines will.

*The doctor will determine if the treatment is necessary for medical reasons. * This treatment falls within the tax-exempt medical care as stated in article. 11-1-g Tax Law, 1968.

What are the advantages of a thigh lift?

  • Beautiful contours
  • Less discomfort when walking
  • Excess skin no longer gets in the way

THIGH LIFT

When am I a suitable candidate for a thigh lift?

You are a good candidate when you have excess skin around the thighs, and you have not been able to get rid of it, or with great difficulty, through dieting or doing sports. This treatment is also suitable for those who have lost a lot of weight or have had one or multiple pregnancies, or even for those whose skin has lost its elasticity, due to old age.

How is a thigh lift done?

The surgeon will carefully draw out how much skin should be removed. The surgeon makes an incision in the fold of the groin, separates the skin from the underlying fat and muscle layers and removes the excess skin. Whilst this is being done, any excess fat will regularly be sucked away. This treatment will leave you with quite a large scar, but the surgeon will do his utmost best to make sure that the scar stays in the skin fold. On average, this is a two-hour treatment and is performed using a general anaesthetic.

THIGH LIFT

Consultation

During your first consultation, we will discuss what this procedure entails. We will also discuss what bothers you the most about your thighs and what you would like to do about this. In addition, you will be informed about the various methods and operating techniques that can be used. We will find out which method or technique best meets your needs and inform you about what you can expect in terms of end results, the possible risks and the necessary aftercare. You will always receive honest advice and be informed clearly about the treatment and what needs to be done in the period afterwards.

During your first consultation, the plastic surgeon will also check to see if you are a suitable candidate for a thigh lift. The surgeon will ask you questions regarding your health, medical history and any possible medication you may be using. Should you use blood thinners, then you should stop using them at least one week before the treatment.

Should you wish to discuss your medication, please let us know. We will then arrange a (telephone) consultation with the anaesthetist.

What can I expect after having had a thigh lift done?

The treated area will be painful after the operation, and you will experience a pulling and tight sensation. After such an operation, it is quite normal to have some painful bruising, swollen skin and to feel sore. These discomforts usually disappear on their own after two to six weeks.

You may go home once your levels of consciousness, breathing and blood pressure are stable. You must also have had something to eat and drink. In addition, you must be able to sit and walk and you must have urinated, too. The doctor or anaesthetist will judge whether you may go home or not.
Because you have had medical surgery, you should bear in mind that you will feel less focused and fit. It is always advised to go home, by car or by taxi, but always accompanied by an adult. Using public transport is discouraged.

Furthermore, we advise the following:

  • For the first 24 hours after the operation, you should be accompanied by an adult.
  • You may not drive for the first 48 hours after the operation because of the side effects of the general anaesthetic.
  • You may not drink alcohol for the first week after the operation because of the side effects of the general anaesthetic.
  • You may do sports again after six weeks.
  • Do not go swimming or visit the sauna in the first six weeks

Both smoking and alcohol have a negative effect on the healing process and recovery – try to abstain from both for a while.

In addition, you should keep the wound dry for the first four weeks, unless the doctor has advised otherwise. This means that you will not yet be able to take a full shower. Using a washcloth makes it easier to clean the areas that have not been treated. Leave the plasters on the wound until you have been told during your check-ups that you may remove them. By leaving the plasters in place, it keeps the wound clean and enables them to heal well.

Smoking
For a wound to heal beautifully, quickly and as nicely as possible, it is essential that it gets enough oxygen-rich blood flowing through it. That’s why we advise you to not smoke before the operation. The nicotine in the cigarettes narrows the blood vessels which in turn reduces the blood flow to the wound.
In addition, tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide which restricts the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Finally, we would like you to be aware that smoking affects your condition and weakens your immune system.
All these factors increase the risk and frequency of complications in the healing process for those who do smoke rather than for those who don’t.  We advise you to stop smoking at least four weeks before your operation and until at least two weeks afterwards.

THIGH LIFT BEFORE AND AFTER