Because of the tremendous success and popularity of bariatric surgeries, the number of thigh lift procedures performed by cosmetic surgery practices in the United States has quadrupled in the last several years. A thigh lift by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Carlos Mata, a.k.a. Dr. Scottsdale® may dramatically alter the appearance of the upper legs. The thighs are an area that may be troublesome if excessive loose skin hangs on the outer and inner thighs. At our practice, we trim the excess fat, tighten the skin, and reshape the contour of the thigh. This may be a life-changing procedure for individuals who lose a significant amount of weight and have skin removal surgery to address their problem areas. Dr. Scottsdale® performs three different types of thigh lifts:
Full Thigh Lift
WHAT IS A FULL THIGH LIFT? A full thigh lift is performed to enhance the looks of the overall thigh. This type of thigh lift is recommended for patients who have a large amount of loose skin often after major weight loss. The procedure removes this excess skin giving the patient great results: tighter skin, more contoured appearance, and better skin texture.
FULL THIGH LIFT SURGERY TECHNIQUE
During this procedure, an incision will be made near the top of the thigh and go down to the knee. The incision is placed on the inner side of the thighs and is hidden when both legs are touching each other. Depending on the patient’s starting point and skin laxity, Vaser Liposuction can be recommended to give them the best results possible. The full thigh lift will remove the entire excess skin by excisions and will require a specific suturing technique to close the incision. Dr. Scottsdale® uses a combination of permanent and dissolvable sutures to guarantee long-term results and the best scar possible. We also offer scar treatments after surgery: learn more. This procedure is done in our Scottsdale, AZ surgical office under deep sedation.
FULL THIGH LIFT RECOVERY
After the surgery, a garment will be required for 4 weeks. Usually, patients can go back to work after two weeks. Exercising is not recommended in the first 6 weeks of recovery.
Medial Thigh Lift
WHAT IS A MEDIAL THIGH LIFT? A medial thigh lift tightens skin on the upper to mid-part of the inner thigh. The procedure is recommended for patients that already had lipo and now have loose skin, and/or that have skin laxity due to aging, not for major weight loss patients.
MEDIAL THIGH LIFT SURGERY TECHNIQUE
The Medial Thigh Lift incision is made from the groin down toward your knee but stops mid-way or toward the back of your thigh area. The excess skin is pulled, measured, and removed via excision to enhance the appearance of the thighs.
Medial Thigh Lift Recovery
Similar to the full thigh lift, the recovery is one to two weeks before going back to work, 4 weeks with a garment, and 6 weeks before exercising.
Spiral (inner) Thigh Lift
WHAT IS A SPIRAL THIGH LIFT?
A spiral thigh lift is a procedure performed to enhance and remove a moderate amount of excess skin on the thighs all around. A spiral thigh lift by Dr. Scottsdale® is recommended for patients that have a small to moderate amount of loose skin on their thighs. This procedure is 90% of the time combined with Vaser Liposuction and Magic Tight®. This procedure reshapes the thigh by making the skin tighter and contouring its appearance.
SPIRAL THIGH LIFT SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
This thigh lift technique places the incisions in the groin/ inner thighs area and wraps around the back of the thigh. It is placed along the crease hiding the incision. The excess skin is removed by pulling it up and tightening with special sutures. Vaser Lipo & Magic Tight® are often recommended to treat and enhance the entire thigh’s appearance because the spiral technique mostly addresses the upper part of the thighs. Dr. Scottsdale® performs this surgery at his Scottsdale, AZ surgical office under deep sedation.
SPIRAL THIGH LIFT RECOVERY
The recovery is similar to the other thighs lift.
Thigh Lift vs Vaser Lipo with Magic Tight®
Is it better to do a thigh lift or Vaser Lipo with Skin Tightening? The answer to that question is based on your goals and expectations! A thigh lift addresses skin laxity issues, while a Vaser Lipo addresses fat excess, and Magic Tight® (skin tightening) addresses low to moderate skin laxity issues. The main question is what is your concern(s)? Question #1: Do you have extra fat? If yes, then most likely Vaser Lipo will be recommended. Question #2: How much excess fat do you have? If you have a small amount of excess fat, you may be able to get away with just Vaser Liposuction. If you have a moderate to an extensive amount of fat that needs to be removed then a skin laxity treatment will be recommended. Question #3: Do you have skin laxity? If you already have skin laxity issues then a thigh lift or Magic Tight® will be advised to treat the skin and give you great results. Last question: How much skin laxity do you have? Magic Tight® is a great alternative for skin laxity issues but is not as effective as a skin removal (thigh lift). If you have just a little bit of skin laxity, then Magic Tight® is the recommended solution. If you have more, the placement of the skin and concerns will need to be addressed by a thigh lift.
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Thigh Lift FAQs
​​​​​​​Cellulite gone?
A mommy makeover, because of the combined nature of surgeries, is considered an invasive procedure. Anytime a combination surgery takes place, the overall risks increase. For this reason, it is extremely important that patients find an experienced plastic surgeon that has the training and skill to perform multiple procedures in one setting. Under the hands of an experienced surgeon, the risks are greatly reduced and complications are rare.
After-surgery workout?
Because this surgery is invasive, it is recommended that patients limit strenuous activities until fully recovered. Patients may go back to a normal (light) routine 3 – 4 weeks after surgery. Exercise should wait until about 6 – 8 weeks post-op. When all wounds are completely healed, patients may begin lower-body moves such as lunges or squats.
Long Term?
Patients who adhere to a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and exercise routine will enjoy their surgical results for years. Pregnancy or any additional weight gain after this surgery could compromise the overall surgical effect. It is also advised that patients be at or near their goal weight before surgery.
