Thigh Lift
The appearance of your thighs can contribute to the overall aesthetic look of your body, and those who have thighs that are saggy, dimpled, or flabby may feel insecure about the look of their thighs or may even feel limited in the type of clothing that looks good on their body. That’s where a thigh lift can help. A thigh lift is a procedure that can tighten and improve the overall appearance of an individual’s thighs.
At The Vu Center in Portland, we can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin and confident in your body. We offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic procedures, including thigh lifts, making it easy for you to improve your appearance. Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Kim Chi Vu, MD. and Dr. Jared Madsen, have years of experience performing procedures, and we are more than happy to assist you in any way that we can. Explore our website to learn more about what we can offer, and give us a call to schedule a consultation!
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A thigh lift is used to create a better proportion and contour of the thighs and lower body. That being said, a thigh lift should not be used as a weight loss procedure. This procedure is used to eliminate both excess fat and skin that may be saggy in appearance. If you want to simply eliminate excess fat in the thigh area, your surgeon may recommend liposuction of the thighs to help you achieve your desired results.
That being said, you and your surgeon will meet for a consultation prior to scheduling your surgery, and the surgeon will be able to tell you what procedure will provide you with the best results based on what you want your body to look like. If you both decide that a thigh lift is the best course of action, it’s ideal that you:
- Have excess soft tissue along the inner or outer thigh region
- Are a nonsmoker
- Have a positive outlook and realistic goals
- Have relatively stable weight
Of the ideal characteristics listed above, we feel that it is of the utmost importance that a candidate has realistic expectations, as results may not look the same from patient to patient.
Preparing for Surgery
As mentioned above, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons before you can schedule your surgery. During your consultation, the surgeon will go over the procedure and what you can expect during recovery. They will also take time to discuss your overall goal for the appearance of your body. It’s important to be honest with your surgeon about what you want, as they will be able to provide you with recommendations as far as what procedures will help you achieve your goals. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about your procedure to ensure that you are completely comfortable with everything.
At the end of the consultation, your surgeon will work with you to schedule your surgery for a time that works for you. They may also provide you with paperwork and more information about your procedure, as well as pre-op instructions that may include:
- What medications you can/can’t take prior to your surgery
- Lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Special soap to wash with prior to your surgery
If you have any questions prior to your procedure, make sure to reach out to your surgeon.
The Procedure
On the day of the procedure, you will arrive at the hospital and you will need to have a friend or family member with you to drive you home. Because a thigh lift is performed using either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, you will not be able to operate a vehicle following your surgery, which is why it is required for you to arrange for a ride and someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours following your thigh lift procedure.
After the sedation or anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will make an incision based on the type of thigh lift you agreed upon during the consultation. For an inner thigh lift, the surgeon will make an incision in the groin, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh. For an outer thigh lift, the surgeon will place the incision from the groin, around the hip, and across the back. Luckily, with advanced techniques, most surgeons are able to place the incisions in strategic locations where they will be hidden.
Recovery and Results
You will be provided with post-op instructions before you go home, and your surgeon will ensure that you are comfortable with all the information. These instructions may include how to take care of your incisions while they heal, limited physical activity, when to follow up with your surgeon, and more. Make sure you either ask your surgeon to clarify or call The Vu Center after your thigh lift procedure if you have any questions.
Following your surgery, the results of your thigh lift procedure can be seen almost immediately. However, it may take several months for your body to heal completely and the final results to be visible.
Reach Out to The Vu Center Today!
If you or someone you know is considering a thigh lift, look no further than The Vu Center. We offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic procedures to residents throughout Portland, and we are more than happy to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your body. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation!