THIGH LIFT SURGERY
OVERVIEW
Excess skin and fatty tissue is a common problem in the inner thigh region, particularly following large volume weight loss. A thigh reduction, or wedge excision of the thighs, is the surgical technique used to help correct this problem.
Redundant or excess skin and fatty tissue in the inner thigh region can lead to infection through rubbing, or to other conditions such as fungal disease. These problems can become chronic and a source of embarrassment, as well as a health risk. Excessive fatty deposits on the inner thighs, coupled with skin excess, can also reduce mobility and will largely determine the type of clothes that can and cannot be worn.
Both men and women who have experienced significant weight loss are excellent candidates for thigh reduction surgery, as these patients usually have hanging skin in the thigh area that exercise cannot repair.
PROCEDURES
Who is the best Candidate for THIGH Lift Surgery?
The inner thigh skin is very thin and in some patients, where the skin quality is poor and redundant, the best procedure is to excise the redundant skin and reattach it tightly. The advantage of this procedure is that the scar is hidden within the groin line, so that it is undetectable under clothing. The inner thigh lift usually incorporates some liposuction of the medial thigh to enhance the overall silhouette of the leg.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will need to obtain a referral from your General Practitioner, regardless of whether surgery is performed for cosmetic or medical reasons.
Medical patients: If performed for medical reasons, a thigh lift can attract Medicare rebates. A percentage of your Surgeon’s, Anaesthetist’s and Hospital fees may then be claimed from both Medicare and your private health fund if you have cover.
Criteria for medicare eligibility includes:
- Loss of a significant amount of weight (5 Body Mass Index points) and
- Suffering from a skin condition due to excess skin (eg irritation, rashes) and have unsuccessfully tried non-surgical treatments for at least three months;
- Excess skin and/or fat interferes with daily activities; and
- Weight has been stable for at least six months.
Medical patients only require one consultation,
Medical patients only require one consultation with our Surgeon, where you will be assessed for suitability. Be frank in your discussion with the Surgeon and remember to mention any relevant medical history and medications that you are taking and if you are a smoker. If you are a heavy smoker or have diabetes or clotting disorders, you may not be a suitable candidate for this surgery.
Following this consultation, you will be able to speak further with our Cosmetic Consultants, who are very experienced in the cosmetic field and discuss any issues with them.
Cosmetic patients:
If performed for cosmetic reasons, you will require two consultations at our Practice. At the initial consultation, you will undertake an assessment for Body Dysmorphia, a condition causing intense focus, shame and anxiety over perceived body defects. At this appointment you will also be given the paperwork for your possible surgery and go through this with our practitioner, discussing the procedure and associated risks and recovery requirements. Be frank in your discussions and remember to mention any medications that you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker.
At your second consultation, we will assess you for surgery. Following this consultation, you will be able to speak further with our Cosmetic Consultants, who are very experienced in the cosmetic field and discuss any issues with them.
SURGERY
This surgery involves a general anaesthetic and can be performed as day surgery. Your Surgeon however may advise an Inpatient stay of one or two nights.
Two types of surgery can be used for a thigh lift. Your Surgeon will determine which technique you require.
1. The most common technique involves an incision in the groin crease from front to back. Tissue is excised and the thigh is drawn up and sutured to the bone with permanent internal sutures. This is combined with liposuction and keeps all incisions within clothing lines. This technique takes two to three hours and is used to address skin and fatty excess in the entire thigh, both front and back.
2. In the second technique an incision is made on the inner thigh from groin to just above the knee. A wedge of skin and fatty tissue is removed and the skin is then pulled tightly together and resutured.
A small liposuction cannula may be used to feather the area and give a smooth contour to the thigh. This second technique is used when there is a lot of loose skin lower down the thigh and when the main area of concern is the inner thigh region.
RISK
All surgery carries risk and complications and it is important that you are aware of these and that you understand them fully prior to proceeding. By having a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon performing your surgery, particularly one who has experience in this procedure, your risk of developing a complication is minimal, however despite all measures taken, complications may develop.
Short term risks include infection around the suture lines, which can generally be treated with antibiotics, although severe infections may require hospitalisation and lead to other complications such as wound breakdown and loss of skin. Longer term risks include dimpling, which may be remedied with exercise however may require revisionary surgery, excess skin where large amounts of fat have been removed through liposuction, and asymmetry.
Scarring from Thigh Lift surgery is significant, as incisions extend from the groin to the knee. We provide a complementary package of six LED Light Therapy treatments and three Laser Genesis treatments to assist with your wound healing and scarring in the aftermath of surgery.
AFTER SURGERY – recovery
Thigh Lift is invasive surgery and has a significant recovery timeframe and limitations and aftercare requirements. You will have an opportunity to discuss recovery expectations with your Surgeon at your Consultation and will receive detailed information prior to surgery in your Informed Consent paperwork.
You will need to organise a responsible adult carer to take care of you in the first three to four days following your Surgery. This person will need to take you home from the Hospital and assist you in traveling to and from your nursing appointments, as well as assist in your general care at home.
Follow-up care and wound checks are performed by our nursing staff at our rooms on a regular basis in the post-operative stage. You will have dressings, bandages and drains on which will need to be kept in place and assessed by our team and removed when appropriate. You will also have a compression garment which will need to be worn continuously for five to six weeks.
Pain may vary from mild to severe and will be managed by your Surgeon with pain relief. You will have swelling in the areas treated and they may appear bigger in size than you did pre-operatively in the first few weeks following Surgery. Swelling may take up to six months to subside completely. The compressive garment will assist in the resolution of this swelling. You may have difficulty sleeping and this should be discussed with your Surgeon or his Nursing staff should it prove distressing so that medication can be prescribed. Bruising will vary from mild to severe and may take four to five months to dissipate.
You may commence gentle walking for short distances within the first few days. Do not lift or strain for three weeks post-operatively. It is normal for you to feel swollen for the first few weeks following your surgery.
