What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is a surgical method of removing excessive fatty tissue and skin from the thighs to improve the shape of your legs. It is a procedure commonly used to reverse the effects of aging, gravity, changes in weight and a loss of elasticity in the skin on the thighs and is often combined with liposuction.

It is important to note that the procedure will cause scarring and the extent of this will depend on the amount of skin and fatty deposits that need to be removed. In severe cases a full incision around the thigh may have to be carried out. If you are considering having children or expect to lose a dramatic amount of weight in the future, you should postpone your thigh lift.

Realistic expectations
You must have realistic expectations about what a thigh lift can achieve for you. It will not change your personality or make people treat you differently. Everyone is individual and surgery will not transform you into someone else. It is critical that you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve from surgery and talk about your hopes with your surgeon.

What happens during consultation?
The surgeon will discuss your medical history and want to know why you want a thigh lift to gain a complete understanding of what you want to achieve. It is important that you are completely honest and your expectations are realistic. Your surgeon will then discuss the different options available to you; surgery, liposuction or a combination of both.

Getting the most out of your consultancy
Often in cases where clients are unhappy with the results of surgery it is because they did not discuss their expectations thoroughly or were afraid to talk about the outcome or risks. You have to make an informed decision before signing the consent form so ask plenty of questions. You want to feel relaxed, confident and completely understand what will happen during surgery.

You may want to know:

• About the surgeon’s qualifications.
• How many operations of your procedure are carried out each year.
• How you prepare for the surgery.
• What realistic results can be expected and when.
• How long the results will last.
• About the side-effects and possible complications.
• How long it will take to recover.
• About the extent of scarring and how it will change in time.
• What happens if anything goes wrong.

Preparing for surgery

• Avoid alcohol, aspirin, garlic and food oils a least a week before surgery as they can cause excessive bleeding.
• Do not eat or drink anything six hours before general anaesthetic (if you require this).
• The surgeon and anaesthetist need to know your medical history and if you are on any medication.
• You will be advised of any health checks or X-rays required before your procedure.
• Prior to your procedure you will be met by your surgeon who will assess and discuss your queries.
• Try and give up smoking a couple of weeks before your procedure as it interferes with healing processes.
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun before surgery.

What happens during surgery?
Depending on the condition of your legs and the amount of surgery required the procedure takes between three and six hours. After you are under anaesthetic the surgeon will make the incisions that are necessary to remove the extra skin and fatty tissue. As mentioned, during some procedures the incisions may be minimal or in major cases right around the top of your thigh.

The skin is then gently lifted off the muscles of the thighs and the extra fat and skin is removed. The skin is then put back in place and the incisions are stitched. Often to help healing and to remove excessive fluid, surgical drains are placed under the incision. The area is then dressed and in some cases a compression dressing is placed over your thighs.

After surgery

• Depending on the extent of your surgery you will be in a recovery room for a few hours or several days being cared for by nursing staff.
• Your surgeon will visit and advise you when you can leave.
• After the surgery it is likely that you will experience some pain and discomfort
• You will also be advised on how to shower and change your dressings. In some cases you may need to wear a support garment.
• You should not drive for two days after the anaesthetic.
• Avoid alcohol, aspirin, garlic, food oils and smoking. All of these can interfere with the body’s healing processes.

Road to recovery

• Continue taking painkillers if you need them.
• Depending on the surgeon’s advice, elastic dressings or bandages may have to be worn for some time.
• If the surgeon recommends that you take medication such as antibiotics, make sure that you complete the course.
• Your treated areas are likely to feel sore during the first couple of weeks, so take it easy and get plenty of rest.
• The surgeon will advise you of when you can return to physical activity and work
• The treated areas are likely to appear swollen at first and you are likely to feel some discomfort.
• You must contact your doctor if you suffer from an abnormally high temperature, severe pain that is not treated with Paracetemol or if you experience severe bleeding.
• If you are in doubt about any of the post operative effects speak to your surgeon.
• Mild exercise will accelerate your healing processes and help reduce swelling.
• The scars will never disappear completely. However, your scars will not show under most items of clothing.
• To maintain your new look it is vital that you continue to eat sensibly and enjoy regular exercise.

All surgery carries an element of risk
Most people believe that the benefits of thigh lift surgery far outweigh the risk. However before you sign the surgery consent form you should be aware of any possible complications and side effects.

Complications associated with any type of surgery include problems healing, the danger of infection and the potential formation of clots that may be life-threatening. Excessive bleeding or bleeding under the skin, known as a haematoma, may require a return visit to the surgery. Some patients may also have an allergic reaction to anaesthesia. In a minority of cases there may be a problem with fluid loss or an excessive build up of fluid that needs to be drained.

Deciding on a thigh lift
It is important that you take your time to make an informed decision about surgery. Complications are extremely rare as this is a very common operation, however you must consider any potential outcome.

• There may be some risk of a lack of symmetry in the thighs.
• After a successful operation you may feel sick due to the anaesthetic (if it was required) and bruises formed by the procedure may take several weeks to heal.
• There will definitely be scars left by the incisions, but these will be in hidden areas.

Complications are rare and depend greatly on individual circumstances such as a person’s health and skin type or the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in your circumstances.