Weight loss is an impressive accomplishment for anyone. In some cases, people who make it to their ideal weight occasionally require one additional thing to finalize their appearance.
Based on the amount of time you had extra weight and how much of that weight you lost, loose skin can be an added challenge if the skin wasn’t able to mold to the smaller shape and size of the body. The thighs are specific areas of trouble for a lot of people. Santa Rosa, CA plastic surgeons Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson offer surgical thigh lifts (also called thighplasty) at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, which trims loose skin on the outer or inner thighs to reveal a firmer, more contoured look. Thighplasty surgery has increased in popularity since it can give natural-looking results for anyone who doesn’t want hanging skin on the thighs.
Thigh lift surgery takes an average of 2 – 3 hours to perform. After the procedure is done, you will be monitored and assessed before you are allowed to go home to begin your recovery. There is typically swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first few days of recovery. In several days, many patients are able to get up and slowly walk, which is recommended for improved blood circulation and speedier healing.
The full recovery time usually lasts around 6 – 8 weeks. Wound care instructions given by our office will help your surgical incisions to heal well. Although patients will have some scarring, the improved contour and shape of your legs can help you raise your self-esteem, and you can show your thighs with pride.
Thighplasty is typically a post weight loss treatment and is commonly performed on individuals who have lost 50 or more pounds.
It’s also helpful for older adults who are concerned about excess skin caused by natural aging, as well as women whose body shape changed from pregnancy and childbirth. If you have loose, wrinkly, or hanging skin on your upper thighs (whether it’s the outer or inner thighs or both), thigh lift surgery can be a good option.
For thigh lift surgery, general anesthesia is commonly administered.
A surgical incision is placed close to the top portion of the leg in the natural fold where the thigh attaches to the torso. The incision typically continues along to the midsection of the thigh. This permits enough space to perform surgical liposuction (if necessary) to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat and to trim the excess skin in the top thigh area. The skin will be stretched upward so it is tight and secured with sutures or staples. In specific patients, an additional incision may be made underneath the buttock or in the outer thigh area based on the quantity of skin and tissue being addressed. Thigh lift surgery at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa corrects the complete thigh area for a tighter, shapelier, more contoured look.
"The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."
Your cost for a thigh lift will be based on different charges, like facility fees, tests, anesthesia, and others. Thigh lift is one of the more complicated surgeries we perform. Costs range between $9,000-$12,000. As soon as Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson has developed your custom thigh lift plan, we can estimate your costs. Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa will help you locate low-interest financing, which can help make your thighplasty more affordable so you are able to concentrate on working with experienced plastic surgeons, like Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson.
Thigh lift surgery is a great way to slim the contour and improve the appearance of your legs. Since a thigh lift includes tightening the skin and correcting stubborn fat pockets, it can improve some of the visibility of cellulite and stretch marks on your thighs, but it cannot fully correct stretch marks nor cellulite. If you’re interested in addressing stretch marks or cellulite, let us know in your consultation so we can adjust your treatment plan to fit all of your goals.
After your surgery, if you stay healthy with regular exercise and a balanced diet, you should maintain your thigh lift results for many years. We recommend that you be at or near a healthy, stable weight prior to thigh lift surgery so it’s easy to keep your results. Significant weight changes or pregnancy following your thigh lift can alter your appearance. In your consultation, we will talk to you about what will make your surgical results last.
You may consider combining a thigh lift with a butt lift or tummy tuck to create a lower body lift. Thighplasties are also a common part of after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover. In your initial consultation, talk to Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson about your wants and goals so they can develop a comprehensive surgical plan that gives you the best results.
Although there are nonsurgical options to reduce fat in the body and tighten skin, these can help only with mild improvements. A thighplasty is the best way to correct significant amounts of excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat on your thighs. If you’re considering nonsurgical procedures, ask Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson to give you more information in your initial consultation. They will discuss the pros and cons of surgical and nonsurgical thigh treatment options, plus their opinion on which would be the best fit with your needs.
When you notice loose skin on your inner or outer thighs that create embarrassment or anxiety, we encourage you to contact Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, CA to find out more about thighplasty. It’s typical for patients to combine a thigh lift surgery with one or more contouring surgeries, particularly surgeries that correct nearby areas, including arm surgery or breast surgery based on your individual condition. Schedule your appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson to get the slimmer look you want.
Interested to find out which treatment is right for you?