Extended Thigh Lift and What to Expect from the Procedure

People who have excess fat and saggy skin on their thighs opt for a thigh lift. The deformity of the thigh can be on the inner side or the outer side. The procedure your surgeon picks for you depends on your particular case. A thigh lift, also called thighplasty, is also performed in combination with other procedures such as tummy tuck or lower body lift to transform your body completely. One of the many methods of thigh lift surgery is the extended thigh lift.

What Is Extended Thigh Lift?

An extended thigh lift is also called vertical thigh lift. The word “vertical” here defines the type of incision that your surgeon will make during the procedure to remove excess fat and skin. If you have loose skin on your thigh in a circumference, you are a suitable candidate for an extended thigh lift. The vertical incision in this procedure starts at the groin area of the patient and extends to the knees. The surgeon makes an incision on the inner side of the thigh. However, the incision is easily visible after the procedure when you are wearing clothes that show your thighs such as skirts and bikinis.

Surgeons will pick this procedure often for patients who have lost a lot of weight recently. Sometimes the procedure is also combined with a spiral thigh lift to bring the thigh back into its firm shape.

How Is the Surgery Done?

A surgeon can choose to perform the surgery at a hospital or their facility if it has the right equipment. Most surgeons use general anesthesia while performing this surgery. In most cases, the procedure takes less than 3 hours. You might receive permanent stitches after this procedure due to the nature of the incision. However, since the surgery involves cutting through multiple layers, the top layers can be closed with dissolving stitches i.e. stitches that will dissolve and disappear naturally with time.

Recovery after the Surgery

Postoperative thigh drains are necessary to make the recovery process faster, which also helps you keep away from any complications that may arise after the procedure. The patient may have to wear a compression garment for a month after the procedure. If needed, they have to wear it for nearly two months. You will also have to take medications for pain relief. Your surgeon might also prescribe some medicines for preventing nausea and other infections. Do not take any medicines on your own as your doctor will prescribe all the needed medicines on their own.

Should You Go for Thigh Lift?

Only you can answer this question the best. The most important things to consider are the costs of the procedure and picking the right surgeon. Pick a certified doctor and an accredited facility. Know the costs of different types of procedures and consult with your surgeon to find out any other options. The reputation and portfolio of your surgeon might take the costs higher but will also ensure a safe and complication-free surgery.