Thigh Lift Surgery (Thighplasty for Inner and/or Outer Thigh Skin Removal) – Raleigh, NC

Losing weight is an impressive accomplishment for anyone. However, people who make it to their ideal weight occasionally need one additional step to finalize their appearance. Depending on how long you had extra weight and how much weight you eliminated, loose skin may be an added challenge if it was unable to mold to the new size and shape of your body. The thighs, especially, are an area of concern for a lot of patients. Raleigh, NC plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Lyle offers thigh lift surgery (also called thighplasty) at Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center, which trims loose skin on the outer or inner thighs to reveal a firmer, more contoured appearance. Thighplasty surgery has risen in popularity because it offers natural results for patients who don't want hanging skin on the thighs.

A thigh lift is a skin removal and skin tightening procedure that improves the appearance of loose skin. Thighplasty is typically an after weight loss procedure. It is commonly performed on patients who have lost 100 or more pounds, but it is also popular for older adults who are concerned about excess skin due to age, and with women whose body shape fluctuated due to pregnancy. If you have loose, hanging, or wrinkly skin on the upper thighs (either the inner or outer thighs or both), thigh lift surgery may be a big help. Please remember that if cellulite is your main problem, Dr. Lyle can suggest other procedures that are designed to help decrease the appearance of cellulite.

During a thigh lift, general anesthesia is commonly administered. An incision is made close to the top portion of the thigh in the natural crease where the thigh attaches to the torso. This incision typically continues down to the midpoint of the thigh area. This allows enough room to use liposuction (if necessary) to remove isolated pockets of fat as well as to trim all loose skin in the top thigh area. The remaining skin will be pulled upward so it is tight and safely secured with sutures. In specific cases, an incision may be necessary in the outer thigh area or underneath the buttocks, depending on the amount of tissue being removed. This surgery at Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center reshapes the complete thigh area, leaving a shapelier, tighter, more contoured appearance.

Thigh lift surgery takes an average of 2 – 3 hours to complete. After the surgery is over, you will be monitored and then sent home to begin your recovery. There is usually swelling, bruising, and discomfort expected during the first days of recovery. Within a few days, most patients are up and slowly walking, which is recommended for improved blood circulation and speedier healing. The full recovery period typically takes about 6 – 8 weeks. At-home wound care will provided will help the incision heal well. Even though there will be some scarring, the new shape and contour of your thighs can help raise your self-esteem and you can show your legs with pride.

If you have loose skin on your inner or outer thighs that causes anxiety or embarrassment when your upper legs are exposed, we invite you to call Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center in Raleigh, NC to learn more about thighplasty. It is common for patients to combine this procedure with other contouring procedures, especially surgeries that correct the lower body including stomach surgery or a lower body lift, depending on your individual condition. Schedule your consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Lyle and get the slimmer thighs you desire.