THIGH LIFT
What are the benefits?
Often, after a severe weight loss, the skin on the thighs can get loose and flabby. A lift can firm and lift the thighs by getting rid of the sagging skin on the top of the thighs.
Is it for me?
A thigh lift can improve your appearance and self confidence but it won’t change your relationship with others. Before opting for this type of procedure, be clear about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She’ll be happy to answer any questions clearly and provide information on the type of procedure that’s best for you, including the pros and cons.
If you plan on losing a significant amount of weight, it’s probably best to do so before the procedure.
What techniques are used?
A thigh lift consists of removing any excess skin and fat from the thighs. Inner thigh lift incisions are done inside the inner thigh or hidden in the groin crease. Outer thigh and buttock lifts are done with incisions extending from the groin around the back. Sometimes, a thigh lift is combined with liposuction of the thighs and knees.
What should I expect?
During your consultation, Dr. Duclos will evaluate your health, skin quantity and quality, how much fat you have, and it’s location on your thighs. She will then recommend the technique most appropriate for you, with or without liposuction of the thighs and knees. She will show you exactly where the incisions will go and explain the inherent risks as well as each step of the procedure itself, which is usually performed under epidural or general anesthesia, and discuss pre and post operative care.
Before the procedure, you will have to purchase a support garment and support hose for the day of the operation. You’ll put the support hose on as soon as you wake up the morning of your procedure.
The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of work to be done. You will then remain under observation until the doctor decides you may leave the clinic. Painkillers will be prescribed and the date of your next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Make sure you ask someone to accompany you back home.
After the procedure, you will experience moderate pain that is easily relieved with your prescribed medication. This pain will fade after two to three days.
You must keep your bandage and support on until your next appointment, taking care not to get them wet (Dr. Duclos will let you know when you can take a shower). It might be useful to purchase a urinal at the pharmacy so as not to get your support garment wet or dirty. You must wear the support at all times for the following two weeks, then ten hours a day for the two weeks after that.
You should take regular walks and stretch your calves in order to reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis. Avoid any strenuous physical activity for the first four weeks and avoid exposing your scars to sunlight or in any kind of tanning salon for 6 months.
What are the risks?
The risks are few. Bleeding, infection, irregular scarring, and sutures tearing can occur. A temporary loss of sensation can also happen and, in rare instances, it could remain permanent. Necrosis may affect the skin due to poor circulation. Occasionally, thrombophlebitis (clots in a vein in the leg or thigh) can occur. This can, in rare cases, cause a fatal pulmonary embolism.