The thigh is one of the most beautiful parts of the body. So sought after are beautiful thighs that they are even celebrated in the Bible (Song of Solomon 7:1, et al) and in many famous works of poetry, literature and visual art. But for those whose thighs are marred by drooping, saggy or inelastic skin due to aging or dramatic weight loss, the thighs can be a source of physical and psychological pain. Enter the thigh lift. A thigh lift (aka thighplasty) is a surgical operation during which the thighs are given a firmer, smoother, more youthful and more pleasingly contoured look and feel. This cosmetic procedure tightens sagging thighs by removing excess skin and associated tissues, reshaping and proportioning the thigh. And since sagging buttocks often accompany sagging thighs, the thigh lift operation is frequently performed simultaneously with a buttock lift, producing a more shapely lower body. Although thigh lifts are more frequently performed on female than on male patients, the difference is likely due to the tendency of excess fat in women's bodies to settle in the thighs. Three basic types of thigh lift operations are commonly performed: ?Inner thigh lift ? concentrates on the lower portion of the inner thigh ?Medial thigh lift ? centered on the upper portion of the inner thigh ?Bilateral thigh lift ? eliminates loose, hanging skin on the front and outside of the thigh. These are the areas most commonly treated in patients who have lost significant amounts of weight.
The surgical procedure itself is relatively straightforward. In many cases the patient is placed under general anesthesia prior to the procedure, which can take up to two hours. In certain cases liposuction is performed prior to the thigh lift itself to remove stubborn fat in the affected area of the thigh. Removal of excess skin, repositioning, suturing and bandaging follow, then the patient is moved to a recovery suite. During the typical six-week recovery process, patients will likely experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness of the wound areas; these are treated using over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medication as necessary. Any abnormal swelling, bleeding, discoloration, smell, or change in temperature discovered in tissue adjacent to the wound areas should be reported promptly. The thigh lift is not a particularly risky operation ? but, like any operation, it involves a certain degree of risk, including the risk of disfigurement and even death. By choosing an experienced and board-certified surgeon, these risks are greatly reduced. Potential thigh lift patients should consult with him or her and weight the pros and cons of thigh lift surgery in the context of their own lives.
What are the incisions used in an arm lift?
The traditional approach to a thigh lift involves removing excess skin around the thigh along its length, which extends from the knee to the groin. The scar is placed along the inside of the thigh so that it is well concealed. In time, many patients have scars that blend and fade beautifully but sometimes the scar can remain red for months and even widen; this potential drawback, however, is more than worth it for the patient who can now fit normally into their clothes!
What type of anesthesia is used?
A thigh lift is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure is performed as an outpatient or sometimes, as an overnight stay.
Can other procedures be performed with a brachioplasty? Patients often have multiple procedures at the same time. The most common include tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), a buttocks lift and/or liposuction. Often times, excess skin from the inner thigh is removed after a lower body/buttocks lift has already been performed, since excess skin usually involves removal in both a vertical and horizontal fashion and, therefore, separate or staged, procedures are advised. This saves both time and money since costs are often reduced when multiple procedures are combined.
What can I expect after surgery?
Most patients in my practice feel that thigh lift was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication a day or two after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with glue on the outside so there are no sutures to remove and patients can shower the very next day. Drains are usually placed but are removed the next day. Most of the swelling is resolved in about 4-6 weeks after surgery and patients are encouraged to wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all. Follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office within the week, at six weeks, six months and a year.
Tell me about credentials - Is there a difference?
Yes. A thigh lift is a procedure which, unfortunately, can be performed by any physician - whether adequately trained or not. Most states have very little regulation on this matter. Because of this, non-plastic or so called cosmetic surgeons can perform a thigh lift as well. In addition, some physicians who are legitimately board certified in other specialties, such as ENT, dermatology, and gynecology, for example are performing cosmetic surgery even though they often have never had any formal residency training in the specialty of plastic surgery itself. Weekend courses abound and the patient is often confused as to which doctor to see.
Does Hospital affiliation matter?
Again, yes. Although operating in an office setting is not in and of itself inappropriate, it is always possible that an extended hospital observation or additional care might be needed. Indeed, certain procedures or multiple surgeries are usually best treated within the context of a full hospital facility. In addition, hospitals usually require certain standards (credentialing) such as board certification before a physician can have staff privileges. Unfortunately, there are no legal restrictions in most states that prevent physicians operating out of their offices or non hospital associated free-standing surgery suites; so be sure to ask if your doctor does have admitting privileges at a fully accredited hospital facility. If they do not, their ability to either transfer patients or provide continuity of care is potentially compromised.
Both Daryn Duff 01 & Dave Stringham are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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