Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C.

Thigh lifts and liposuction may both be performed on the same area of the body, but they are each designed to accomplish very different goals. Liposuction removes isolated fat deposits from underneath the skin, but it can do nothing to smooth and tighten the excess, sagging skin that can be left behind after the fat is gone. In patients whose skin still retains a high degree of elasticity and can readily “shrink back” after the removal of fat, liposuction alone can achieve very satisfactory results. However, if some residual loose skin is left behind after liposuction, a thigh lift may also be necessary to achieve optimal results.

As with most cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, complications resulting from a thigh lift are rare, but they can occasionally occur and should be carefully considered. In addition to the general risks that are associated with any surgery, such as the possibility of poor reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, or infection, patients undergoing a thigh lift may experience delays in healing because the closure needs to be tightly but carefully sutured in order to get a good result. Patients may also need to take special precautions to avoid excessive scarring, since the demands typically placed on this specific area of the body may place greater stress on the healing incisions. As with all plastic surgery procedures, it is vital that you discuss pre- and post-surgical care and maintenance plans in detail with your experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. It is always recommended that all patients attend all scheduled post-operative office visits so that recovery can proceed without incident and patients can achieve the best possible results.

Thigh lifts are ideal for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with loose, sagging skin along the inner thighs. Patients who have developed similarly loose skin due to the aging process may also be excellent candidates. As with all surgical procedures, patients should ideally be in generally good physical health, have no medical conditions or habits (such as smoking) which might impair the healing process. Patients should also have a thorough understanding of what the procedure will entail as well as reasonable expectations about its outcome.