Losing a significant amount of weight can be an accomplishment to be proud of, as well as giving yourself the gift of a healthier body. Becoming healthy and being proud of the skin you are in, can help your confidence and self-esteem soar. Unfortunately, for many people, that excitement and that moment when they step on the scale and see their goal weight can be short lived. Instead of seeing all the amazing progress they have made, when they look in the mirror all they can see is the excess skin that has been left behind.
It can seem strange at times, but there is often a difference between feeling good and looking good. After significant weight loss, and positive changes to exercise and diet routines, we may not look quite as good as we feel. For those who have lost weight rapidly through the means of bariatric surgery, or as we age naturally, skin can lose its elasticity not just in the abdomen area, but in other areas as well, such as the legs and thighs.
If this is the case, a thigh lift may be needed to remove the excess skin, tighten it, and improve your comfort and appearance, but most importantly, be confident to show off your sculpted legs. If you’re considering a thigh lift, it’s good to do your research and know what to expect.
What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift procedure typically lasts several hours, and is normally performed on an outpatient basis. A thigh lift is done under local tumescent anesthesia. The procedure itself begins with an incision in your groin area, near the hip. Your surgeon will separate the skin on your thigh from the fat and muscle below by pulling that flap of skin upwards, to remove excess skin and fat from the area. Afterwards, the incisions are closed with small stitches. Depending on how much excess fat and skin you have, other procedures can be done simultaneously, such as liposuction. After the procedure, you should be able to go home the same day.
The precise timeline of recovery will depend on you, the skill of your surgeon, and the procedure itself. It is important to note that everyone heals at a different pace; in general, you will want to do things to increase your mobility, such as post-procedure exercises to help reduce swelling and inflammation, and wear compression garments. There will be some pain and some swelling no matter what, and if needed, medicine will be provided to control both.
The key word in dealing with the recovery from a thigh lift procedure is definitely, what the doctor would say, a “process.” Meaning there are specific steps and protocol to follow, and it can feel slow. Results will show, but understand that it does take some time. But the good news is, once you are fully healed, along with maintaining a healthy diet and exercise, the results will last a lifetime. Touchups might be necessary down the road.
To learn more about the thigh lift procedure, and if you may be a candidate, call Atlantic Center of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery at (954) 983-1899, or Request an appointment online.
