A thigh lift removes excess loose skin so the thighs have improved contour and shape. This procedure can treat sagging skin from the aging process or from weight loss. Dr. Coville may perform thigh lifts in conjunction with other surgeries like a tummy tuck or other loose skin removal.
A lift on the inside of the thigh is called a medial lift, while one on the outside of the thigh is called a lateral thigh lift. During consultation the doctor will determine which procedure will help you achieve the desired results.
A thigh lift does not remove fat, so Dr. Coville may perform liposuction on the thigh area as well as a thigh lift to give you the firmer and more lifted appearance you would like to see. Skin with some elasticity will tighten to some degree without a thigh lift, but most sagging skin no longer has this elasticity.
If you have sagging or loose skin on your thighs that bothers you, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. The thigh lift works best for people who are in good physical health and have reasonable expectations about their end result.
People interested in a thigh lift should have achieved a relatively stable weight, as weight fluctuations could undo the work of the procedure. Commitment to a healthy lifestyle is recommended to maintain your results. The doctor will determine whether this procedure is a good fit for you during a consultation at our Linwood or Toms River, NJ location.
To prepare for the procedure, Dr. Coville may recommend that you have lab testing, consult with your prescribing physician about your current medications that may cause bleeding and make sure that you do not smoke in the weeks leading up to surgery.
Thigh Lifts can be done under local anesthetic and sedation or under general anesthetic. Dr. Coville will review your options with you during your consultation. The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis at one of the fully accredited Atlantic County surgery centers with which Dr. Coville is affiliated.
In medial thigh lift surgery, the incision is along the upper inner thigh area. In some cases, where additional lift is needed, the incision may carry on along either the groin line or the buttock fold and, in extreme cases, down the inside of the thigh. Excess skin and fat will be removed through these incisions and the remaining skin is closed with sutures.
Regardless of the location of the surgical incision, every effort is made to make sure that the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Drainage tubes following the operation are rarely, if ever, needed and the surgery usually takes about one and a half hours to complete.
You may feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you will usually be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. You should plan to have someone drive you home after surgery and assist you for the next 24 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by prescribed medication. We will remove the supporting tapes within one week, and you will be asked to wear a compression garment. This is to reduce swelling and assist in shrinking and tightening the skin. You should wear it as directed.
You must carefully follow the instructions you are given regarding wound care so that your sutures heal well and leave minimal scarring. Dr. Coville will provide specific instructions for the care of your surgical site and will monitor your healing process.
You should be able to return to work within a week, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your scars will be firm and pink or red for at least six weeks. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. Dr. Coville will want to see you during this period to see if there is any need for him to treat your scars so that they heal as inconspicuously as possible. Post-operative care is a key component of Dr. Coville’s approach at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery in New Jersey.
You will see smoother, tighter skin on your thighs after this procedure. The scars will continue to fade and become less noticeable as time goes by. You will be able to see results as soon as the swelling from the surgery subsides.
For most patients, the results of a thigh lift are extremely satisfying. You can expect tighter skin and an improved appearance of your thighs. Your decision to have a thigh lift is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. What is important is how you yourself feel about it. If you’ve met your personal goals, then your surgery is a success.
Written By: Dr. Frederick Coville
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director, has been an Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon for over 25 years. He firmly believes each of us possesses an inner “Foundational Beauty.”
As a student of beauty all his life, he calls upon his naturally artistic eye and God-given talents as a surgeon to deliver the results you demand. Dr. Fred likes to say, “It’s my job to help you find Your Beautiful!”
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