Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

Weight loss, particularly when it happens quickly, can affect your body in ways you might not expect. When the kilograms come off fast, such as after bariatric surgery, the skin doesn’t always have sufficient time to mould to your body. This can leave loose, hanging skin that does not provide you with the final results you are seeking. 

A thighplasty (thigh lift) is a surgery that removes that excess skin from the upper thigh, creating a smoother, leaner upper leg profile. There is no way to get rid of that loose skin through exercise or topical creams; the only viable solution to produce long-lasting results is surgical excision of the skin. Dr Teston offers thighplasty (thigh lift) to her patients looking for that finishing touch to their weight loss efforts.

Before Your Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

A thighplasty (thigh lift) might be the right choice for you if:

• You have loose areas of skin you would like to eliminate
• You are left with isolated deposits of fat and tissue that do not respond to exercise
• Your health is good and you do not smoke
• You are dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after your procedure

In some cases, Dr Teston performs a thighplasty (thigh lift) combined with lipoplasty (liposuction) to achieve more optimal results. Lipoplasty (liposuction) removes the isolated areas of fat that can sometimes settle in the thighs and is unresponsive to diet and exercise. Combining lipoplasty (liposuction) with the excision of loose skin often produces the smoothest contour to the upper leg.

During Your Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

Dr Teston will perform your thighplasty (thigh lift) in an accredited surgical facility using general anaesthesia. Incisions are made from the groin, around the hip and extending to the back. The incisions allow for removal of soft tissue and excess skin in order to create a sleeker line on both the inner and outer thigh. While the incisions tend to be extensive, Dr Teston will strategically place them in locations that will be hidden under most clothing and bathing suits.

You will spend at least one night in the hospital, and drains may be placed in your incisions to prevent fluid build-up during the day or two after surgery. An attentive nursing staff at the hospital will monitor you carefully to ensure you are comfortable and no complications arise. Once the drains are removed and you are able to move around a bit, you will be able to go home.

After Your Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

You will need some time to recover fully from your thighplasty (thigh lift), particularly since the incision will need ample time to heal. Most patients resume light activities within three weeks, and more strenuous activities within about six weeks. The results of your thighplasty (thigh lift) surgery will become evident right away, although swelling may prevent you from seeing the full outcome for a few weeks. You will need to wear a compression garment for about 4 weeks to help reduce swelling. Those results will be long-lasting as long as you adhere to a healthy weight and lifestyle after your surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications 

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of thighplasty (thigh lift) include:

• Risks of anaesthesia, including allergic reaction, which may rarely be fatal
• Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
• Blood clots that may cause potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke
• Collapsed lung
• Fluid build-up beneath the wound
• Tissue death along the wound, or skin loss
• Sensory nerve damage, which may cause prolonged or permanent numbness
• Prolonged swelling
• Damage to underlying tissues such as muscles
• Asymmetry or unevenness of the skin
• unsightly, inflamed or itchy scarring
• Further surgery to treat complications.

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. You need to speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

To find out if this surgery is a good option for you, contact Dr Teston’s office on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about Thigh Lift was reviewed by Dr Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.