Thigh Lift
The thighs are one area of the body where many people find it difficult to achieve the contours they desire, despite diet and exercise. Genetics, weight loss, age, diminished skin elasticity, and factors such as pregnancy can leave the thighs less toned and more bulky, and the thighs are especially notorious for attracting stubborn fat deposits. With a thigh lift, Northern Virginia plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Lickstein can help patients achieve slimmer and more shapely thighs.
What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance the contours of the upper legs and thighs. Especially after a patient has undergone significant weight loss, sagging skin and excess tissue around the thighs can create a bulky appearance that doesn’t reflect the patient’s true fitness. With a thigh lift, Dr. Lickstein is able to reveal a more streamlined appearance. Liposuction is often employed during a thigh lift to help the patient achieve the contours they desire.1
Benefits of a Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that often yields remarkable results, with patients enjoying such benefits as:
- Slimmer, more shapely thigh contours
- Multiple areas can be treated at the same time, including upper thighs, lower thighs, and inner thighs
- Improved body image and self-confidence
Why Choose Elle Aesthetic Arts and Plastic Surgery for Your Thigh Lift?
At Elle Aesthetic Arts and Plastic Surgery, patients can feel confident that they are getting the highest level of personalized care. Dr. Larry Lickstein is an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who customizes each patient’s treatment plan to suit his or her unique cosmetic goals. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives the kind of one-on-one care we would desire for our own family members.
Who is a Candidate for Thigh Lift?
If you have lost a significant amount of weight or simply struggle with excess skin, tissue, and fat in the thigh area, you could benefit from surgical thigh reshaping. In general, a good candidate for a thigh lift is:
- At or near a stable goal weight
- In good overall health
- Not a smoker
- Committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle2
Thigh Lift: What to Expect
Preparing for Thigh Lift
The key to feeling well-prepared for your thigh lift procedure is an initial consultation with Dr. Larry Lickstein. During this meeting, Dr. Lickstein will perform a brief physical exam and evaluate your medical history. Dr. Lickstein will help you feel comfortable discussing your cosmetic goals and challenges, then you will decide together on your thigh reshaping treatment plan. For some patients with thigh contour concerns, liposuction may be an appropriate alternative to a thigh lift.
Once your thigh lift is scheduled, a member of our patient care team will go over all pre- and post-operative instructions so you feel comfortable and confident at every step of your experience with us.
The Thigh Lift Procedure
A thigh lift is an outpatient surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia, though IV sedation may be used in some cases. Dr. Lickstein customizes each thigh lift to suit each patient’s unique condition and goals. The incision for an inner thigh lift usually begins at the groin area and extends around to the back of the thigh. In some instances, it may be necessary to place an incision along the inside of the thigh. During a thigh lift procedure, Dr. Lickstein trims away loose skin and tissue, and he may use liposuction to further refine the results and remove excess fat. Once Dr. Lickstein is satisfied with the thigh lift, he will close the incision with layers of sutures beneath the skin and allow the patient to recover for a short time at our cosmetic surgery center before being released to recover at home.3
Thigh Lift Recovery
Following a thigh lift, most of our patients take one week to 10 days off of work to recover. You can expect to encounter some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, and Dr. Lickstein will issue pain medication to ease the recovery process. You will also wear a compression garment, which will help control the swelling. Most patients are able to get back to their normal activities roughly one week after a thigh lift.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thigh Lift
Is a thigh lift painful?
During thigh lift surgery, you will be under anesthesia and will feel no pain. You may encounter some discomfort during the thigh lift recovery period, and Dr. Lickstein will issue you prescription pain medication to help you.
Are thigh lift results permanent?
The results of a thigh lift should be long-lasting as long as the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many of our patients choose to undergo additional body contouring procedures in addition to reshaping the thighs, especially as part of a comprehensive post weight loss body contouring. For a more pronounced transformation, you may consider combining your thigh lift with breast augmentation or breast lift, a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other cosmetic surgery procedures.
Contact Elle Aesthetic Arts and Plastic Surgery
If you are troubled by excess skin, excess fat, or a bulky appearance on your thighs, you may wish to learn more about the thigh lift procedure. To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Lickstein, please contact us. We proudly serve patients from throughout Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Ashburn, and Fairfax.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift. Accessed June 2, 2022.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/candidates. Accessed June 2, 2022.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the steps of a thigh lift procedure? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/procedure. Accessed June 2, 2022.