What is a Thigh Lift?
For individuals who have excess fat or loose skin on their upper thighs, wearing shorts or exercising can prove stressful. Thigh lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure which removes fat and excess tissue, as well as tightens the skin of the thighs, to create a more sculpted, attractive physique.
Skilled body-contouring surgeon, Dr. Joseph Berardi performs this treatment for individuals who wish to enhance the appearance of their lower body.
Read the paragraphs below to find out if thigh lift surgery in Scottsdale and Phoenix may be for you.
Thigh Lift Candidates & Expectations
If you are unhappy with the appearance of excess fat around the thighs, or if aging or significant weight loss has led to dimples, cellulite or sagging skin on the thighs, you may benefit from thigh lift surgery in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
It is important that you are at a stable weight before undergoing thigh surgery as weight fluctuations can have a negative effect on the long-term results of thigh lift surgery. You should also be in good general health, and you should not smoke, as smoking increases your risk of surgical complications.
It is equally important to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure, as healthy lifestyle habits are key to maintaining the results of surgery.
How is a Thigh Lift Performed?
There are two distinct types of thigh lift surgery: inner thigh lift and outer thigh lift. The type of surgery you undergo will depend on your aesthetic goals as well as the specific area that you need to have treated. All of these procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and maybe an in or out patient procedure, depending on your health status and length of your surgery.
Inner Thigh Lift
There are two different incision patterns for an inner thigh lift. The incision pattern will depend on how much excess skin must be removed. During an inner thigh lift, Dr. Berardi will make an incision on your thigh. He will then trim away excess skin and remove fatty tissue before finally lifting the remaining skin into a taut position.
Groin Crease Incision
For minimal skin and fat excess, an incision will be made within the groin crease. This is a great procedure for those that have excess fat isolated to the upper third of the inner thigh.
Groin Crease Incision + Vertical Incision
A combination of a groin crease incision and a vertical incision is a more comprehensive procedure that may be appropriate for you if you have more significant fat deposits or loose skin on the thighs. This type of thigh surgery is typically performed during post-bariatric body contouring procedures.
During this surgery, Dr. Berardi will make an incision from the groin area down toward the knee, eliminating excess skin and fat before pulling the skin back together for a more slender look.
Outer Thigh Lift
Finally, the outer thigh lift involves an incision around the top of the thigh. This is appropriate for you if you have excess skin around the hips and outer thighs. In addition to removing tissue and tightening the skin, Dr. Berardi may use liposuction to sculpt the thighs and achieve a comprehensive final result.
The total time it takes to complete the surgery will vary depending on the specific procedure type and the amount of fat and skin that needs to be removed.
What to Expect During Your Thigh Lift Consultation
During your pre-surgery consultation, Dr. Berardi will evaluate your overall health, motivations for treatment and cosmetic surgery goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for thigh lift.
Can a Thigh Lift be Combined with Other Procedures?
This procedure may also be performed simultaneously with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, butt lift and augmentation or arm lift.
Thigh Lift Recovery
After your thigh lift procedure you can expect to experience swelling, bruising and mild discomfort, all of which will subside within a few days.
Post-Operation Instructions & Returning to Work
Dr. Berardi will provide complete post-operative instructions, including keeping the legs elevated and wearing a compression garment to promote faster healing and excellent aesthetic results. You will also be instructed to begin walking around as soon as possible in order to maintain circulation and prevent blood clots.
Dr. Berardi will monitor your recovery closely and advise you about when you can return to work and resume other normal activities. After recovery, many patients who undergo thigh lift surgery find that they are able to lead a more active lifestyle and feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Excess skin and fat on the lower body, particularly on the thighs, can lead to feelings of discomfort and self-consciousness for many. Dr. Berardi is proud to offer the advanced treatment methods and surgical technologies patients need to obtain their ideal look.
Want to Learn More?
If you are less than satisfied with the appearance of your thighs and want to learn more about what plastic surgery in Scottsdale can do for you, please contact us today at 480.397.0711 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Berardi will be able to discuss thigh lift surgery, as well as the other popular cosmetic procedures he performs in Scottsdale and Phoenix such as breast augmentation, body contouring, and facial plastic surgery.