Center for Body Contouring & Reconstruction Performs Thigh Lifts to Remove Excess Skin

Surgeons at University Hospitals Department of Plastic Surgery in Cleveland, Ohio specialize in thigh lift after weight loss.

Redundant or extra inner thigh skin is a common problem after massive weight loss. Patients also experience laxity of tissue or loose tissue on the outside surface of the thighs. It is usually not as prominent as the skin on the inner surface. Patients complain about inability to wear normal clothing.

Inner thigh lift at the Center for Body Contouring & Reconstruction addresses the laxity of the skin on the inner side of the thighs. It allows for removal of redundant skin and fatty tissue.

Patient History and Examination

During the consultation at the UH, the patient's desires, concerns and physical issues are evaluated and photographs are reviewed. The plastic surgeon will discuss various options and his or her recommendations including the limitations and surgical risks.

Thigh lift can be combined with liposuction for enhancement of the results.

Ideal Candidates for Thigh Lift

The best candidates for thigh lift are patients who are close to their ideal body weight and who do not experience significant weight fluctuations. Major medical conditions such as heart and lung conditions may be a relative contraindication for this procedure. Patients should understand that there are permanent scars after this procedure.

Thigh Lift Procedure

At UH, thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is about two to three hours in length. Patients leave the hospital on the same day. There may be a small drain on each side, which is removed during an office visit.

If the vertical laxity is the main problem, thigh lift is performed through an incision in the groin area with the scar usually hidden in the crease.

Frequently there is extensive laxity requiring a vertical incision on the inner thigh. This incision allows for tightening of the thigh circumference. The vertical incision is kept as short as possible, however sometimes it extends down to the knee area.

Side Effects and Recovery

After undergoing thigh lift procedure at UH, patients will require oral pain medication for the first few days after surgery. We encourage our patients to be active, but to avoid strenuous activity.

Patients are required to apply compression to the surgical area for three to four weeks. The drains are removed in the office.

Results of Thigh Lift

The swelling will subside over a period of four to six weeks. The final results are visible in six to eight weeks after surgery. Some scars may require small revisions. Patients experience tighter skin around the thighs and smoothing of the skin folds.