Thigh lifts or lipectomies of the thighs are usually performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, resulting in excess skin on the thighs.

The objective of a thigh lift is to give the thighs a more aesthetically pleasing shape by removing excess fat and skin. For a more even result, skin bearing stretch marks, cellulite and imperfections can also be targeted during the procedure. Not only will this procedure give your thighs better definition, it will help with hygiene in difficult to reach areas.

A thigh lift can be performed alone or, in the case of significant fat deposits in several areas of the body, combined with an abdominoplasty, a lipectomy of the pubis and/or a brachioplasty (arm lift).

lipectomie des cuisses

What does a thigh lift entail?

Two different types of incision are possible, depending on the amount of skin which needs to be removed.

The first type of thigh lift incision is designed to be completely hidden by a bikini bottom. This incision begins in the groin, runs the length of the pubis and curves back into the crease below the buttocks. When the targeted skin and adipose tissue are removed, the skin of your upper thighs is lifted in order to ensure that the surgical wound can close properly. As a result, your thighs will have a tighter and younger appearance. Your surgical wounds will then be closed with melting stitches.

A second incision is necessary in more severe cases involving the removal of an excessive amount of skin. This incision is made vertically from the innermost part of the groin to the knee. With this type of incision, a greater amount of skin and adipose tissue can be removed. Although this second type of incision is made in the inner thigh, it is important to note that the scars will remain visible.

Frequently asked questions

The ideal patient for this procedure is in good general health, physically fit and at a healthy body weight (or has reached a stable weight after significant weight loss). The patient’s thighs are perceived as too prominent in comparison with his or her silhouette. Certain people may also be embarrassed by their physical appearance or experience pain caused by the friction of folds of fat in the thigh area.

In healthy patients, thigh lifts are very safe and cause little complications. The following is a list of possible complications immediately following the procedure and over the long term.

Bleeding

After any surgical procedure, there is normally some bleeding at the site of the wound. Such bleeding should slow over time and stop altogether after a few days. If, however, there is extensive bleeding that cannot be stopped by applying pressure, another surgical procedure will be required.

Seroma

An excessive amount of the fluids that are normally produced by the body may accumulate inside the wound. This is not dangerous, but the fluids may need to be drained with a syringe on one or more occasions.

Infection

An infection can sometimes occur despite using sterile methods and taking antibiotics before surgery. Depending on the severity of the infection, oral or intravenous antibiotics may be required. If an abscess (an accumulation of pus) develops, it will need to be drained by opening the affected area of the skin or by using a drainage tube.

Wound dehiscence

Wound dehiscence refers to a complete or partial opening of the wound that is not healing well. This can be caused by an infection, a pocket of blood or seroma, or by insufficient blood flow. Dehiscence is usually treated conservatively, that is, either by applying dressings and wound management, or through surgery to close the wound again.

Necrosis of the skin

Necrosis of the skin is a rare complication where a portion of the skin does not receive enough blood to heal properly. Skin that is affected by necrosis can be treated by applying dressings and wound management or may require surgery to close the wound again. Patients who smoke are at greater risk.

Necrosis of the adipose tissue

Fat necrosis is characterized by a flow of liquified fat which can last several weeks. This condition is caused by insufficient blood flow to the adipose tissue and is more frequent in patients who smoke or are obese.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis, which is very rare, is an inflammation that can occur in the deep veins of the legs. Blood-thinning medication and compression stockings may be prescribed to treat this condition. The best form of prevention is moving around as soon as possible after the surgery, because contracting the calf muscles greatly improves blood flow in the legs.

Bad scarring

The scar will change gradually for up to two years before reaching its final appearance. It may become pigmented, raised, painful or less sensitive to touch. Depending on how the scar evolves, your surgeon can suggest treatment with cortisone injections or a minor surgery to correct the scar’s appearance.

Thigh lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia. You must therefore calculate two to three hours in the recovery room after surgery.

A thigh lift lasts approximately two to three hours. However, you must plan some time for preparation before entering the operating room (30 to 45 minutes) and time to recover from the general anesthesia (2 to 3 hours). You should therefore plan to take a day off from work for your surgery.

Postoperative dressings must remain dry for the first few days following the procedure. You may shower once the dressings and drainage tubes have been removed. You must avoid any intense physical exercise during the first six weeks following your surgery in order to give your body a chance to heal comfortably. However, it is important to get out of bed and walk regularly in order to activate blood flow in the legs and avoid thrombophlebitis.

You can resume your normal physical activities three to six weeks after your surgery. It is important for you to listen to your body. It will tell you if you are ready to exercise and how much exercise you can handle. Pain or discomfort when exercising is a sign that your body is not quite healed and that it would be better to wait a few more days before trying again.

Generally, the cost of a thigh lift is $12,975. The cost may vary if the procedure is combined with an abdominoplasty and/or arm lift. Additional charges may apply if the patient has a particular condition or if different surgeries are combined.

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Dr Mario Luc
PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC SURGEON
Dr. Mario Luc
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PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC SURGEON
Dr. Marie-Pascale Tremblay-Champagne
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PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC SURGEON
Dr. Camille Vallée-Gravel
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PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC SURGEON
Dr. Jennifer Dolmajian
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