Post-Weight-Loss Thigh Lift

A thigh lift, otherwise known as a thighplasty, creates smoother contours through the thighs by removing excess fat and sagging skin. After significant weight loss, a thigh lift can rejuvenate the silhouette and enhance the appearance.

Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Fedele combines an artistic eye with advanced plastic surgery techniques to achieve the post-weight-loss body contouring you desire. The Ohio-native has more than 25 years of surgical experience and uses a patient-centric approach to closely tailor your post-weight-loss procedure to best suit your individual anatomy and your aesthetic needs.

Explore your post-weight-loss treatment options by calling our convenient Beachwood office directly at (216) 464-1616 or contact us online.

About Post-Weight-Loss Thigh Lift

Significant weight loss is a monumental achievement that can improve the overall health, boost confidence, and enhance your quality of life. However, after rapid or massive weight loss, patients are often left with sagging skin that obscures the results of their hard work. Poor skin elasticity and stubborn fat deposits often affect the thighs causing and unsightly appearance, irritation, and uncomfortable chafing. ⁽¹⁾

Dr. Fedele will use advanced techniques to target the specific problem areas on your thighs. He will remove excess skin and may apply liposuction to smooth the contours. There are four commonly used thigh lifts and Dr. Fedele will fully explain which best aligns with your desired outcomes.

Mini Thigh Lift

The mini thigh lift targets excess skin in the upper, inner thigh using a small incision in the groin. This technique is less invasive and generally requires the least amount of recovery time.

Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift

This technique focuses on the inner thighs, where there is commonly sagging post weight-loss. The incision is made along the crease where your thigh meets the groin.

Outer (Lateral) Thigh Lift

Targeting the upper, outer thigh and into the hips, this technique contours the outside of the body and is often paired with a lower body lift for a complete post-weight-loss body enhancement. The incisions are placed near the waistline or the upper thigh.

Vertical Thigh Lift

For more extensive excess skin, this technique is able to remove larger amounts of skin. The incision is more visible, running vertically down the inner thigh or “inseam,” but the results can be transformative.

Benefits

No matter what thigh lift technique is used, post-weight-loss thigh contouring can bring life-changing improvements, including:

Candidates

A thigh lift defines the leg contours and smooths the skin for a tighter, more youthful appearance. Candidates who will enjoy great results from a thigh lift are left with excess, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits after weight loss. ⁽²⁾ Thigh lifts can bring much needed relief to those who are experiencing chafing and irritation. Good candidates for thigh lift should have realistic expectations and maintain a generally healthy lifestyle and a stable weight ahead of treatment. Dr. Fedele will discuss your needs and determine which thigh lift is right for you during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation with Dr. Fedele is the first step in refining your hard earned weight loss to highlight your new, slimmer figure. Dr. Fedele uses your private consultation to learn about your concerns, challenges, and aesthetic goals. He will perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes a physical examination and a review of your medical history.

Dr. Fedele will thoroughly explain all of your options so you fully understand the details and feel confident in your treatment. He will develop a customized treatment plan with protocols that are tailored to your unique needs to bring the best results possible.

Preparation

Your personalized treatment plan will include detailed instructions to prepare you for your thigh lift procedures. Depending on your needs, they may include scheduling time off work, organizing trusted transportation, or preparing your recovery space. Ahead of your procedure, we will review your personal instructions and treatment plan.

Procedure

Your outpatient thigh lift will be performed at a state-of–the-art ambulatory surgical center. Our expert team will support you with warm, compassionate care so you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Typically general anesthesia is used for pain management during your procedure. Depending on the size of your treatment area and the techniques used, a thigh lift generally takes between four and five hours. During your procedure, Dr. Fedele will remove excess skin and tissue and apply liposuction (if necessary). He will precisely place any incisions in locations to minimize any visible scarring.

Recovery and Results

After your initial recovery at the surgical center, you will rest at home. Your recovery timeline will vary based on the volume of tissue removed and the techniques applied. You will see immediate improvements, but usually, healing takes six to eight weeks and the full, final results can be enjoyed within a few months.

In the beginning of your recovery, there will be swelling and bruising. You will rest and limit activities for the first week or so. Most patients have returned to light daily activities at two weeks and reintroduce light exercise at four weeks. Full non-restricted activity and intense exercise usually resume around six weeks. Scars will continue to fade and mature beyond a year, and the slimmer results will be long-lasting.

Corresponding Procedures

Pairing your post-weight-loss thigh lift with other body enhancing treatments can completely rejuvenate the appearance. Dr. Fedele will create a comprehensive treatment plan to harmoniously shape your silhouette after weight loss. Procedures that are commonly paired with a thigh lift include:

Cost of Post-Weight-Loss Thigh Lift in Cleveland, Ohio

Your thigh lift procedure will be custom tailored to your anatomy so the cost will vary depending on your specific needs, the techniques applied, and the size of the treatment area. Facility and anesthesia fees may vary based on the facility. Dr. Fedele will outline a comprehensive price quote for you based on your personalized treatment plan during your personal consultation.

To make post-weight-loss thigh lifts more affordable we are pleased to offer special package pricing if you are having multiple post-weight-loss procedures done at the same time and financing options to qualifying patients.

FAQ

References

1. Jandali Z, Loh CYY, Athanassopoulos T, Müller K. An improved dual approach to post bariatric contouring – Staged liposuction and modified medial thigh lift: A case series. Indian J Plast Surg. 2014;47(2):232-235. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.138957
2. Labardi L, Gentile P, Gigliotti S, et al. Medial thighplasty: horizontal and vertical procedures after massive weight loss. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(1):20-25. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.94330