Surgical Procedures - Body Sculpting

Thigh Lift

Hurlingham Clinic Thigh Lift A thigh lift is done to remove excess skin from the thigh and buttock area. This sagging skin is usually caused by weight loss. The natural ageing process also causes skin to lose elasticity, but both men and women will often find that the thighs, in particular, lose their firmness as the layers of muscle and fat become thinner. In such cases, a thigh lift can help to restore and tighten these areas, giving a much firmer, youthful look and leaving you more confident to wear fitted trousers and shorts.

RIGHT FOR YOU?

A thigh lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. A thigh lift is a significant, but very effective procedure. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. The best candidates for thigh lift are men or women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

SOME RISK

In most cases, a thigh lift is a very straightforward procedure. But as with any operation, there are risks. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of any risks. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation.

PLANNING

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques may be the most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your thighs and skin tone. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with our staff. Your surgeon will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each of your options. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke and if you're taking any medications, vitamins or other drugs. He will also explain the type of anaesthesia to be used, the hospital or surgery centre where the surgery will be performed and the costs involved.

PREPARATION

Our staff will give you detailed instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days.

WHERE?

If performed with local anaesthetic and sedation, surgery will take place in our operating theatre at the Hurlingham Clinic. When patients choose a general anaesthetic, thigh lift surgery usually takes place in hospital. Your surgeon will review your options with you. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Occasionally, it may be done as an inpatient, in which case you can plan on staying for an extra day.

ANAESTHESIA

The Hurlingham Clinic and Spa offers a modern, patient-friendly approach to anaesthesia TIVA - Total Intravenous Anaesthesia. TIVA, is a newer anaesthetic technique which has risen in profile within the last 5-8 years. It has been made possible with the advent of a new generation of intravenous medications with unique properties. TIVA patients sleep soundly during the entire operation, feeling no pain and experiencing no anxiousness. They wake up quickly and comfortably with no memory of their procedure. Many patients prefer this type of anaesthetic to traditional general anaesthetics since they feel comfortable, wake quickly, have less nausea, experience none of the 'hang-over' effect of a full general anaesthetic, and therefore can be discharged earlier. TIVA is safe, effective, extremely well tolerated and is the anaesthetic of choice of Hurlingham Clinic surgeons and most of their patients.

Alternatively, for some patients, they and their surgeons may decide that a full general anaesthetic is still the best choice. Discuss your options for anaesthesia during your consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

WHAT HAPPENS?

In thigh lift surgery, the incision is along the upper inner thigh area. In some cases, where additional lift is needed, the incision may carry on along either the groin line or the buttock fold and, in extreme cases, down the inside of the thigh. Excess skin and fat are removed through the cuts and the remaining skin is stitched up. Sometimes the operation is performed in conjunction with liposuction. Regardless of the location of the surgical incision, every effort is made to insure that the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Drainage tubes following the operation are never needed and the surgery usually takes about one-and-a-half hours to complete.

Dissolving stitches are used to close the incisions, which will also be taped for greater support.

AFTER SURGERY

You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication that we will prescribe. Within one week, the supporting tape, will be removed, and you will be asked to wear a compression garment. This is to reduce swelling and assist in shrinking and tightening of the skin. You should wear it as directed.

Recovery

You should be able to return to work within a week, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Follow our advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities after surgery. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

HAPPY?

For most patients, the results of thigh lift are extremely satisfying. Your decision to have a thigh lift is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. What is important is how you yourself feel about it. If you've met your personal goals, then your surgery is a success.