Thigh Lift Surgery in Columbus, OH
Though the thigh lift doesn’t receive the same kind of media attention as liposuction or tummy tuck surgery, it’s equally life-changing for many patients. The thighs are a source of aesthetic discontent for many people, and problems in this area typically only increase with age. A significant percentage of people feel that their thighs are too large and lack firmness, no matter what they do to tone them. When exercise fails to produce ideal results, thigh lift surgery can help.
Understanding the Role of Thigh Lift Surgery
Exercise plays an essential role in toning and shaping the thighs, but natural aging and hormonal changes can make it less effective. Pregnancy, for example, usually causes substantial fat accumulation around the thighs, and this fat can be extremely stubborn.
As we get older, the weight of these fat deposits combines with other factors to make the thighs appear more lax: First, as collagen levels decline, the skin becomes weaker; this makes it susceptible to stretching. (The thighs are particularly hard hit by this change because the skin in this region is already fairly fragile.) Connective tissues and muscle fibers also weaken, allowing fat deposits to travel downwards.
Not only do these changes affect the patient’s self-image, they can be very physically uncomfortable. Excess skin and fat on the thighs often leads to painful, irritating chafing. This chafing can make exercise challenging, making it even more difficult to keep the thighs toned. Furthermore, exercise is not capable of reversing age-related changes in the tensile strength of the skin. The only way to correct loose skin is to remove it.
What Happens During a Thigh Lift?
Dr. Zochowski typically performs thigh lift under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Thigh lift surgery can be used to reshape just the inside of the thighs, the outside of the thighs (and buttocks), or both of these regions.
During an inner thigh lift, incisions are made along the creases of the groin. This incision site is used because it effectively hides any resulting scar tissue within the natural folds of the upper thighs. If the patient has excess fatty tissue, Dr. Zochowski will use liposuction to slim the thighs. Once this tissue has been removed, he’ll drape the skin so that it sits smoothly and firmly over the patient’s reshaped thighs.
During an outer thigh lift, an incision is made over the hip line, where it can later be hidden by the patient’s undergarments. Liposuction can be used to slim the buttocks and remove “saddle bags,” then the skin will be lifted and any excess will be removed. This process creates more pert, shapely thighs and buttocks.
Dr. Zochowski also specializes in fat transfer, so if you wish to use fat harvested during your thigh lift as a filler for facial hollows, this may be possible. When you come in for a consultation, you’ll be invited to share all of your aesthetic goals with Dr. Zochowski. Make sure to mention any and all areas you want to improve so that he can assist you in developing a personalized treatment plan.
Who Makes a Good Thigh Lift Candidate?
Thigh lifts are usually recommended for mature patients who are a healthy weight. The ideal thigh lift candidate has a moderate to severe level of skin laxity that requires correction. If you only have diet-resistant excess fat on your thighs, and little to no loose skin, or Coolsculpting may be a better choice for you.
Thigh lift candidates must also be in good overall health and be nonsmokers. Health conditions that impair your immune system, like diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can interfere with your ability to have invasive surgery due to increased risk for healing complications.
When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Zochowski will discuss your complete medical history with you (including any medications or supplements you take). He’ll then inform you about your options and advise you on which, if any, medications you’ll need to stop taking in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Be sure to tell him about any over the counter medications you use, not just prescription medications. Some over the counter medications, like Aspirin, can increase the risk of post-surgical bleeding.
Schedule a Private Consultation
If you’re in the Columbus area and have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Zochowski, please contact our office today.
What to Expect During Thigh Lift Recovery
Patients who have a thigh lift can usually go home on the same day they have their procedure, but Dr. Zochowski gives all of his patients the option of staying in the hospital overnight. If you would feel more comfortable remaining in the hospital after your procedure, let him know. Once you’re ready to go home, you will need someone to drive you home and assist you with basic tasks for at least three to five days.
Though thigh lift recovery is not typically very uncomfortable, it does inhibit the patient’s ability to perform certain activities. Walking and sitting down will be difficult for between two to four weeks, and you can expect to experience some swelling and bruising. You’ll be given prescription pain medication to reduce symptoms of soreness. Because this surgery makes patients temporarily less mobile, you’ll need to take between two to three weeks off of work while you recover.
Booking a Thigh Lift Consultation in Columbus, OH
If your thighs are causing you to avoid certain activities or simply making you feel self-conscious, Dr. Zochowski can use surgical contouring to help you. Thigh lift surgery provides a long-lasting solution for both excess fat and skin laxity, improving patient comfort for many years.
When you’re ready, contact our plastic surgery practice in Columbus, Ohio to book your thigh lift consultation and take a step towards improved confidence. We pride ourselves on providing personalized care of exemplary quality, and all of Dr. Zochowski’s surgeries are performed in a safe hospital setting. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve all of your cosmetic goals.
