Inner thigh lifts, or inner thighplasty, are becoming increasingly popular plastic surgery procedures for patients with excess inner thigh skin and fat. This surgical procedure is performed with multiple scar patterns to tighten and shape the inner thigh, allowing patients to feel more comfortable in shorts, swimsuits and form-fitting clothing. Dr. Trussler has significant experience with inner thighplasty surgery and the first step in contouring the thighs is discussing your goals of the procedure during a consultation.
Types of Thigh Lifts Offered by Dr. Andrew Trussler:
There different types of inner thigh lift procedures which are designed to address each patients’ different degree and location of excess inner thigh skin and fat. Thigh lifts are ideal for healthy, non-smoking male and female patients who have a significant amount of excess, hanging skin in the upper inner thigh area. Patients should be at a stable weight and have a comfortable diet and exercise routine prior to considering any body contouring procedure.
Patients who present for inner thighplasty surgery are typically frustrated because no matter how many squats or lunges they do, the excess skin just won’t go away. The solution is to remove the excess skin and contour the thigh with liposuction. Dr. Trussler offers multiple techniques for inner thigh lifts (inner thighplasty):
Mini-Inner Thighplasty
Mini-Inner Thighplasty utilizes a horizontal incision in the groin crease to remove sagging skin in the very upper inner thigh. This technique can be combined with liposuction to contour the entire inner thigh, but is recommended to the patient with only limited upper inner thigh excess skin.
Short Scar Inner Thighplasty
Short Scar Inner Thighplasty utilizes an “L” shaped scar close to the groin crease to help shorten the scar length on the inner thigh. It is utilized for moderate excess inner thigh skin and can be combined with liposuction.
Full Vertical Inner Thighplasty
Full Vertical Inner Thighplasty utilizes a linear scar at the in-seam to remove excess skin along the entire inner thigh. This procedure tightens and shapes the entire thigh from knee to groin.
Considerations
Inner thigh lifts can help tighten and contour the thigh. Patients should be healthy, non-smoking and at a stable weight prior to considering this procedure. The extent, location and condition of the excess thigh skin all factor into the decision of scar pattern for an inner thighplasty.
Liposuction is used to help shape, define, and contour the thigh. Most patients with a significant amount of excess thigh skin are amenable to the longer inner thighplasty scar. This scar is the most difficult factor to accept when approaching any body contouring procedure. Dr. Trussler will give his honest opinion on the right scar pattern for your individual inner thigh contouring procedure and with time and active scar care, these scars will fade.
Many patients do inquire about other body contouring procedures at the time of consultation. Inner thighplasty is commonly performed in conjunction with chest, breast, abdominal, and/or outer thigh contouring procedures.
How is a Thighplasty Performed?
Inner thighplasty surgery usually takes two to three hours to complete and is done under general anesthesia in the operating room. The areas of skin excision and the incision placement are typically marked during the pre-operative appointment. The procedure is commonly started with liposuction of the thigh to help thin the fatty deposits of the thigh and help release the excess skin. Varying lengths of incisions are used to remove the inner thigh skin depending on the type of thighplasty performed.
Mini-Inner Thighplasty
Mini-Inner Thighplasty utilizes an incision in the upper inner thigh and places the scar in the groin crease.
Short Scar Inner Thighplasty
Short Scar Inner Thighplasty utilizes an incision in the groin and extends it onto the upper inner thigh leaving an “L” shaped scar with a soft arc to help limit the scar burden on the thigh.
Full Vertical Inner Thighplasty
Full Vertical Inner Thighplasty utilizes an incision on the “in-seam” aspect of the inner thigh to remove skin from the groin to the knee which leaves a linear scar along the inner thigh. Ideally this scar is not visible with the legs in a standing or sitting position.
All inner thigh lift incisions are closed with two to three layers of absorbable sutures. Drain tubes may be used in all inner thighplasty procedures. Compression garments are used to help limit bruising and swelling after the procedure. Most patients can go home the same day after this procedure.
When Will I See the Results of an Inner Thigh Lift?
If you're considering an inner thigh lift, you might be wondering when you'll see your final results. The answer depends on several factors, including the extent of your surgery and your body's natural healing process. In most cases, you can expect to see a noticeable difference in the shape and contour of your thighs within a few weeks of surgery. Dr. Andrew Trussler will advise you as to what you can expect following your procedure and ways to reduce the risk of noticeable scarring.
Of course, it will also take some time for the swelling to subside completely and for your incisions to heal. So, while you may not have "perfect" results right away, you should still be pleased with the overall appearance of your thighs after an inner thigh lift when performed by a professional in Austin, TX.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Inner thigh lift results are typically long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The aging process and gravity will eventually take their toll on your thighs (and all other areas of your body). However, with proper care and lifestyle changes, you can enjoy your inner thigh lift results for many years to come.
How Can I Prepare for an Inner Thigh Lift?
There are a few things you can do before your procedure to help ensure the best possible results. First, be sure to choose a plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Andrew Trussler, with years of experience performing this procedure. Then, follow all of your surgeon's pre and post operative instructions carefully after the treatment to avoid complications.
In the weeks leading up to the surgery, you should avoid any activities that could increase the risk of bleeding or infection. This includes smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications (such as aspirin or ibuprofen). You should also maintain a healthy diet and stay well-hydrated to help your body heal properly before and after surgery.
How Much Excess Skin Can a Thigh Lift Remove?
The amount of skin removed during a thigh lift depends on the individual patient and their needs. In most cases, a thigh lift can remove up to 10 pounds of excess skin from the thigh area.
Will an Inner Thigh Lift Get Rid of Cellulite?
An inner thigh lift can help improve the appearance of cellulite, but it cannot completely get rid of it. If you're concerned about cellulite, you might want to consider other treatments in addition to, or instead of, an inner thigh lift. These treatments include may include laser therapies or surgery to break down the tight fibers underneath the skin that create this dimpling effect.
Do I Need a Thigh Lift or Liposuction?
The best way to determine whether you need a thigh lift or other treatment, such as liposuction, is to consult with Dr. Andrew Trussler of Austin, TX. During your consultation, he will examine your thighs and ask about your goals for treatment. He will then recommend the best procedure, or combination of surgical procedures, to assist you in achieving your desired final results.
What is the Recovery Process from a Thigh Lift?
After any type of inner thigh lift procedure, patients will likely experience mild soreness and swelling for a few days. The incisions are typically dressed with surgical glue, and compressive foam and compression garments are used to help limit swelling and bruising in the area. Surgical drains are commonly used in this procedure and will typically be removed within the first week.
The thighs will be supported in a soft compression garment for about three weeks or until healed. Any stitches will be removed after one or two weeks. Most patients will be able to return to work within a week, although exercise and other strenuous activity should be avoided for about a three weeks. Dr. Trussler will provide you with specific instructions for your individual recovery.
The results of an inner thigh lift are visible immediately after surgery and will continue to improve as swelling subsides and scars fade. The inner thigh shape will evolve over a three month period especially in the cases of significant skin and fat removal. Scar treatment will be initiated at the 3-week visit and may be continued for 3 to 6 months after the operation, or until the scar softens and fade.
Expectations
Realistic expectations are important when considering inner thighplasty surgery. Dr. Trussler will listen to your goals and factor into the extent and location of excess thigh skin to help come up with an inner thigh contouring procedure that is right for you. No matter what incision type of inner thighplasty is performed there will be a scar. Scar quality and how the scar heals depends on what is done before, during and after thighplasty surgery.
Choosing the right incision type for your inner thigh and Dr. Trussler’s surgical experience do help with scarring, but good nutrition, smoking cessation, avoidance of sun, limiting activity, and active scar care all help to improve the healing process. Dr. Trussler will provide detailed instructions for your inner thighplasty procedure.
Publication
- Hatef, DA, Trussler, AP, Kenkel, JM. Procedural Risk for Venous Thromboembolism in Abdominal Contouring Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jan;125(1):352-362.
Schedule Your Thighplasty Consultation Today!
Whether you have a question or would like to setup a inner thighplasty consultation in Austin, Texas, Dr. Trussler and his staff are here to help. Please fill out our contact form, or call our Austin office at 512-450-1077 to schedule an appointment. Start your journey to not only looking, but feeling better today!
