Thigh Lift (Lipectomy) Sydney

WHAT IS A THIGH LIFT?

A Thigh Lift (aka Thighplasty)  is a surgical procedure that reduces excessive skin and tissue from the upper thigh. It is typically performed to address changes in skin laxity after weight loss or ageing. Various techniques are used, depending on the requirements. The Thigh Lift aims to improve skin tightness and comfort.

YOUR THIGH LIFT CONSULTATION WITH SYDNEY PLASTIC SURGEON DR EDDY DONA

We understand that some people find the prospect of an Initial Consultation to discuss their body issues a little intimidating. Rest assured, our team will make you feel welcome and relaxed. During your Initial Consultation, you’ll have the time to discuss your concerns and objectives in detail. Dr Dona will also conduct a thorough examination, ask about your medical history and create a tailored surgical plan to suit your unique requirements.

IDEAL THIGH LIFT CANDIDATE

The ideal Thigh Lift candidate is typically someone who has lost significant weight. Much of the fatty tissue has gone from the area; however, the skin in the inner thigh area has a limited ability to contract. Suitable candidates have good mental and physical health and are aware of all surgical complications and risks.

IDEAL THIGH LIFT CANDIDATE

The ideal Thigh Lift candidate is typically someone who has lost significant weight. Much of the fatty tissue has gone from the area; however, the skin in the inner thigh area has a limited ability to contract. Suitable candidates have good mental and physical health and are aware of all surgical complications and risks.

TYPES OF THIGH LIFTS

If you’re considering a Thigh Lift, it may help you to be aware of the different types of Thigh Lift surgeries available before your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona.

Medial Thigh Lift

A Medial Thigh Lift focuses on removing tissue from the inner thigh area. There are two types of Medial Thigh Lifts — the Inner Thigh Lift and the Mini (Crescent) Thigh Lift.

Mini (Crescent) Thigh Lift

The Mini Thigh Lift is suitable for individuals who have a relatively small amount of excess skin and fat located predominantly in the upper inner thigh. Dr Dona makes a crescent-shaped incision to remove the excess skin and fatty tissue from the area. This leaves a single scar within the groin crease (often extending to the lower buttock crease at the top of the posterior thigh) at the junction where the inner thigh meets the groin.

Inner Thigh Lift

If an individual has a significant amount of excess skin extending down the inner aspect of the thigh towards the knee, they’ll require a more extensive Thigh Lift procedure. This vertical Thigh Lift would typically combine a groin-based crescent scar (Mini Thigh Lift scar) with a vertical scar extending from the groin to the knee level. The Inner Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that can significantly enhance mobility and comfort for individuals who have lost a large amount of weight.

Outer (Bilateral/Lateral) Thigh Lift

An Outer Thigh Lift (Bilateral/Lateral Thigh Lift) is a surgical procedure to help correct loose skin and excess fat tissue on the outer thighs. It can also address the buttocks area. The incisions for an Outer Thigh Lift are more extensive than for an Inner Thigh Lift. Typically, they run from the groin around the hip. An Outer Thigh Lift is often performed as part of a Lower Body Lift. It is suitable for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin hanging from the buttocks and outer thighs.

Spiral Thigh Lift

A Spiral Thigh Lift is the most extensive type of Thigh Lift. It involves one circumferential scar along the upper thigh and buttock region. The Spiral Thigh Lift is also known as a ‘Complete Thigh Lift’ or ‘Total Thigh Lift’. During the procedure, Dr Dona creates incisions from the inner groin area to the outer upper thigh and along the upper gluteal region to join the posterior midline. It combines a Buttock Lift, Lateral Thigh Lift and Inner Thigh Lift in one operation. Results from the procedure can be very dramatic; however, the downside of this procedure is that more surgical work is required, thus increasing the potential for complications.

Posterior Thigh Lift

A Posterior Thigh Lift targets the back of the thighs and buttocks, where the upper posterior thigh joins the lower buttock fold. This area of the body has a tendency for the skin to become loose, dimpled and saggy. A Posterior Thigh Lift is an ideal procedure to give an individual a smooth appearance on their backside.

THIGH LIFT RECOVERY

A Thigh Lift is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthetic. It can take anywhere between three and five hours. After your procedure, it’s normal to feel some pain. However, the amount of pain varies between individuals. You may feel pain near the incisions, but also have nerve pain (burning and shooting pain). You will be given pain medication while in hospital and at home.

Most patients stay in hospital for at least two days. After this time, patients are typically medically fit to return home. However, some may benefit from another day or two in hospital.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

Immediately after your surgery, you’ll wake in a hospital bed on your back with the head of the bed elevated. One plastic tube or drain is typically placed adjacent to your wounds in each thigh. While in hospital, you will also have a catheter in your bladder. This allows you to rest and not have to get up and go to the toilet.

You will have at least one drip in place to give you intravenous fluids, pain control medication and antibiotics.

All your wounds are covered using a waterproof dressing. Your wounds are stitched using several layers of internal dissolving sutures. You may also have some visible sutures. These will be removed at your one-week post-operative appointment.

You will experience different sensations and feelings in the regions of your legs, thighs, groin, and buttocks. These feelings include numbness, shooting pains, pins and needles, tightness or burning sensations. Most of these sensations will gradually resolve over your first six weeks.

Your nurse or physiotherapist will help you get out of bed the day after your surgery.

On your second day, post-op, we’ll typically remove all your drains, drips and catheter. Once everything has been removed, you’ll be able to have a shower with assistance.

Once you leave the hospital, you’ll be given pain medications and antibiotics, which must be taken as prescribed.

THIGH LIFT SCARS

Many individuals considering a Thigh Lift have concerns about scarring. However, you can do many things following surgery to minimise the appearance of scars. Firstly, you’ll be given a compression garment to wear for up to 6 weeks post-surgery. This will help minimise the appearance of scars and help with healing.

You must stay away from the sun as much as possible, as UV rays can cause scars to darken and become more noticeable. When being in the sun is unavoidable, cover your scars with strong SPF 50 sunscreen designed for sensitive skin or cover them with clothing. Avoid tanning beds and direct sunbathing during the initial recovery phase. However, remember that even when scars are mature, they remain vulnerable to sun damage, so continually protecting your scars is necessary to improve their cosmetic appearance.

NB: Your scars will take at least 12 to 24 months to fully mature.

RISKS & POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

For information on general surgical complications, please go here.

With every surgical procedure requiring an anaesthetic, there is a potential for things to go wrong. Consequently, no procedure should be considered ‘minor’. While the chances of the following potential problems occurring are extremely minimal, you must know about them.

Anaesthetic issues – Affecting the heart, lungs or causing strokes

Allergic reactions – These can be extremely mild to life-threatening

Bleeding – Early or late

Clots

• Superficial vein clots – These are a complication of the cannula or drip that is placed in your vein
• Deep vein clots – These can potentially spread to the lung and be life-threatening. We undertake several procedures during and after surgery while you’re in hospital to minimise the risk of developing these.

Wound problems – Such as infection and breakdown

Death – The chances of death are extremely minimal; however, any of the previous issues listed here can result in this devastating complication.

Other specific potential complications may include:

Asymmetry – Differences between the left and right thighs or unevenness of the skin.

Swelling – It is expected to experience swelling of the legs and feet after thigh surgery. In the beginning, swelling can be quite dramatic. You must wear compression stockings for several months after surgery to help control this. In some cases, the swelling may take several months to resolve. Rarely, an individual may develop chronic swelling (oedema) of the legs and feet.

Loss of sensation – You may experience a loss of sensation around the scars on the upper inner thigh or even the leg. This typically subsides over several months. However, this loss may be permanent.

Genital disturbance – With Thigh Lift surgery, the groin incisions and tension are immediately adjacent to the vagina (scrotum in males). With gravity, tension and scar tightening, the surgery can cause movement of the vaginal lips (labia majora) downwards, with the potential for creating a distorted and even gaping vagina.

Scars – These may appear worse during the first six months of healing. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for Thigh Lift scars to become quite dark and thick. Keloid scar formation is not unusual. On rare occasions, scar revision surgery is required.

Circulation – Your circulation may be poor in some areas of the skin around the surgical area. This may lead to a loss of skin and a wound that needs to be dressed until it heals.

HOW MUCH DOES A THIGH LIFT COST?

There are many variables to consider when ascertaining the cost of your thigh lift surgery. These include:

• Type of Thigh Lift procedure (this will affect the duration and complexity of surgery)
• Anaesthetists fee
• Hospital fees
• Private health insurance status (and whether it applies to your surgery)
• Post-surgery necessities (medications, garments)
• Possible additional treatments if complications arise
• Surgeon’s experience

DOES MEDICARE COVER THIGH LIFT SURGERY?

Medicare and your health insurance may partially cover your Thigh Lift surgery if you’ve developed significant amounts of excess skin. Dr Dona will advise whether this applies to you during your Initial Consultation.